FAA-Approved Portable Oxygen Concentrators: Complete 2025 List

Flying with a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is not only possible—it's federally protected under U.S. aviation regulations. However, only POCs that meet specific FAA acceptance criteria can be used on aircraft. This comprehensive guide provides the complete list of FAA-approved POCs, explains approval requirements, and helps you verify your device is flight-ready.

Understanding FAA POC Approval

Why Does the FAA Regulate Portable Oxygen Concentrators?

The Federal Aviation Administration regulates POCs on aircraft for two critical safety reasons:

1. Fire Safety: Oxygen supports combustion, making oxygen-generating devices potential fire hazards at high altitudes
2. Electromagnetic Interference: Electronic devices can interfere with aircraft navigation and communication systems

Legal Foundation: 14 CFR Part 382.133

Under federal aviation regulations, all U.S. airlines operating passenger aircraft with 19+ seats MUST allow passengers with disabilities to use FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators during all phases of flight, including:

• Boarding and deplaning
• Ground operations (taxiing)
• Takeoff and landing
• Cruising altitude

Airlines cannot deny POC use if your device meets FAA requirements.

FAA Approval Requirements

Required Label: The POC "Passport"

Every FAA-approved POC MUST display a visible manufacturer's label stating:

"The manufacturer of this POC has determined this device conforms to all applicable FAA acceptance criteria for POC carriage and use on board aircraft."

Label Requirements:

• Must be on the POC exterior (not inside battery compartment)
• Text in bold red lettering
• English language
• Permanently affixed

If your POC lacks this label, it CANNOT be used on aircraft.

Battery Requirements

FAA Battery Regulations:

• Installed batteries: Can remain in POC during flight
• Spare batteries: Must be in carry-on baggage (NEVER checked)
• Watt-hour limits:
  • Under 100Wh: No airline approval needed
  • 100-160Wh: Airline approval required
  • Over 160Wh: PROHIBITED
• Quantity: Must bring enough batteries for 150% of maximum flight duration
• Protection: Spare batteries individually protected from short-circuit

Complete List of FAA-Approved POCs (2025)

Currently Manufactured Models

Inogen Models

Inogen One G3

• Weight: 4.8 lbs
• Battery Life: 4-8.5 hours
• Flow Settings: Pulse dose, settings 1-5
• Most popular travel POC

Inogen One G4

• Weight: 2.8 lbs
• Battery Life: 2.25-5 hours
• Flow Settings: Pulse dose, settings 1-3
• Lightest Inogen model

Inogen One G5

• Weight: 4.7 lbs
• Battery Life: 3.5-13 hours
• Flow Settings: Pulse dose, settings 1-6
• Highest output in Inogen line

Respironics (Philips) Models

SimplyGo Mini

• Weight: 5 lbs
• Battery Life: 4.5-9 hours
• Flow Settings: Pulse dose, settings 1-5
• Popular, reliable

SimplyGo

• Weight: 10 lbs
• Battery Life: 3-6 hours continuous
• Flow Settings: Continuous 0.5-2 LPM, Pulse 1-6
• One of few FAA-approved continuous flow POCs

AirSep Models

AirSep Focus

• Weight: 1.75 lbs
• Battery Life: 1.5-3 hours
• Lightest FAA-approved POC available

AirSep FreeStyle 5

• Weight: 6.5 lbs
• Battery Life: 3-6 hours
• Pulse dose settings 1-5

CAIRE Models

SeQual Eclipse 5

• Weight: 18.4 lbs
• Battery Life: 2-5 hours
• Continuous 0.5-3 LPM, Pulse 1-9
• Highest output FAA-approved POC

Oxlife Models

Oxlife Independence

• Weight: 4.98 lbs
• Battery Life: 3-8 hours
• Pulse dose settings 1-5

Oxlife Liberty 2

• Weight: 9 lbs
• Battery Life: 2.5-12 hours
• Continuous flow 0.25-3 LPM

How to Verify Your POC is FAA-Approved

Step 1: Locate the FAA Approval Label

• Check main device body (front, back, or side)
• Usually near manufacturer logo
• NOT inside battery compartment

Step 2: Check the FAA's Official List

Visit: faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/pocs

Step 3: Contact the Manufacturer

• Inogen: 1-800-695-7915
• Respironics: 1-800-345-6443
• CAIRE: 1-800-462-1699

Airline-Specific Requirements

Advance Notification (48-72 Hours)

Most U.S. airlines require:

• 48-hour advance notice
• Medical form or physician's statement
• Battery specifications

Airline Accessibility Desks:

• American Airlines: 1-800-735-2652
• Delta Air Lines: 1-404-209-3434
• United Airlines: 1-800-228-2744
• Southwest Airlines: 1-800-435-9792

Battery Life Requirements

Airlines typically require enough battery power for 150% of maximum flight duration.

Example:

• 6-hour flight + 1-hour ground time = 7 hours
• Required battery: 7 × 150% = 10.5 hours minimum

POCs NOT Approved by FAA

The following are PROHIBITED on aircraft:

• Compressed oxygen tanks (any size)
• Liquid oxygen systems
• Canned recreational oxygen
• Home oxygen concentrators without FAA approval

Using Your POC on Aircraft

Permitted During All Flight Phases

• Boarding and deplaning
• Taxiing
• Takeoff and landing
• Cruising

Best Practices

• Board early (request pre-boarding)
• Choose window seat (airline requirement)
• Stow POC under seat in front of you
• Keep spare batteries in carry-on

International Travel with POCs

Important: FAA approval applies to U.S. airlines. International airlines may follow different regulations.

EASA (Europe): Similar to FAA, most devices accepted CASA (Australia): Recognizes FAA approval, requires 72+ hour notice Transport Canada: Accepts FAA-approved devices

Always contact international airlines 1-2 weeks in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use my home oxygen concentrator on a plane? A: No. Only portable models on the FAA-approved list can be used.

Q: Do I need a prescription to fly with a POC? A: TSA doesn't require one, but airlines often do. Always bring physician's statement.

Q: Can I plug my POC into airplane power? A: No. FAA regulations prohibit POCs from using aircraft power. Battery only.

Q: What if my POC battery dies mid-flight? A: Carry enough spare batteries for 150% of flight duration. If all die, alert crew for emergency oxygen.

Q: Do I have to turn off POC during takeoff? A: No. POCs approved for use during all flight phases.

Final Checklist

2 Weeks Before:

• Verify POC is on FAA-approved list
• Locate FAA approval label
• Contact airline accessibility desk
• Obtain physician's statement
• Calculate battery needs

Day of Travel:

• Arrive 2-3 hours early
• Carry POC and batteries in carry-on
• Have documentation accessible
• Inform TSA officers
• Request pre-boarding

Conclusion

Flying with a portable oxygen concentrator is a federally protected right. With an FAA-approved POC and proper preparation, you can travel confidently anywhere in the world.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Verify FAA approval label ✅ Plan ahead - contact airlines 48-72 hours before ✅ Battery prep - 150% of flight duration ✅ Know your rights ✅ Stay informed on current regulations

Safe travels, and breathe easy!

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