For individuals who rely on supplemental oxygen, the thought of flying can be daunting. Air travel already comes with its own set of challenges, and the need to bring along an oxygen tank adds another layer of complexity. However, the good news is that flying with an oxygen tank is not only possible but also manageable with the right preparations and knowledge.
The following will walk you through the essential steps and considerations for flying with an oxygen tank, ensuring a safe and stress-free journey. The hope is to provide information to those who use an oxygen tank, including those who fly with COPD.
The Federal Aviation Agency Rules on Flying With an Oxygen Tank
The Federal Aviation Administration prohibits passengers from bringing compressed oxygen cylinders or canisters on board due to the significant risks they pose, such as the potential for explosion or fire. However, they provide a list of portable oxygen concentrators (POC) that meet the safety and performance standards required for in-flight use.
Passengers who rely on an oxygen tank must ensure they have enough batteries to last the entire flight, including any unforeseen delays, and these spare batteries must be properly protected to prevent damage. As of September 2024, the FAA has approved more than 20 POC models, including the Freestyle Comfort, SeQual Eclipse 5, Respironics SimplyGo Mini, and Respironics SimplyGo.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), part of the Department of Homeland Security, permits portable oxygen concentrators that meet FAA specifications to be brought on board commercial flights for use during the journey.
After securing your POC, the next step is to notify your airline well in advance of your travel date. Most airlines require at least 48 hours notice if you plan to use a POC on board. During this time, the airline will likely request a letter from your doctor, confirming your need for oxygen and detailing your prescribed oxygen flow rate.
Additionally, airlines may ask you to provide documentation that your POC is approved for air travel and that it has been tested and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
When you arrive at the airport, inform the check-in staff and security personnel that you are traveling with a POC. The device will need to go through security screening, but you will be allowed to keep it with you at all times. TSA officers are trained to handle medical devices, so they will guide you through the process.
Onboard the aircraft, make sure your POC is placed under the seat in front of you, with the tubing properly secured to avoid tripping hazards. The cabin crew will be aware of your oxygen needs and will be ready to assist, if necessary. Some people feel more secure traveling with a flight nurse who can support them with expert medical care throughout the journey.
Do Individual Airlines Have Rules About Flying With an Oxygen Tank?
Most airlines have their own specific rules and requirements for traveling with portable oxygen concentrators (POCs). While the FAA sets the overall guidelines and safety standards, individual airlines may impose additional procedures or restrictions. Some common aspects where airline-specific rules might apply include the following.
Advance notice. Most airlines require passengers to inform them in advance — typically at least 48 hours before the flight — if they plan to travel with a POC. This allows the airline to make necessary arrangements and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Medical documentation. Airlines may ask for a letter from your healthcare provider stating your need for oxygen, specifying the flow rate required, and confirming that you are medically fit to fly. Some airlines have specific forms that need to be filled out by your doctor.
Battery requirements. Airlines usually have specific rules regarding the number of batteries you need to carry for your POC. While the FAA recommends having at least 150% of the battery life needed for the duration of the flight, some airlines may require even more. Additionally, spare batteries must meet certain safety standards, such as being protected against short circuits, typically by placing them in protective cases or covering their terminals.
Approved POC models. Although the FAA provides a list of approved POCs, some airlines might have their own list of devices they permit on board. It’s essential to verify with your airline that your POC is approved for use during the flight.
In-flight use. Airlines might have specific instructions on how and when you can use your POC during the flight. For example, some may require that the POC be used only when the “fasten seatbelt” sign is off, or they may have designated seating areas for passengers using medical devices.
Seating arrangements. Some airlines might assign specific seating for passengers using POCs, often near a power outlet (if available) or in seats that do not block emergency exits. You may need to confirm your seat assignment in advance to ensure it meets your needs.
Airlines might have additional policies, such as requiring a backup device or charging a fee for carrying a medical device on board. Always check with your airline for their specific rules and policies. The following links will take you to the rules for some of the most popular airlines.
Flying with an oxygen tank or portable oxygen concentrator requires some extra planning, but it is entirely feasible. By understanding the regulations, choosing the right equipment, and preparing thoroughly, you can ensure a safe and comfortable flight. Always consult with your healthcare provider before traveling to make sure all your medical needs are met. With the right preparations, the skies are open to everyone, even those who rely on supplemental oxygen.
Whether you’re relocating a loved one to a new care facility across the country or managing their journey with medical needs, Flying Angels is here to help. We offer comprehensive bedside-to-bedside non-emergency medical transport services for clients facing a wide range of health challenges. We also have five-star reviews of Flying Angels that show the effort we put into what we do.
Our expert flight nurses, who are registered nurses (RNs) with specialized training, are equipped to travel with clients who have dementia, diabetes, mobility issues, or conditions like broken bones, heart attacks, or strokes. We also provide care for wheelchair users and patients requiring oxygen or other medical equipment during their journey.
We’re extremely proud of the more than 225 five-star reviews of Flying Angels. They offer a glimpse into how our experience and approach to providing NEMT services benefits our clients. The following takes a closer look at some of those reviews.
Flying From California to Texas After Spinal Cord Surgery
L. Watts writes that his father in California had no family or friends to help care for him after a recent spinal cord surgery that left him a paraplegic. Watts lives in Texas and tried to manage his care from afar but wrote that it became “very difficult and quite stressful.”
He wrote that because his Dad was independent and self-sufficient, “adjusting to this new medical condition has been a tough journey.”
“Words cannot express my sincere gratitude for Flying Angels,” he wrote. He added, “We considered many options but ultimately decided that medical transport with Flying Angels was the best option for him to get to Texas. Not only was it the best option, but it also turned out to be an outstanding experience!”
He wrote that Flying Angels coordinated everything very efficiently, communicating well and answering any questions or concerns. “The flight nurse, Andrew, is very knowledgeable and passionate about his job. I cannot imagine how this would have gone without Andrew’s experience, patience, and compassion,” he wrote.
Flying Angels also came through when the airline canceled his father’s flight. Flying Angels quickly set up another flight with a different airline and got all the ground transportation set up. L. Watts wrote that “Andrew waited at the hospital with Dad the day before hoping for clearance and was readily on point once things got back on track for the journey home. We prayed and crossed our fingers for no more delays. Andrew communicated well with me the entire way and sent pictures of my Dad to reassure me that he was OK!”
“They finally made it to Houston, TX late that night and I met them at the receiving facility. Andrew stayed the course to make sure my Dad was well-received and settled in. This service went above and beyond my expectations and I would absolutely recommend this company to anyone that needs medical air transport for a loved one!”
Traveling From Colorado to Ohio After Having a Stroke
A reviewer who wrote under the name David French shared the story of having to move his Mom from Colorado to Ohio. She had suffered a stroke and lost mobility on her right side, making it impossible for French to transfer her from a wheelchair to an airplane seat.
French wrote that he initially looked into a van transport that would have required an 18-hour drive. He wrote that it would have been more expensive than what he paid Flying Angels. He also looked into a private jet, but that cost was “prohibitive, to put it mildly.” They eventually chose Flying Angels.
“Audrey was our RN and we couldn’t have been more pleased with her in every way. She introduced herself via text before we met her the night before our trip. She was thorough, personable, knowledgeable, confident, and understanding,” French wrote. “My mom and I knew we were in good hands as Audrey maneuvered us onto the transport van, through the airport, onto the flight, and then to my mom’s new facility. It gave us such peace of mind that we were even able to enjoy the experience. We highly recommend this service, which was truly a Godsend to us in every way.”
Senior Care on a Move from Idaho to Georgia
Another reviewer under the name Clark Savage wrote about having to move their 90-year-old, non-ambulatory mother from Boise, Idaho to Atlanta, Georgia. Like many people, Savage said he did not know where to begin.
“So, I Googled it and found Flying Angels. I have to admit thinking about the process filled me with apprehension and anxiety. But, from the moment I spoke to Elise in a preliminary consultation, I began to believe that I could do this move and that everything would work out.”
He wrote that the flight nurse, Chris Davis, was excellent. “Chris met us a day before the flight and connected with my mother. Throughout the entire process, Chris was knowledgeable, professional, empathetic, and kind,” he wrote. “Due to Chris’ exceptional skills, the flight was smooth and painless. When we tucked my mother to bed in Atlanta that night, she was smiling and happy, which made me thankful.”
He concluded that “there are not enough words in the English language for me to express my appreciation for Flying Angels. I recommend using them to the highest degree possible. If you have a precious cargo you need to relocate, use Flying Angels. They are outstanding!”
Providing Information and Confidence, Assured Help During Your Flight
Many reviews take the time to point out how the Flying Angels team, both the RN Flight Coordinator who books the trip and the flight nurse who travels with the patient, made the experience so much less stressful.
A review from a Google reviewer named Emily Riggall focused on a trip from Los Angeles to Atlanta, the flight coordinator was “exceptionally organized and communicative from the moment I first reached out to learn more about the company and their services. She patiently answered my millions of questions and was endlessly reassuring.”
She also had praise for the flight nurse, Chris, writing that he “was absolutely wonderful” and “truly took the time to talk with me and my family prior to travel. He was calm, collected, and confident throughout the trip. Chris was prepared and personable and made us all feel calm.”
Another review under the name of Indra Samaroo expressed similar sentiments about flying her Dad back to the United States from Trinidad. She wrote Flying Angels, which made the whole process so easy and affordable. Although I was scared how he was going to do on the trip, [the flight nurse] made sure that he was stable the entire trip. Words cannot express the amount of gratitude and peace I felt during the entire process. Thank you. Flying Angels.”
These types of five-star reviews of Flying Angels are plentiful on Google because of the time and commitment the company makes in providing the best possible care to clients. With years of experience and a track record of success, Flying Angels provides a needed service in the best possible way.
Contact Flying Angels to learn how they can meet your non-emergency medical transport needs.
You might think of medical escorting in terms of emergency situations, with a team of paramedics transporting patients by ground or air ambulance to a hospital. However, a significantly larger number of people require medical escorting on commercial flights for non-emergency situations.
These situations vary widely based on the individual’s condition and circumstance. It could involve a transfer from one medical facility to another, a senior relocating to another home, or a person with a chronic disability needing a medical escort for safe travel.
This rapidly growing area of medical escorting ensures that patients travel safely and receive medical care if any issues arise during their journey. Flying Angels has emerged as a leader in the area of non-emergency medical transport (NEMT).
“We have nurses who will fly with the patient on a commercial flight and provide any medical care,” Flying Angels Managing Director Bob Bachelor said on the Generation Bold podcast. “We also have staff around the world, so if someone is in some faraway place and has a mishap and needs to get back to the United States but needs assistance, our nurses will fly with them.”
What Is a Medical Escort for Air Travel?
Medical escorting on commercial flights involves traveling with a skilled healthcare professional, often a flight nurse. At Flying Angels, all flight nurses are critical care nurses trained to provide medical support at high altitudes.
Some may be familiar with medical escorts and flight nurses for their role in emergency response. In such cases, they provide vital assistance to individuals injured in accidents or affected by natural disasters, ensuring their condition remains stable until they reach a medical facility.
In a non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) situation, medical escorts provide care and medical support to individuals traveling by ground or air. Flying Angels specializes in arranging travel for patients, making any special arrangements with the airport or airline, and assigning a flight nurse to accompany the patient on commercial flights.
How NEMT Medical Escorting Benefits Travelers
The primary benefit of having a medical escort is the continuous expert medical care throughout the journey. Whether you have a chronic medical condition, require regular medication, or need specialized equipment, a medical escort can manage your needs. They administer medications, monitor vital signs, and provide immediate medical attention, if necessary.
Personalized Assistance
Every traveler’s needs are unique, and a medical escort understands this. From assisting with mobility issues to ensuring a smooth transition during airport security checks, a medical escort offers personalized assistance tailored to your requirements. This level of care helps alleviate stress and ensures that you can focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about logistics.
Reduced Travel Anxiety
Traveling, especially for those with medical conditions, can often trigger anxiety about potential complications or emergencies. With a medical escort by your side, this anxiety is greatly reduced. Knowing that you have a trained professional ready to manage any medical situation provides a sense of security and peace of mind, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy your journey.
Seamless Coordination
Coordinating medical needs, travel logistics, and accommodations can be overwhelming. A medical escort takes care of these details seamlessly. They consult with airlines, hotels, and other service providers to ensure that your travel experience is as smooth as possible. This eliminates the stress of managing various aspects of the trip and allows you to focus on the experience itself.
Access to Medical Facilities
Traveling to unfamiliar destinations can raise concerns about accessing medical facilities in case of emergencies. A medical escort is well-versed in local healthcare resources and can guide you to reputable medical facilities if a need arises. This knowledge ensures that you receive prompt and appropriate medical attention, regardless of your location.
Companionship and Emotional Support
Traveling can be an emotional journey, and a medical escort provides not only medical assistance but also companionship and emotional support. They listen, engage in conversations, and share experiences, making your trip more enjoyable and enriching.
Customized Itineraries
A medical escort understands your medical needs and limitations, allowing them to help you create a customized travel itinerary. They can suggest activities and attractions that are accessible and suitable for your condition, ensuring you make the most of your trip.
Peace of Mind for Loved Ones
For family members and loved ones concerned about your well-being during travel, a medical escort offers reassurance. They provide regular health updates and ensure that your medical needs are taken care of, giving your loved one peace of mind. For those seeking travel with medical assistance, NEMT services like those provided by Flying Angels provide a solution. Whether it’s senior relocation or traveling with a chronic condition, NEMT services can provide the necessary assistance.
Fragility in medical transport poses significant challenges that demand specialized care and meticulous planning. Fragile patients — who may include the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, or individuals with severe disabilities — require a higher level of attention to ensure their safety and comfort during non-emergency medical transport (NEMT).
It’s a service Flying Angels often provides as part of its medical flight services or hospital discharge transportation. Flying Angels specializes in booking trips and providing flight nurses for patients traveling by commercial airlines. They also offer ground transportation.
Flying Angels Managing Director Bob Bachelor said the NEMT services they provide can handle people in all kinds of fragile states, “Whether it’s the grandma who got some dementia going from one nursing home in Florida to a nursing home in Philadelphia who just needs a little bit of help all the way, up to patients on ventilators on international flights to India or China.”
Fragility in Medical Transport: Some of the Precautions NEMT Companies Take
Transporting fragile patients with NEMT services requires special considerations and precautions to ensure their well-being. Some key precautions include the following.
Comprehensive patient assessment. Before transporting a fragile patient, a thorough assessment of their medical condition, mobility limitations, and specific needs is essential. This assessment should include medical history, mobility needs, and determining whether the patient requires a wheelchair, stretcher, or assistance with walking. Special equipment is often needed. For example, Flying Angels has specially designed wheelchairs to safely move patients.
Customized transport vehicles. Quality NEMT services use vehicles equipped to manage the specific needs of fragile patients. Key features might include accessibility ramps, lifts, and securement systems for wheelchairs and stretchers.
Trained personnel. The staff involved in transporting fragile patients should have specialized training in patient handling, medical monitoring, and basic life support skills. Flying Angels always has experienced flight nurses traveling with patients. They have emergency room experience and training for delivering healthcare services at high altitudes.
Precautionary measures. Several precautionary measures are critical to the safe transport of fragile patients. They include pre-trip planning, such as having detailed flight schedules and contacting airlines and airports ahead of time to ensure a patient has any special accommodations they need (such as boarding early on the plane).
Coordination with healthcare providers. Effective coordination with healthcare providers is vital for the safe transport of fragile patients. This includes having clear instructions from the patient’s healthcare team regarding their care needs during transport and ensuring a smooth transition of care when the patient reaches their destination.
Patients Considered Fragile in Medical Transport
During medical transport, several types of patients are typically considered fragile due to their medical conditions, physical limitations, or specific healthcare needs. These patients require extra care and precautions to ensure their safety and comfort.
Elderly Patients
Older adults often have multiple chronic conditions, reduced mobility, and a higher risk of complications during transport. Conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease require careful handling and monitoring.
Patients with Chronic Illnesses
Patients with heart conditions may need continuous monitoring and specialized equipment. For example, those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or severe asthma may require oxygen therapy during transport.
Patients with Severe Disabilities
Those with limited mobility or paralysis need specialized equipment such as wheelchairs, lifts, or stretchers. Patients with conditions like multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy also have complex needs.
Post-Surgical Patients
Individuals recovering from major surgeries require careful handling to avoid complications like bleeding or infections. Post-surgical patients often need pain management during transport, necessitating skilled medical professionals.
Pediatric Patients
Pediatric patients, especially those with congenital conditions or severe illnesses, require specialized care and equipment. Children with developmental disabilities or complex medical conditions need tailored pediatric transport solutions.
Patients with Mental Health Conditions
Those with significant mental health issues may need emotional support and reassurance during transport. Patients with severe psychiatric conditions may require secure and safe transport arrangements.
Patients with Severe Injuries
Those with severe injuries from accidents or other trauma need immobilization and careful handling to prevent further injury. Patients with extensive burns require a controlled environment to manage pain and prevent infection. Transporting fragile patients requires a detailed understanding of their specific needs, proper planning, and specialized equipment. Ensuring that medical transport personnel are adequately trained and equipped to manage these diverse needs is crucial for the safety and well-being of fragile patients.
Pediatric medical transport comes with its own special challenges, and it’s important to have the right medical support to ensure the safety and comfort of children when traveling by air. Non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) provides the trained medical personnel needed for pediatric medical transports, especially when traveling on a commercial flight.
High quality NEMT services can provide both medical and emotional support for pediatric patients and their families. Flying Angels, a leader in the NEMT industry, provides a wide range of services for people who need to fly with medical assistance, including pediatric patients.
For example, Flying Angels recently flew home with an eight-year-old who became ill on a family trip to Costa Rica and had to spend time in the ICU.
“This little guy was traveling with his family on vacation and became ill almost immediately after their flight to Costa Rica took off” said Karen Derr, EMBA, Director of Business Development for Flying Angels. “We traveled back with him and got him safely home.”
Derr noted that Flying Angels’ pediatric medical transport services are available for toddlers and older. Flying Angels does not handle neonatal transports, which is oftentimes managed by specialized neonatal teams.
How NEMT Services Facilitate Pediatric Medical Transport
Any travel taken by an ill or injured child is going to come with a certain degree of stress for both the child and their family. Using the services of an NEMT company can help alleviate some of that stress. The benefits include the following.
Pre-travel coordination: Effective pediatric medical transport begins with thorough pre-travel planning. At Flying Angels, RN Flight Coordinators work closely with healthcare providers, airlines, and airports to organize every detail of the trip. This includes arranging necessary medical equipment and securing appropriate seating arrangements on the plane.
Flight nurses. A central component of NEMT services is the presence of flight nurses who are experienced and trained in providing care during air travel. For pediatric patients, these nurses offer critical medical oversight, ensuring any health issues are promptly addressed. Flight nurses are experienced in pediatric care, which includes managing conditions specific to children and understanding their unique needs.
Assistance at airports. Navigating airports can be daunting, especially for young patients with medical needs. NEMT services streamline the process, offering assistance with check-in, security clearance, and boarding. Flight nurses support families throughout these stages, reducing stress and ensuring that children are comfortable and at ease.
Post-arrival support. Upon arrival, NEMT services do not stop. Flight nurses assist with disembarking, collecting luggage, and transferring to ground transportation in order to reach their destination in a timely manner.
In-Flight Care During Pediatric Medical Transport
One of the key elements of NEMT services for pediatric medical transport is the quality of in-flight care. During the flight, the role of the flight nurse is paramount. They monitor the child’s vital signs, administer medications, and manage any medical equipment. In the event of a medical emergency, the flight nurse is prepared to deliver immediate care, stabilizing the patient until further assistance can be secured.
This high-level of personalized, in-flight care provides both the child and their family the reassurance of medical safety. With a flight nurse on board, parents can rest assured that their child is receiving continuous professional care, reducing the risk of medical complications during travel.
Bob Bachelor, managing director of Flying Angels, said that the NEMT company applies the same high level of care for children as they do when transporting adults who have injuries, disabilities, chronic medical conditions, or who require assistance when flying for other reasons.
“The same principles apply to children as they do with the adults that we’re transporting,” he said. He added, for example, that “they have to be able to sit up for 15 to 20 minutes on takeoff and landing in the first class or business class seat, then we can recline them back and make them more comfortable. So, the same protocols that we take with adult Flying Angels patients also apply to the children.”
The emotional support offered by flight nurses is important. Traveling for medical reasons can be distressing for children. Flight nurses can use techniques to calm and reassure young patients. This compassionate care helps alleviate anxiety and makes the journey less intimidating.
Using NEMT services for pediatric medical transport on commercial flights ensures that young patients receive the specialized care they need throughout their journey. With the presence of flight nurses, children are provided with both medical and emotional support, making travel safer and more comfortable.
When travel is necessary for a dialysis patient, whether for medical reasons, family visits, or vacations, ensuring safe and reliable transportation is a top priority. Non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) plays a key role in transporting dialysis patients on commercial airlines, ensuring they receive continuous medical support throughout their trip.
NEMT services offer care for dialysis patients who require medical assistance during transit but are not in an emergency situation. They provide the necessary support to travel safely and comfortably to their destinations.
Flying Angels, the Philadelphia-based company that has emerged as a leader in providing NEMT services, offers its services to dialysis patients and others who have chronic medical conditions, disabilities, or injuries. Patients are accompanied by a flight nurse throughout every step of their journey.
“All of our team are critical care nurses with flight physiology training,” Flying Angels Managing Director Bob Bachelor said in an interview. “Most of them have been nurses for 15, 20 years, or more.”
Transporting Dialysis Patients With NEMT Services
For dialysis patients who choose to work with an NEMT company, the journey begins with meticulous planning. Patients work with an RN Flight Coordinator who books all the arrangements for the trip, including coordination with airlines and airports for any special services such as expedited check-ins, security clearance, and boarding processes.
In the case of dialysis patients, they can also contact dialysis centers and other healthcare providers that the patient may need at their destination.
A key component of NEMT services is the provision of medical escorts — trained nurses who travel with patients on commercial airlines. They monitor the patient’s health, manage medications, handle medical equipment, and provide medical care if needed. Their presence ensures that dialysis patients receive continuous medical oversight during flights.
On the flight, flight nurses monitor vital signs, administer medications, and ensure that the patient remains stable and comfortable during the flight. This is particularly important for dialysis patients who may experience fatigue or other symptoms related to their condition.
Benefits of NEMT Services for Dialysis Patients
Transporting dialysis patients on commercial airlines using NEMT services offers benefits to both patients and their families.
Safety and reliability. The primary benefit of NEMT services for air travel is the assurance of safety and reliability. With trained nurses accompanying them, patients travel with confidence, knowing their health is continuously monitored and help is readily available in case of any medical issues.
Comfort and convenience. Traveling with a flight nurse alleviates much of the stress and discomfort associated with air travel for dialysis patients. From handling medical equipment to providing personal care, nurses make the journey as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Customized care. NEMT services such as Flying Angels offer personalized care tailored to the unique needs of each patient. This includes accommodating specific medical requirements, dietary restrictions, and any other special needs that may arise during travel.
Peace of mind for families. For family members, knowing their loved one is receiving professional medical care throughout their journey provides immense peace of mind. It allows them to focus on other aspects of the trip or simply enjoy their time together without constant worry.
By taking advantage of the benefits offered by NEMT services, dialysis patients can approach air travel with much less stress and the confidence that comes with having the support they need.
