Qantas Medical Device Policy: Complete 2025 Guide

Accuracy Note: This guide reflects Qantas Airways policies as of January 2025. Policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements at qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/specific-needs/medical-conditions.html or by calling Qantas Special Handling at +61 2 8222 4015 before travel.

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Why Qantas is a Top Choice for Medical Device Travelers

Planning a trip to Australia, New Zealand, or across the Asia-Pacific region with your portable oxygen concentrator, CPAP, or medical equipment? Qantas Airways, Australia's flagship carrier and one of the world's most respected airlines, offers comprehensive accommodations for passengers traveling with medical devices.

As a member of the oneworld alliance, Qantas operates extensive routes connecting major cities across five continents. Understanding their medical device policies is essential for travelers with POCs, CPAPs, powered wheelchairs, insulin pumps, and other essential medical equipment.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about traveling with medical devices on Qantas, including battery regulations, documentation requirements, advance notification procedures, and your rights as a passenger with medical equipment.

What You'll Learn:

• Qantas POC and CPAP policies for all flight types
• Battery limits and watt-hour requirements
• Required documentation and advance notification timelines
• Wheelchair and mobility device accommodation
• In-flight medical device usage rules
• QantasLink and Jetstar policies for connecting flights

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Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) Policies

FAA-Approved POC Requirements

Qantas permits FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators on all flights. However, specific requirements apply:

Approved POC List: Qantas accepts POCs that meet FAA approval standards, including:

• Inogen One G3, G4, G5
• Philips Respironics SimplyGo and SimplyGo Mini
• SeQual Eclipse 3 and Eclipse 5
• Caire FreeStyle Comfort and Freestyle Comfort 5
• AirSep Focus and Freestyle
• Oxlife Independence

Important Note: Even with an FAA-approved device, Qantas requires advance notification. Do not assume your POC will be automatically accepted—confirmation is essential.

Advance Notification Requirements

Mandatory Notification Timeline:

• Domestic Australian Flights: Minimum 48 hours before departure
• International Flights: Minimum 72 hours before departure
• Long-Haul Flights (14+ hours): Minimum 5 business days recommended

How to Notify Qantas:

1. Online: Complete the Medical Clearance form at qantas.com
2. Phone: Call Qantas Special Handling at +61 2 8222 4015
3. Travel Agent: Through your booking agent or Qantas representative

Required Information for Notification:

• POC manufacturer and model name
• Battery type and watt-hour rating
• Number of batteries you plan to bring
• Flight duration and battery requirements
• Physician's letter confirming medical necessity

Battery Requirements for POCs

Qantas Battery Limits (Aligned with CASA/IATA):

Critical Battery Rule: Qantas requires passengers to carry sufficient battery power for 150% of the scheduled flight time plus a reasonable buffer for delays. For long-haul flights to/from Australia, this is especially important.

Example Calculation:

• Sydney to Los Angeles flight: 14 hours scheduled
• 150% requirement: 21 hours of battery life
• If your POC battery lasts 7 hours: Minimum 3 batteries required

Battery Packing Requirements:

• All spare batteries must be in carry-on baggage
• Terminals must be protected from short circuit (tape, caps, or cases)
• Batteries should be in original packaging or protective cases
• Label batteries clearly with watt-hour ratings

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CPAP and BiPAP Machine Policies

General CPAP Accommodation

Qantas welcomes passengers traveling with CPAP and BiPAP machines for sleep apnea treatment. These devices are not counted against your carry-on baggage allowance.

Key CPAP Policies:

• CPAP machines accepted on all flights without additional fee
• Device does not count toward carry-on allowance
• Must fit under seat or in overhead compartment
• Battery-powered CPAPs subject to standard battery limits

In-Flight CPAP Use

Important Policy: Qantas does not routinely permit in-flight CPAP use during waking hours. CPAP machines are not considered life-sustaining equipment during waking periods.

Exceptions:

• Overnight flights with lie-flat business/first class seating may accommodate CPAP use
• Medical necessity with physician documentation may enable approval
• Contact Special Handling to discuss individual circumstances

In-Flight Power:

• Qantas aircraft do not provide 240V power outlets for passenger medical equipment
• USB ports and standard outlets cannot power CPAP machines
• Battery-powered operation is required if in-flight use is approved

CPAP Battery Considerations

External Battery Packs:

• Batteries under 100 Wh: Permitted as carry-on (typically 2-4 spares)
• Batteries 100-160 Wh: Maximum 2 spare batteries, airline approval required
• Batteries over 160 Wh: Prohibited

Recommended Travel CPAPs for Qantas Flights:

• ResMed AirMini (10.6 oz, battery compatible)
• Philips DreamStation Go (2.1 lbs, integrated battery option)
• Transcend Micro (6.9 oz, battery powered)

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Powered Wheelchair and Mobility Device Policies

Pre-Travel Notification

Qantas requires advance notification for all powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters:

Notification Timeline:

• Standard Wheelchairs: Minimum 48 hours before departure
• Large/Heavy Wheelchairs: Minimum 72 hours before departure
• Complex Equipment: 5+ business days recommended

Required Information:

• Wheelchair type, weight, and dimensions
• Battery type (lithium-ion, sealed lead-acid, wet-cell)
• Battery watt-hour rating
• Disassembly and reassembly requirements
• Handling instructions and fragile components

Battery Regulations for Mobility Devices

Lithium-Ion Wheelchair Batteries:

Non-Spillable Batteries (AGM/Gel):

• Generally permitted without restrictions
• Must be marked as "non-spillable" or "IATA compliant"
• No removal required for most aircraft

Wet-Cell Batteries:

• Highly restricted
• Must be removed and specially packaged
• Qantas may refuse carriage depending on aircraft type

Wheelchair Handling and Protection

Qantas Wheelchair Handling:

• Wheelchairs are handled as priority special baggage
• Gate-check is available for passengers needing wheelchair assistance to aircraft
• Airline-provided wheelchair available for transit and boarding

Damage Protection:

• Document wheelchair condition before check-in (photographs recommended)
• Note any pre-existing damage on baggage tag
• Qantas Disability Action Plan includes compensation procedures for damage
• Report damage immediately upon arrival at destination

Spare Battery Policy:

• Spare wheelchair batteries over 160 Wh: Prohibited
• Spare batteries under 160 Wh: Carry-on only, terminal protection required

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Required Documentation

Physician's Letter

Qantas recommends (and for some services, requires) a physician's letter for medical device travel:

Letter Should Include:

• Patient name matching booking exactly
• Medical condition requiring device
• Device type and manufacturer
• Medical necessity statement
• Oxygen flow rate (if applicable)
• Physician name, credentials, and contact information
• Date and signature (within 12 months of travel)

Sample Language: "This letter confirms that [Patient Name] requires a portable oxygen concentrator for air travel due to [medical condition]. The patient is medically fit to fly and requires continuous oxygen therapy at [flow rate] L/min during flight."

Medical Clearance (MEDIF Form)

For some conditions, Qantas requires formal medical clearance:

When MEDIF is Required:

• Travel within 7 days of hospitalization
• Unstable medical conditions
• Requirement for in-flight medical oxygen
• Recent surgery or cardiac events
• Complex medical equipment needs

MEDIF Process:

1. Request form from Qantas Special Handling
2. Physician completes medical assessment portion
3. Submit to Qantas Medical Services minimum 7 days before travel
4. Receive clearance or additional requirements
5. Clearance is typically valid for single journey or specified period

Device-Specific Documentation

POC Documentation:

• FAA approval letter or device marking
• Battery specification sheet with watt-hour ratings
• Qantas booking confirmation with medical device noted

Wheelchair Documentation:

• Battery watt-hour rating certificate
• Handling instructions
• Disassembly/reassembly guide (if applicable)

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QantasLink and Jetstar Considerations

QantasLink Regional Flights

QantasLink operates regional services within Australia on smaller aircraft. Medical device policies are consistent with mainline Qantas, but with additional considerations:

Aircraft Limitations:

• Smaller cargo holds may restrict wheelchair size
• Some turboprop aircraft have limited cabin storage
• Advance notification especially important for weight and balance

Notification:

• Same 48-hour notification requirement
• Contact Qantas Special Handling for all QantasLink flights

Jetstar (Low-Cost Carrier)

Jetstar, Qantas Group's low-cost carrier, has its own policies:

Key Differences:

• Jetstar accepts FAA-approved POCs with 48-hour advance notification
• CPAP machines permitted without fee
• Wheelchair policies similar to Qantas
• Less flexibility for special requests compared to full-service Qantas

Contact Jetstar:

• Phone: 131 538 (Australia)
• Accessibility assistance request through Jetstar.com

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Australian Disability Discrimination Act Protections

Qantas is bound by Australian anti-discrimination law, providing strong protections for travelers with medical devices:

Key Rights Under Australian Law:

• Airlines cannot refuse carriage solely due to disability
• Reasonable accommodations must be made for medical devices
• Advance notification requirements must be reasonable
• Complaint processes available through Australian Human Rights Commission

Qantas Disability Action Plan: Qantas maintains a published Disability Action Plan outlining:

• Accessibility commitments
• Staff training requirements
• Equipment handling procedures
• Complaint resolution processes

Filing Complaints: If you experience discrimination or policy violations:

1. Contact Qantas Customer Care first
2. Escalate to Qantas Disability Services
3. Lodge complaint with Australian Human Rights Commission (if unresolved)
4. Aviation Safety complaint through CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority)

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Step-by-Step Booking Process

Planning Your Trip

Timeline for Medical Device Travel on Qantas:

Online Booking with Medical Device

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Book flight at qantas.com as normal
2. Navigate to "Manage Booking" section
3. Select "Special Assistance" or "Medical Assistance"
4. Complete medical device notification form
5. Receive confirmation email with reference number
6. Keep reference number for airport check-in

Airport Day Procedures

Check-In:

1. Arrive early (extra 30-60 minutes for medical equipment)
2. Inform check-in agent of medical devices
3. Present documentation (physician letter, device specs)
4. Receive gate tag for POC/CPAP if needed
5. Wheelchair users: Request gate-check tag

Security Screening:

1. Declare medical devices to security officers
2. Remove devices from bags for separate screening
3. Request private screening if preferred
4. Keep batteries protected and accessible

Boarding:

1. Pre-board if additional time needed
2. Inform cabin crew of medical device
3. Stow POC/CPAP under seat or overhead
4. Wheelchair users: Gate-check chair, transfer to airline wheelchair

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Qantas charge extra for medical devices? A: No. Medical devices including POCs, CPAPs, and wheelchairs are accommodated without additional fees under Australian accessibility regulations.

Q: Can I use my POC throughout the entire flight? A: Yes, FAA-approved POCs may be used during all phases of flight (including takeoff and landing) on Qantas. Ensure you have sufficient battery power.

Q: What if my POC isn't on Qantas's approved list? A: Contact Qantas Special Handling with your device specifications. They may approve devices meeting FAA standards even if not specifically listed.

Q: Can I bring more than 2 spare batteries? A: For medical necessity, Qantas may approve additional batteries. Contact Special Handling in advance with your flight duration and battery requirements.

Q: What happens if my wheelchair is damaged? A: Report damage immediately to Qantas staff before leaving the airport. Document with photographs. Qantas provides repair or replacement under their Disability Action Plan.

Q: Do I need to notify Qantas for connecting Jetstar flights? A: Yes. Notify both Qantas and Jetstar separately if your itinerary includes both carriers.

Q: Is in-flight oxygen available? A: Qantas provides in-flight supplemental oxygen on some routes with advance booking (medical clearance required). Contact Special Handling for availability.

Q: What documentation do I need for insulin pumps? A: Insulin pumps under 100 Wh do not require notification. Carry prescriptions and consider carrying a physician letter for international travel.

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Important Contact Information

Qantas Special Handling (Medical Devices):

• Phone: +61 2 8222 4015
• TTY: +61 2 8222 4020
• Email: Via qantas.com contact form

Qantas Customer Care:

• Australia: 13 13 13
• International: [country-specific numbers at qantas.com]

Emergency Assistance at Airport:

• Request Qantas staff at any airport location
• Special assistance available at check-in and gates

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Key Takeaways

Planning medical device travel on Qantas? Here's your quick-reference checklist:

1. Notify in advance: 48 hours (domestic) or 72 hours (international) minimum
2. Confirm POC approval: Even FAA-approved devices need Qantas confirmation
3. Calculate battery needs: 150% of flight time plus buffer for delays
4. Pack batteries properly: Carry-on only, terminals protected
5. Carry documentation: Physician letter, device specs, booking confirmation
6. Know your rights: Australian disability law provides strong protections
7. Arrive early: Extra time for medical equipment screening

Qantas is one of the world's most experienced airlines for medical device accommodation. With proper preparation and advance notification, you can enjoy comfortable, safe travel to Australia and beyond with your essential medical equipment.

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Verification Before Travel

This guide was last verified: January 2025

Before your trip, always:

• Visit qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/specific-needs/medical-conditions.html for current policies
• Call Qantas Special Handling: +61 2 8222 4015
• Verify requirements 48-72 hours before flight
• Check for recent policy updates

Airline policies change regularly. While we update this guide quarterly, changes may occur between updates. MedFly Safe is not responsible for policy changes made by airlines after publication.

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Important Medical Disclaimer

This guide provides travel information only. Always:

• Consult your physician before travel
• Follow your doctor's specific medical advice
• Verify device compatibility with your condition
• Carry proper medical documentation

This content does not constitute medical advice.