Can I bring my oxygen tank on board the aircraft?
Oxygen tanks can only be brought on board an aircraft with a particular type of certification. Your broker can discuss this with the operator, then relay the information to you. In some cases, you may need to purchase a different tank to bring on board.
Is the specification dictated by the FAA?
The specifications are primarily dictated by the FAA. You can read the extensive Part 135 rules on oxygen tanks here, but the operator may also have their own restrictions.
Oxygen tanks are used by patients who need them for medical reasons. Cabins are not always pressurized at sea level pressure, but they can be on some aircraft. For example, a passenger may have spores in their lungs that grow when air is pressurized above sea level pressure. Where possible, the aircraft pressure will be altered to accommodate this.
Interior pressurization varies by aircraft and can affect your flying experience. Higher pressure can make you feel more tired. For example, you may feel more tired flying from Europe to the US on a Legacy compared to a Gulfstream, as the Legacy is pressurized to a higher cabin altitude.
Which oxygen tanks are approved by the FAA?
Here are some of the oxygen tanks that are approved by the FAA for use on aircraft:
- AirSep Focus
- AirSep FreeStyle
- AirSep FreeStyle 5
- AirSep LifeStyle
- Delphi RS-00400
- DeVilbiss Healthcare iGo
- Inogen One
- Inogen One G2
- Inogen One G3
- Inova Labs LifeChoice
- Inova Labs LifeChoice Activox
- International Biophysics LifeChoice
- Invacare XPO
- Invacare Solo2
- Oxlife Independence Oxygen Concentrator
- Oxus RS-00400
- Precision Medical EasyPulse
- Respironics EverGo
- Respironics Simply Go
- SeQual Eclipse
- SeQual SAROS
If somebody wants to bring oxygen with them, is this something that they have to have approved in advance?
You will definitely need approval in advance to bring oxygen with you, and you can’t bring it on as cargo. Let your broker know of any medical concerns before you fly, including all medical devices you’ll need, so they may ensure the aircraft is equipped with the proper outlets and voltage requirements.
Most private jets don’t come with the medical devices you might find on a major airline. If somebody has a medical condition, they should bring whatever they need on the flight.
If needed, are there electric outlets on board for my oxygen tank?
You will find electric outlets on board your aircraft, but the voltage might not match that of your oxygen tank. It’s important you speak to your broker about this beforehand. If the outlet is far away from the seating, they can also provide an extension cord.
