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Portable Oxygen Concentrator

FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators are allowed in the cabin for in-flight use, but airlines require advance notice and confirmation of the model.

Carry-on

Allowed with conditions

Checked

Check with your airline

Carry-on details

Allowed with conditions. To use a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) on a U.S. flight, it must be a model that meets FAA acceptance criteria and carries the manufacturer's label certifying that (models such as the Inogen One, Respironics SimplyGo, Sequal Eclipse, and AirSep/CAIRE Focus and Freestyle lines commonly carry this label). It travels in the cabin, does not count against your carry-on limit, and must fit under the seat in front of you or be secured for takeoff and landing. Bring enough charged batteries in carry-on to cover at least 150% of your expected flight and ground-delay time — spare batteries are not allowed in checked bags. Tell the TSA officer before screening: if you can safely disconnect, the device goes through the X-ray; if you must stay connected, it's tested for explosive residue instead.

Checked-bag details

Check with your airline. Airlines generally want your POC in the cabin if you might need it in flight, and most require advance notice — often 48 hours — plus a doctor's letter or airline medical form before you travel. Policies on checking an unused POC vary by carrier, so confirm directly with your airline rather than assuming it can travel in checked baggage.

Special instructions

Must be an FAA-approved model bearing the manufacturer's compliance label under 14 CFR 121.574. Contact your airline at least 48 hours before departure to confirm their POC policy and any documentation they require.

Related rules

FAQ

Can I use any oxygen concentrator on a plane?
No. Only models that meet FAA acceptance criteria and carry the manufacturer's compliance label are approved for in-flight use. Compressed or liquid oxygen tanks are not allowed.
How many spare batteries can I bring for my oxygen concentrator?
Bring enough charged batteries, in carry-on only, to cover at least 150% of your total travel time including delays. Check your device's battery life and your airline's specific requirement.
Do I need to tell my airline I'm bringing a POC?
Yes. Most airlines require advance notice, often 48 hours, along with confirmation that the device is FAA-approved.

Related items

Sources: FAA — PackSafe (Hazardous Materials), TSA — What Can I Bring? · Last verified: 2026-07-31

Final decision rests with the security officer at the checkpoint.