Complete guide to flying with medical devices on ANA (All Nippon Airways). POC approval, CPAP policies, wheelchair procedures, Japanese documentation requirements, and passenger rights.

ANA (All Nippon Airways) Medical Device Policy: Complete 2025 Guide

Accuracy Note: This guide reflects ANA medical device policies as of January 2025. Always verify current requirements at ana.co.jp/en/us or by calling ANA Reservations at 1-800-235-9262 (North America) before travel.

Quick Summary

All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan's largest airline and a Star Alliance member, accommodates medical device travelers with comprehensive policies for portable oxygen concentrators (POCs), CPAPs, wheelchairs, and other assistive equipment. This guide covers everything you need to know for smooth travel on ANA flights.

Key Takeaways:

✅ FAA-approved POCs permitted in cabin with advance notification
✅ CPAPs and BiPAPs allowed as additional carry-on items
✅ Wheelchairs and mobility devices transported free of charge
✅ Lithium batteries limited to 160Wh with proper labeling
⏰ Request medical assistance 48 hours before departure

Understanding ANA's Medical Device Policies

Who This Guide Is For

This comprehensive guide is designed for travelers who need:

Portable oxygen concentrators for respiratory conditions
CPAP or BiPAP machines for sleep apnea
Electric wheelchairs or mobility devices
Insulin pumps, nebulizers, or other medical equipment
Battery-powered assistive devices

ANA's Commitment to Accessibility

As Japan's premier international carrier, ANA follows both U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for flights to/from the U.S. and Japanese accessibility laws for domestic and international operations. The airline provides dedicated medical assistance services and has established procedures for handling medical devices safely.

Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) Policy

Approved POC Models

ANA accepts FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators for in-cabin use. Your POC must appear on the FAA's approved list.

Popular approved models include:

Inogen One G3, G4, G5
Philips Respironics SimplyGo, SimplyGo Mini
CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort, SeQual Eclipse
Oxlife Independence, Inova Labs LifeChoice Activox
ResMed Mobi

Advance Notification Requirements

CRITICAL: You must notify ANA at least 48 hours before departure.

How to request POC approval:

Call ANA Reservations: 1-800-235-9262 (North America) or your local ANA office
Provide device information: Make, model, battery specifications
Submit physician's statement: Letter confirming your need for oxygen during flight
Receive confirmation: ANA will email confirmation of your medical device approval

Battery Requirements for POCs

ANA follows FAA and IATA battery regulations:

Battery Limits:

Maximum 160 watt-hours (Wh) per battery
Lithium metal batteries up to 2 grams lithium content
Spare batteries must be individually protected in carry-on luggage

Battery Quantity Guidelines: Calculate total flight time × 150% to determine battery needs.

Example for Tokyo to Los Angeles (11 hours):

Flight duration: 11 hours
Recommended battery capacity: 11 × 1.5 = 16.5 hours
Inogen G5 single battery: 2.5 hours runtime
Batteries needed: 7 batteries (16.5 ÷ 2.5 = 6.6, round up)

Battery Labeling: Each battery must display watt-hour rating or lithium content. If not labeled, bring manufacturer documentation proving specifications.

In-Flight POC Use

Operational Guidelines:

Keep POC under the seat in front of you or in lap during takeoff/landing
Use POC throughout flight (no restrictions during taxi/takeoff/landing)
Keep device accessible for crew inspection
Bring backup nasal cannulas in case of equipment issues
Charge batteries only if approved by cabin crew (rarely permitted)

Prohibited Actions:

❌ Storing POC in overhead bin during use
❌ Blocking aisles or emergency exits with equipment
❌ Using non-approved POC models
❌ Packing POC in checked baggage

CPAP and BiPAP Machine Policy

Carry-On Allowance

CPAP and BiPAP machines are considered assistive medical devices and do NOT count toward your carry-on baggage allowance on ANA flights.

What This Means:

Bring standard carry-on bag + personal item + CPAP bag
CPAP bag can be reasonably sized travel case
Must fit under seat or in overhead bin
No additional fees for medical device bags

Required Documentation

Physician's Letter (Recommended): While not always mandatory, carry a doctor's letter stating:

Your diagnosis (sleep apnea)
Medical necessity of CPAP during travel
Device specifications (make/model)
Dated within 6 months of travel

TSA and Customs: This letter helps at security checkpoints and international customs, especially when traveling through Japan.

Battery-Powered CPAP Travel

If using battery-powered CPAP (like ResMed AirMini or Transcend):

Battery Restrictions:

Lithium-ion batteries up to 160Wh permitted in carry-on
Remove batteries and carry separately during security screening
Spare batteries individually protected (original packaging or plastic battery cases)

In-Flight Use:

Request window seat for easier access to power outlet (if available on aircraft)
ANA 787 Dreamliners and A380s have power outlets in many classes
Notify flight attendant if using CPAP during sleep

Distilled Water and Cleaning Supplies

Carrying Water:

TSA allows medically necessary liquids >3.4oz if declared at checkpoint
ANA recommends small travel bottles (4-6oz) for humidifier chambers
Alternatively, purchase distilled water after security or use disposable humidifier inserts

Cleaning Supplies:

Pack CPAP wipes in carry-on for quick cleanings
Consider unscented wipes to minimize passenger discomfort
Bring travel-sized mask cleaning solution (under 3.4oz)

Wheelchair and Mobility Device Policy

Free Transportation Guarantee

ANA transports wheelchairs and mobility aids free of charge regardless of your ticket class or baggage allowance.

Covered Devices:

Manual wheelchairs (collapsible and non-collapsible)
Electric wheelchairs and scooters
Walkers, canes, crutches
Prosthetic limbs and assistive devices

Battery-Powered Wheelchair Requirements

Lithium Battery Restrictions: Electric wheelchairs with lithium batteries must meet these criteria:

Spillable (Wet Cell) Batteries:

Battery must be disconnected and securely packed
Wheelchair must be loaded, stored, and unloaded in upright position
ANA may require special handling documentation

Non-Spillable (Gel Cell) Batteries:

Battery terminals must be protected from short circuits
Battery securely attached to wheelchair
Simpler handling than wet cell batteries

Lithium-Ion Batteries:

Maximum 300Wh per battery (most wheelchairs comply)
If battery removable, must be carried in cabin with you
If non-removable, wheelchair handled as cargo with special procedures

Advance Notification for Wheelchairs

REQUIRED: Notify ANA at least 48 hours before departure if traveling with:

Electric wheelchair or scooter
Wheelchair with lithium-ion battery exceeding 160Wh
Non-collapsible manual wheelchair requiring special storage

How to Notify:

Call ANA Reservations: 1-800-235-9262
Provide wheelchair dimensions (length × width × height)
Specify battery type and watt-hour rating
Request gate-check tag if you want wheelchair until boarding

Airport Wheelchair Services

Complementary Assistance: ANA provides free wheelchair assistance at airports worldwide.

How to Request:

Book assistance when making reservation
Request 48 hours in advance (24 hours minimum)
Specify type of assistance needed (wheelchair, escort, both)

Service Levels:

Wheelchair to Gate (WCHR): Can walk short distances, need wheelchair for long distances
Wheelchair to Seat (WCHC): Need wheelchair from check-in to aircraft seat
Stretcher Service: Contact ANA Medical Desk for complex needs

Medical Device Documentation

Physician's Letter Template

A well-crafted physician's letter should include:

[Doctor's Letterhead]
Date: [Current Date]

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is to certify that [Patient Name], Date of Birth [DOB], has been diagnosed with [medical condition] and requires the following medical equipment for safe air travel:

Device: [Make/Model of POC/CPAP/etc.]
Medical Necessity: [Brief explanation]
In-Flight Use: Required during flight/Optional for comfort
Battery Specifications: [Wh rating or lithium content]

This patient is medically stable for air travel and requires this device to manage their condition effectively.

Sincerely,
[Physician Name], [Credentials]
License Number: [State Medical License]
Contact: [Phone Number]

Japanese Customs Documentation

For International Flights to/from Japan:

If traveling through Japanese customs with expensive medical equipment:

Carnet or Customs Declaration:

Register high-value devices (>¥200,000 / ~$1,500) with Japan Customs
Prevents duties on re-entry if you're a Japan resident
Not usually required for tourists bringing personal medical devices

English-Japanese Device Card: Carry a bilingual card explaining your device (helpful at Haneda/Narita):

English: This is a medical oxygen concentrator prescribed by my doctor.
Japanese: これは医師に処方された医療用酸素濃縮器です。

Passenger Rights and Accessibility Laws

U.S. DOT Regulations (U.S. Flights)

For ANA flights to/from the United States, you're protected by:

Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA):

Airlines cannot refuse transportation based solely on disability
Medical devices cannot be counted as carry-on baggage (for assistive devices)
Airlines must provide accessibility assistance at no charge
Discrimination complaints filed with DOT Aviation Consumer Protection Division

Filing Complaints: If you experience discrimination or policy violations:

Document incident with photos, staff names, flight details
File complaint at aviation.gov/airconsumer
Contact ANA Customer Relations: 1-800-235-9262

Japanese Accessibility Law

Barrier-Free Transportation Act: Japan's accessibility law requires:

Accessible facilities at major airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai)
Staff training for assisting passengers with disabilities
Accessible lavatories on newer aircraft
Priority boarding for passengers needing extra time

ANA's Commitment: ANA exceeds minimum requirements with dedicated accessibility services, trained staff, and comprehensive assistance programs.

Contacting ANA Medical Assistance Desk

Before You Fly

ANA Reservations (North America):

Phone: 1-800-235-9262
Hours: 24/7
Services: Flight booking, medical device pre-approval, special assistance requests

ANA Medical Desk (Complex Cases): For travelers with complex medical needs:

Email medical clearance forms to ANA via their website
Required for: Stretcher service, supplemental oxygen (if POC unavailable), medical escort
Processing time: 5-7 business days (request 2+ weeks before travel)

During Your Trip

At the Airport:

Arrive 3 hours before international flights, 2 hours domestic
Proceed to ANA check-in counter (not kiosk) for medical device documentation review
Request gate-check tags for wheelchair if needed until boarding

On the Aircraft:

Notify cabin crew of your medical devices immediately after boarding
Ask about power outlet locations if using battery-powered equipment
Request assistance storing devices safely

Post-Flight:

Retrieve gate-checked wheelchairs at jet bridge
Check devices for damage before leaving airport
File damage reports immediately with ANA baggage services if needed

Real Traveler Experiences

Success Story: POC Travel to Tokyo

Sarah M., COPD patient, Los Angeles to Tokyo:

"I was nervous about my first international flight with my Inogen G5. I called ANA 5 days before departure, and the agent was incredibly helpful. They walked me through exactly what documentation I needed. At LAX, the ANA staff immediately recognized my POC and expedited me through check-in. On the 11-hour flight, I used my device without any issues. The flight attendants checked on me regularly. I brought 8 batteries (way more than needed) but appreciated the peace of mind."

Key Lessons:

Call early for approval (48+ hours, but earlier is better)
Bring extra batteries (anxiety relief)
Choose window seat for device storage convenience

Challenge: CPAP Battery Confusion

Mike T., sleep apnea, San Francisco to Osaka:

"I assumed my ResMed AirSense 10 CPAP battery (90Wh) would be fine, but I hadn't labeled it. At SFO security, TSA questioned me for 20 minutes. I eventually showed them the manufacturer's specs on my phone. Lesson learned: LABEL ALL BATTERIES with watt-hour ratings using a permanent marker or printed stickers. On the ANA flight itself, the crew was great—no issues at all."

Key Lessons:

Label batteries clearly before arriving at airport
Carry manufacturer specs on phone or printed
TSA screening is separate from airline policy (be prepared for both)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use my POC during taxi, takeoff, and landing on ANA? A: Yes. Unlike some airlines, ANA permits POC use during all phases of flight, including taxi, takeoff, and landing.

Q: Does ANA provide in-flight oxygen if I don't have a POC? A: ANA does not provide oxygen cylinders or concentrators. You must bring an FAA-approved POC. For passengers unable to use POCs, contact the ANA Medical Desk for alternative arrangements (rare exceptions only).

Q: Will my CPAP count as a carry-on bag? A: No. CPAPs are assistive medical devices and do not count toward your carry-on allowance.

Q: How do I charge POC batteries during a long layover at Narita or Haneda? A: Both airports have charging stations in lounges and gate areas. Bring your device's AC adapter. ANA lounges (for premium passengers) have ample outlets. Public charging stations available throughout terminals.

Q: Can I bring distilled water for my CPAP humidifier through Japanese customs? A: Yes, but small quantities only. Japanese customs allows reasonable amounts of personal-use items. Consider buying distilled water after clearing security or at your hotel in Japan.

Q: What if my electric wheelchair battery exceeds 160Wh? A: Wheelchairs with batteries up to 300Wh are generally permitted with advance notification. Contact ANA Medical Desk at least 48 hours (preferably 1 week) before travel for approval.

Q: Does ANA fly to destinations that restrict POC use? A: Most ANA destinations (U.S., Europe, Asia-Pacific) permit POCs. However, always verify entry requirements for your specific destination country, as some nations have additional medical device import restrictions.

Q: Can I use my POC while sleeping on a flight? A: Yes, but notify cabin crew before sleeping so they're aware. Position the device securely to prevent it from falling during turbulence.

Summary and Action Checklist

Before Booking

☐ Verify your POC/medical device is FAA-approved
☐ Calculate battery needs for your flight duration × 150%
☐ Check ANA's current medical device policies at ana.co.jp

1-2 Weeks Before Travel

☐ Call ANA Reservations (1-800-235-9262) to pre-approve medical device
☐ Obtain physician's letter (dated within 6 months)
☐ Label all batteries with watt-hour ratings
☐ Request wheelchair assistance if needed

2-3 Days Before Travel

☐ Confirm medical device approval with ANA
☐ Charge all POC/CPAP batteries fully
☐ Pack backup supplies (nasal cannulas, mask, tubing)
☐ Print copies of physician's letter and device specs

Day of Travel

☐ Arrive 3 hours early for international flights
☐ Proceed to ANA check-in counter (not kiosk)
☐ Notify check-in agent about medical devices
☐ Keep devices in carry-on for TSA screening
☐ Board early if requested by gate agent

During Flight

☐ Notify cabin crew about medical devices after boarding
☐ Store POC/CPAP under seat in front of you or in lap
☐ Keep backup supplies accessible
☐ Request assistance if device malfunctions

Additional Resources

ANA Official Resources:

ANA Website: ana.co.jp/en/us
ANA Reservations: 1-800-235-9262 (North America)
ANA Customer Relations: Use contact form at ana.co.jp

Regulatory Resources:

FAA Approved POC List: faa.gov/hazmat
TSA Medical Devices: tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/traveling-children
DOT Aviation Consumer Protection: transportation.gov/airconsumer

Medical Device Manufacturers:

Inogen: inogen.com | 1-800-374-9038
Philips Respironics: philips.com/respironics | 1-800-345-6443
ResMed: resmed.com | 1-858-836-5000

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Airline policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements with ANA and consult your physician before air travel with medical conditions.