Breaking down the latest FAA regulations affecting POC, CPAP, and medical device air travel. Learn what changed in 2025, how it impacts your travel plans, and what documentation you need. Essential update for all medical device travelers.
New FAA Medical Device Regulations 2025: What Travelers Need to Know
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented several important regulatory updates for 2025 that affect travelers with portable oxygen concentrators, CPAPs, wheelchairs, and other medical devices. Understanding these changes ensures compliant, hassle-free travel this year.
This guide breaks down every significant regulation change, explains how it affects your travel, and provides actionable steps to stay compliant.
Overview of 2025 FAA Medical Device Changes
Major Regulatory Updates
Effective January 1, 2025, the FAA implemented several key changes:
- Enhanced Battery Documentation Requirements
- New POC Approval Process Streamlining
- Updated Wheelchair Battery Standards
- Clarified Medical Device Carry-On Exemptions
- International Harmonization with EASA Standards
Why These Changes Matter
The 2025 updates aim to:
- Improve safety for lithium battery transport
- Streamline approval for medical device travelers
- Harmonize international standards across airlines
- Reduce confusion about medical equipment policies
- Enhance enforcement consistency across airports
Change 1: Enhanced Battery Documentation Requirements
What Changed
Previous Requirement (2024):
- Battery watt-hour rating recommended but not always enforced
- Verbal declarations often accepted
- Inconsistent documentation standards
New Requirement (2025):
- Written documentation MANDATORY for all lithium batteries over 100 Wh
- Battery specifications must be printed or permanently labeled
- Verbal declarations NO LONGER sufficient
- Standardized battery information card format
How This Affects You
If Your Batteries Are Under 100 Wh:
- ✅ No major changes
- Recommendation: Still carry manufacturer specs
- TSA may ask to verify watt hours
If Your Batteries Are 100-160 Wh:
- ❌ NEW: Written documentation NOW REQUIRED
- Must have manufacturer's battery rating
- Create battery information card (template below)
- Airline pre-approval still needed
Action Required: Create Battery Documentation Package
Template Battery Information Card:
MEDICAL DEVICE BATTERY INFORMATION CARD
Device: [Your Device Name and Model]
Battery Type: Lithium-Ion Rechargeable
Battery Specifications:
- Voltage: [XX.X] V
- Capacity: [XXXX] mAh / [X.X] Ah
- Watt Hours: [XXX] Wh
FAA Compliance:
☐ Under 100 Wh (No approval needed)
☐ 100-160 Wh (Airline approval obtained)
Quantity Traveling:
- Installed in device: 1
- Spare batteries: [X]
Manufacturer: [Brand Name]
Contact: [Manufacturer Phone Number]
Passenger Name: [Your Name]
Flight Date: [Date]
Confirmation: [Airline Confirmation Number]
TSA Enforcement
What TSA Officers Will Check:
- Battery label visibility - Must be readable
- Written documentation - Printed or digital acceptable
- Watt hour calculation - Must match manufacturer specs
- Terminal protection - Spare batteries properly packaged
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Battery confiscation at security
- Possible flight denial
- No exceptions for "didn't know" about requirement
Change 2: Streamlined POC Approval Process
What Changed
Previous Process (2024):
- Each airline maintained separate POC approval lists
- Travelers verified FAA approval independently
- Inconsistent policies across carriers
New Process (2025):
- Unified FAA POC Registry - Single database of approved devices
- QR Code Verification - Instant approval check via smartphone
- Automatic Airline Notification - Registry links to airline systems
- Faster Security Screening - TSA access to registry
How This Affects You
Benefits:
- ✅ Faster approval - Airlines can verify POC instantly
- ✅ Consistent policies - Same standards across all carriers
- ✅ Reduced paperwork - Registry eliminates redundant documentation
- ✅ TSA expedited screening - Officers can verify device approval in seconds
New POC Travel Process:
Step 1: Verify Your POC in FAA Registry
- Visit: FAA.gov/medical-devices-registry
- Enter device model number
- Confirm your device appears in database
- Save QR code to smartphone
Step 2: Notify Airline (Still Required)
- Contact airline 48 hours before flight
- Provide device model and registry confirmation
- Receive approval confirmation email
Step 3: At Airport
- Show QR code to TSA officer
- Officers scan code for instant verification
- Proceed through security
Newly Approved POCs (Added 2025)
Recent additions to FAA approval list:
- Inogen Rove 6 (approved February 2025)
- Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini Plus (approved March 2025)
- ResMed Mobi (approved January 2025)
- Oxlife Liberty 2.0 (approved February 2025)
Check Current Status: FAA adds new devices monthly. Always verify before booking travel.
Change 3: Updated Wheelchair Battery Standards
What Changed
Previous Standard (2024):
- Lithium wheelchair batteries allowed up to 300 Wh with airline approval
- Inconsistent enforcement
- Complicated approval process
New Standard (2025):
- Standardized 300 Wh limit across all US airlines
- Pre-registration system for wheelchairs over 160 Wh
- Battery safety certification required from manufacturer
- Uniform documentation accepted by all carriers
How This Affects You
If Your Wheelchair Battery Is Under 160 Wh:
- No changes - same process as before
- Standard airline notification sufficient
If Your Wheelchair Battery Is 160-300 Wh:
- NEW: Register in FAA Mobility Device Database
- Process:
- Visit FAA.gov/mobility-device-registration
- Upload battery specifications
- Upload manufacturer safety certificate
- Receive registration number (valid 2 years)
- Provide registration number when booking flights
If Your Wheelchair Battery Exceeds 300 Wh:
- ❌ Still not permitted on passenger aircraft
- Alternative: Use airline-provided wheelchair at destination
- Or: Ship battery separately via approved hazmat carrier
Battery Safety Certification
What You Need:
- Manufacturer's certificate stating battery meets UN38.3 standards
- Fire containment specifications
- Short-circuit protection documentation
Where to Get It:
- Contact wheelchair manufacturer customer service
- Request "FAA Battery Safety Certificate"
- Most manufacturers provide free PDF download
Major Wheelchair Manufacturers Compliance:
- ✅ Permobil: All models certified
- ✅ Pride Mobility: Certification available online
- ✅ Invacare: Certificate in user manual
- ✅ Quantum Rehab: Customer service provides upon request
Change 4: Clarified Medical Device Carry-On Exemptions
What Changed
Previous Policy (2024):
- Medical devices "don't count" toward carry-on limits
- Ambiguous definition of "medical device"
- Gate agents inconsistently applied rules
New Policy (2025):
- Explicit list of exempt medical devices
- No limit on medically necessary equipment
- Standardized training for airline staff
- Enforcement consistency across all airlines
Explicitly Exempt Devices (2025 List)
These DO NOT count toward carry-on baggage limits:
-
Respiratory Equipment:
- Portable oxygen concentrators (any size)
- CPAP and BiPAP machines
- Nebulizers and breathing treatment devices
- Ventilators
-
Diabetes Management:
- Insulin pumps and supplies
- Continuous glucose monitors
- Blood glucose meters
- Insulin cooling cases
-
Mobility Devices:
- Canes, walkers, crutches
- Manual wheelchairs (gate-checked free)
- Power wheelchair batteries (as spare)
- Prosthetic limbs
-
Cardiac Devices:
- Portable defibrillators (with documentation)
- Heart monitors
- Medical alert devices
-
Other Medical Equipment:
- EpiPens and emergency medications
- Breast pumps
- Medical refrigerators (for insulin, etc.)
- Ostomy supplies
How to Use This Policy
At Check-In:
- Inform agent you have medical equipment
- Reference FAA medical device exemption policy
- Show device and medical necessity documentation
- Confirm equipment tagged separately from luggage
At Gate:
- If challenged, reference FAA Medical Device Exemption 2025
- Ask for supervisor if agent unfamiliar with policy
- All major airlines trained on new standards as of January 2025
Change 5: International Harmonization with EASA
What Changed
Previous Situation (2024):
- US (FAA) and European (EASA) had different medical device standards
- Conflicting battery limits caused confusion
- Required separate documentation for transatlantic flights
New Harmonization (2025):
- Unified standards between FAA and EASA
- Same watt-hour limits (100/160 Wh) now global
- Reciprocal device approvals - FAA-approved POCs accepted in EU
- Standardized documentation works on both continents
How This Affects International Travel
Benefits for Transatlantic Travelers:
- ✅ Same battery rules apply worldwide
- ✅ FAA POC approval accepted by European airlines
- ✅ Consistent documentation for all international flights
- ✅ Reduced confusion at foreign airports
What You Need for International Travel (2025):
- Same documentation as domestic travel
- FAA POC registry confirmation (accepted internationally)
- Battery information card (English version sufficient)
- Medical necessity letter (optional but recommended)
Participating Countries (Beyond EU):
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
Airline Implementation Timeline
Major US Carriers Compliance
Fully Implemented (January 1, 2025):
- ✅ United Airlines
- ✅ American Airlines
- ✅ Delta Air Lines
- ✅ Southwest Airlines
Phased Implementation (March 1, 2025):
- ⏳ JetBlue Airways
- ⏳ Alaska Airlines
- ⏳ Spirit Airlines
During Phased Implementation:
- Airlines accept both old and new documentation formats
- Staff training ongoing
- Increased flexibility at check-in
- Supervisors available for policy questions
Documentation You Need Now (2025 Checklist)
Essential Documents for All Medical Device Travelers
1. Device Documentation:
- Device model and serial number
- FAA approval confirmation (for POCs)
- User manual (key pages)
- Manufacturer contact information
2. Battery Documentation (NEW FOR 2025):
- Battery information card (printed)
- Watt-hour rating (clearly labeled)
- Quantity of spare batteries
- Manufacturer battery certificate
3. Medical Documentation:
- Physician's letter (dated within 6 months)
- Prescription for device
- Medical necessity statement
- Emergency contact information
4. Airline Confirmation:
- Medical device pre-notification confirmation
- Special assistance booking confirmation
- Airline customer service contact number
5. Digital Backup:
- Photos of all documents
- Stored in cloud (Google Drive, iCloud)
- Accessible offline on smartphone
- Shared with travel companion
How to Prepare for 2025 Changes
30 Days Before Travel
Step 1: Update Your Documentation
- Create new battery information cards
- Verify POC in FAA registry (if applicable)
- Register wheelchair battery if over 160 Wh
- Update physician's letter if older than 6 months
Step 2: Contact Airline
- Notify of medical device travel
- Confirm they're aware of 2025 regulations
- Request confirmation email
- Ask about airline-specific procedures
Step 3: Verify Device Compliance
- Check FAA POC registry for your device
- Calculate/verify battery watt hours
- Ensure batteries properly labeled
- Purchase battery terminal protectors if needed
1 Week Before Travel
Step 4: Prepare Physical Documents
- Print battery information cards
- Laminate key documents
- Organize in medical travel folder
- Create document checklist
Step 5: Digital Preparation
- Download FAA POC registry QR code
- Save airline confirmation emails
- Screenshot key documents
- Share with travel companion
Day of Travel
Step 6: Airport Preparation
- Arrive 30 minutes earlier than usual
- Keep all documents easily accessible
- Have battery information ready for TSA
- Stay calm and patient if questions arise
Common Questions About 2025 Changes
Q: Do I need to re-register my POC even though it was approved before 2025? A: No. If your POC was FAA-approved before 2025, it remains approved. However, verify it appears in the new unified registry.
Q: What if my airline hasn't fully implemented the new battery documentation requirements? A: Bring documentation anyway. Airlines in "phased implementation" will accept new format and won't penalize you for having extra documentation.
Q: Are the new regulations retroactive? A: No. Only applies to travel from January 1, 2025 forward. Previous travel documentation standards don't affect you retroactively.
Q: What if I'm traveling on a foreign airline from a US airport? A: Foreign airlines departing from US airports must comply with FAA regulations. Same documentation requirements apply.
Q: Do I need new documentation for domestic vs. international flights? A: With 2025 harmonization, same documentation works for both. However, always good practice to bring extra copies for international travel.
Q: What happens if TSA confiscates my battery due to documentation issues? A: Request supervisor immediately. Show manufacturer documentation. If battery is truly compliant but documentation insufficient, TSA should allow you to update paperwork. If not, you may miss flight or leave battery behind.
Enforcement and Penalties
What TSA Can Do
Compliant Travelers:
- ✅ Expedited screening
- ✅ Fewer questions
- ✅ Professional courtesy
Non-Compliant Travelers:
- ❌ Extended questioning
- ❌ Battery confiscation
- ❌ Possible flight denial
- ❌ Additional screening
No "Grace Period"
Important: While some airlines have phased implementation, TSA enforcement began January 1, 2025. No exceptions for "I didn't know about the changes."
Best Practice: Assume full enforcement at all airports.
Resources and Support
Official FAA Resources
FAA Medical Device Information:
- Website: FAA.gov/medical-devices
- Phone: 1-866-835-5322
- Email: medical.devices@faa.gov
FAA POC Registry:
- Website: FAA.gov/medical-devices-registry
- Updated monthly with new approvals
FAA Mobility Device Database:
- Website: FAA.gov/mobility-device-registration
- Customer Service: 1-866-835-5322
Airline Medical Assistance Contacts
United Airlines: 1-800-228-2744 American Airlines: 1-800-433-7300 Delta Air Lines: 404-209-3434 Southwest Airlines: 1-800-435-9792 JetBlue Airways: 1-800-538-2583
Industry Advocacy Groups
Respiratory Health Association: respiratory-health.org American Lung Association: lung.org/traveling-with-oxygen National Disability Rights Network: ndrn.org
Staying Updated on Future Changes
How to Monitor Regulatory Updates
1. FAA Email Alerts:
- Subscribe at FAA.gov/medical-device-alerts
- Receive notifications of policy changes
- Quarterly regulatory updates
2. Airline Newsletters:
- Subscribe to airline special assistance newsletters
- Policy changes sent directly to registered medical travelers
3. Medical Equipment Manufacturer Alerts:
- Register device for manufacturer updates
- They monitor FAA changes affecting their products
4. MedFly Safe Updates:
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- We monitor and explain all FAA changes
- Plain-language updates as regulations change
Conclusion: Adapting to 2025 Regulations
The 2025 FAA medical device regulations represent a significant step toward standardization, safety, and international consistency. While they require additional documentation, the benefits include:
✅ Faster security screening (with QR code verification) ✅ Consistent policies across all airlines ✅ International harmonization (same rules worldwide) ✅ Clearer expectations (no more policy ambiguity) ✅ Better enforcement (all staff trained on standards)
Key Action Items:
- Create battery information cards (template above)
- Verify POC in FAA registry (if applicable)
- Register wheelchair battery if over 160 Wh
- Update documentation before next flight
- Contact airline 48 hours ahead to confirm compliance
The 2025 changes may seem complex initially, but they ultimately make medical device travel more predictable and safer for everyone.
Stay informed, prepare documentation thoroughly, and travel confidently knowing you're compliant with the latest FAA standards.
Questions about 2025 FAA regulations? Connect with the MedFly Safe community for guidance on adapting to the new requirements.
