Todays smartly designed portable oxygen concentrator (POC) offers oxygen therapy patients mobility that was unheard of just a few years ago. No more hauling around bulky oxygen tanks or worrying about refilling liquid oxygen cylinders. POC's conveniently plug into standard electrical outlets or can be used with rechargeable batteries for further mobility. A frequently asked question is: "Can I use a portable oxygen concentrator on an airplane?"



Thanks to new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, now you can. The FAA's decision has been hailed by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) for giving the more than 1 million Americans requiring daily oxygen therapy the opportunity for air travel. The FAA has approved certain models of POC's for on-board use. Two of those approved models are the Inogen One and the SeQual Eclispe. Both of these units are top-of-the-line POC's that offer a variety of benefits for oxygen therapy patients.

Although the FAA has approved these models for air travel, there are certain criteria that must be met to use a POC on-board aircraft. They include:

* You must inform the airline of intended on-board use of oxygen prior to departure

* You must have a written statement from your physician detailing your oxygen requirements

* The statement must also declare the POC user has the ability to hear, see, understand and respond to the unit's alarms

* You must ensure the unit is properly stored during takeoff and landing

Despite the FAA ruling, not all airlines permit POC's on-board. Here are some of the airlines that currently allow POC's during flight:

* American Airlines

* Alaskan Airlines

* ATA Airlines

* Delta Airlines

* Frontier Airlines

* Northwest Airlines

* Southwest Airlines

* Sun Country

It is a good idea to check with the carrier anyway before you book your flight. Each carrier will have their own set of requirements regarding traveling with a POC. Here are a few things to do before your flight to help eliminate any potential problems:

* Check in with your carrier well before your departure time

* Make sure your POC is clean and in good working condition

* Make sure you have your written physician's statement

* Bring enough fully charged batteries for the duration of your flight, including possible delays.

Don't let oxygen therapy keep you from visiting family and friends in distant places. The Inogen One and SeQual Eclipse give you the freedom to hop on an airplane and live the active life you deserve.