Travel by Air
Fly through the air with the XPO2 Portable Concentrator
 Air travel is easy now that the Federal Aviation Administration has approved the XPO2 portable concentrator for use onboard commercial aircraft. See all of the commercial airlines that have approved the XPO2 concentrator for onboard use.
Before You Travel - At Home
1. Prepare in advance. Call or visit your travel carrier, internet site, or travel agency about your travel plans. You must provide information about your intent to use a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) during your travels. The carrier will let you know if you will be permitted to use your XPO2 during your travel and if there are any restrictions for use.
Note: If you are not permitted to use your XPO2 on the airline of choice and still want to take it with you:
• Carry it and any disconnected supplemental batteries on board with you
• Ensure the unit is turned off
• Stow it properly for the flight
• Do not place the XPO2 or any supplemental battery modules in your checked baggage
2. You must notify the airline in advance that you will be flying with an FAA approved POC on the aircraft. Check with the airline to see if they have seats with a power outlet that you can use to run the XPO2 during the flight. If a power outlet is not available, be sure to bring enough supplemental batteries to last the entire duration of your travel plans. Plan on your flight times plus enough time to cover any unexpected delays beyond scheduled flight times. Carry your power adapters with you so you can recharge batteries before and after the flight.
3. You must have a licensed physician's signed statement on a standard form, the doctor's letterhead or an airline-approved form with you at all times during your trip that contains the following information:
• If you need oxygen during taxi, takeoff, flight times, landing, or the entire time you are traveling.
• The flow rate(s) that you will use during your trip.
• Your understanding, or that of your travel companion, of all the cautions, warnings, and alarms of the XPO2 and what to do if there is an alarm situation with the device.
• Your personal information such as name, date of birth, and the model name or number of the XPO2.
Upon Arrival at the Airport
1. When you check in at the travel desk or check-in counter, explain that you will be traveling with a POC. Allow inspection of the XPO2 or your physician's statement if asked.
2. When going through the security checkpoint, the Security Agency will inspect your device, even if you are using it. They are required to allow you to travel through the checkpoint with your device, but they must inspect it for security reasons.
3. Use your AC power adapter while you are in the airport, if possible. This will keep the batteries at full charge and give you the most battery powered operating time on the aircraft.
When Boarding the Plane
1. You must show the pilot and, if requested, the flight crew, your signed physician's statement regarding your use of the XPO2. They need to know the flow rates and times that you will be using the device.
2. The flight crew may want to inspect the XPO2 to confirm that it is FAA approved for use on the flight. They need to protect your safety and the safety of all other passengers on the flight.
3. You are not permitted to sit in an exit row if you plan to use your XPO2 at any time during the flight.
4. If you are not planning to use your XPO2 during taxi, takeoff, or landing, you must stow it in an approved area so it does not block the row or aisle access.
5. If you are going to use your XPO2 the entire time you are on the plane, you cannot sit in any seat that blocks access to an emergency or regular exit or aisle way.
6. No smoking or open flame is permitted within 10 feet of the row you are sitting in.
While On the Plane
1. You can only use your XPO2 unit during those times that your physician has listed on your travel approval form. It must be turned off and stowed when you are not authorized to use it.
2. Do not use any lotions, creams, or salves that are petroleum based. Use only products that are approved for use with oxygen. Do not use airline supplied products unless they are specifically marked for oxygen use.
3. You must stow a supplemental battery either securely connected to the XPO2 or in your carry-on baggage. Any and all supplemental batteries must be protected from damage and shorting out the external power connector.
4. When the pilot turns off the "Fasten Seat Belt" sign, you may use your XPO2 when moving about the cabin if you are authorized by your physician's statement.
5. If the XPO2 alarms during the flight, you or your traveling companion must turn the unit off, unless the alarm resets itself. If the alarm does not reset, the XPO2 must be turned off and stored in an approved storage area.
6. If an AC power outlet is available on the flight, connect the power adapter to the XPO2 first before plugging the power adapter into the airline power outlet. If you have any trouble making the connections to the plane's power outlet, contact the flight crew for assistance.
When Deplaning
1. Recharge the batteries as soon as an AC power outlet is available. This will ensure you have enough power to run your XPO2 while leaving the airport. Refer to RECHARGING THE BATTERY in the XPO2 Concentrator owner's manual.
2. If necessary, contact your medical gas supplier to pickup or drop off your backup oxygen supply.
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