Now that the FAA allows the Inogen One onboard commercial aircraft, here are a few points to make air travel easy.
Currently, the following airlines allow the use of the Inogen One onboard their aircraft:
Check with your airline to make sure they will permit the use of your
Inogen One. Some airlines may not permit the use of portable oxygen
concentrators like the Inogen One onboard their aircraft. You may also
contact Inogen Customer Care (1-877-4-Inogen) for assistance.
Arrange for a backup source of oxygen for use at your final
destination. Your home healthcare provider will be able to help you
coordinate your backup oxygen supply.
Planning Your Flight
You must obtain a signed statement from your physician that includes:
- Your ability to see/hear alarms and respond appropriately
- When oxygen use is necessary (all or a portion of the trip)
- Maximum flow rate corresponding to the pressure in the cabin under normal operating conditions
The statement shown above is only a template. Some airlines may require
that the statement obtained from your physician be printed on his/her
official letterhead. This statement needs to be kept with you at all
times during your flight. A new statement will not be necessary each
time you fly, but the statement should be available during every flight.
- When
flying with the Inogen One you must inform the airline in advance that
you will be using your Inogen One onboard the aircraft.
- Some
airlines may equip their aircraft with onboard electrical power. You
may have an opportunity to request a seat with a power port which can
be used to power your Inogen One. However, availability varies by
airline, type of aircraft and class of service. You should check with
the airline for availability and always plan on having sufficient
battery power for the duration of your flight, plus a conservative
estimate of unanticipated delays.
- Because aircraft use
different power port configurations, your Mobile Power Charger includes
two DC power adapters - a commonly used cigarette lighter adapter, and
a less common four-pin adapter. Since it is difficult to determine
which type of power supply your aircraft will have, it's a good idea to
keep both adapters available when flying.
- If
you will be using your Inogen One during the flight, you may not sit in
an emergency exit row or in a seat that restricts other passengers'
access to an emergency exit or aisle of the passenger compartment.
Before Your Flight
Here are some things to keep in mind the day your flight departs:
- Ensure your Inogen One is clean, in good condition and free from damage or other signs of excessive wear or abuse
- Bring
enough fully charged batteries with you to power your Inogen One for
the duration of the flight plus a conservative estimate of
unanticipated delays. Contact your equipment provider to obtain
additional Inogen One Batteries.
| CAUTION |
Airlines may not be equipped to provide backup oxygen. |
- Regional/Commuter
airlines do not offer onboard electrical power. If your travel plans
call for flights on regional airlines, you will need sufficient battery
power for the duration of the flight, plus a conservative estimate of
unanticipated delays.
- Arrive at the airport early. Airport security screening personnel may require extra time to inspect your Inogen One.
- While
waiting to board your flight, you may be able to conserve battery power
by using the AC Power Supply to power your Inogen One from an
electrical outlet in the airport terminal.
- You must
inform the airline you will be using your Inogen One. Have your
physician letter with you and ready for inspection if requested.
During Your Flight
- When
you find your seat, locate the power port, if available. If your seat
does not have a power port or if you have difficulty plugging in your
Mobile Power Charger, ask a flight attendant for assistance.
- You must remove the battery from the concentrator when operating the Inogen One using an aircraft power port.
- During
taxi, takeoff and landing, stow your Inogen One under the seat in front
of you. Your Inogen One will fit upright under most airline seats.
However, if it doesn't fit you may turn it on its side.
- It
is not necessary to turn off your Inogen One during taxi, takeoff and
landing if your physician's written statement requires you receive
oxygen during these periods.
- When you are traveling
with the Inogen One and are not planning on using it during the flight,
remove the battery from the concentrator.
After Your Flight
- Remember to recharge additional batteries you may have used prior to your next flight.
- Arrange for the delivery or pick up of your backup oxygen supply.
- Have Fun. Enjoy your independence.
