Travel Guide · 2026
Starting oxygen therapy doesn't mean your travelling days are behind you. With the right preparation — and the right machine — you can fly interstate, take road trips, and explore the world. Here's everything you need to know.
✈️ Flying tips
🔋 Battery calculator
📋 Printable travel checklist
🇦🇺 Australia-focused
✅ All our POCs are FAA-approved
🛡️ TGA Approved
✅ NDIS Registered
🚚 Australia-Wide Delivery
📞 1300 758 613
Oxygen therapy is a daily commitment — but it doesn't have to keep you grounded. Millions of people around the world travel by air, road, and sea with portable oxygen concentrators every year, and with a bit of planning, so can you.
Whether you're flying to visit family, heading off on a cruise, or planning a long-awaited holiday, this guide walks through every step — what to organise before you go, what to know at the airport, how to calculate your battery needs, and our best travel bundles for Australian travellers.
✅ Good news: every portable oxygen concentrator we sell is FAA-approved
The FAA (US Federal Aviation Administration) sets the global standard for which portable oxygen concentrators are permitted on commercial aircraft. Every portable unit in the Rapid Medical Supplies range meets this standard, so you won't need to worry about device approval — just the steps below.
1 Before You Fly — Step by Step
Do These Before Your Trip
Don't leave this to the last minute. Airlines can deny boarding if the right documentation isn't in place. Start the process at least 1–2 weeks before domestic travel, and 3–4 weeks before international flights.
1
Confirm your concentrator is FAA-approved
If you purchased from Rapid Medical Supplies — you're covered. All our portable oxygen concentrators are FAA-approved. If you have a machine from another source, check the manufacturer's website or the US DOT approved device list. The FAA approval is usually printed on the device label.
2
Get a letter from your doctor
Most airlines require a medical clearance or fit-to-fly letter. Your doctor's letter should include:
- Your name and diagnosis
- That you require supplemental oxygen during the flight
- Your prescribed flow rate (LPM) and delivery mode (pulse or continuous)
- Confirmation that you are medically fit to fly
- The make and model of your concentrator (if known)
- The doctor's name, signature, and contact details
Some airlines have their own medical form they prefer — check when you call them. The prescription reference form from our first-timer's guide can help.
3
Notify the airline — don't skip this
Even though your device is approved, airlines require advance notice before you travel with medical oxygen. Contact your airline's medical assistance or special needs team directly:
-
Domestic flights: at least 48–72 hours before departure
-
International flights: at least 2–4 weeks before is recommended
- Have your device model number ready when you call
- Confirm whether the airline counts medical devices as carry-on or separate
- Ask about their specific form requirements — some have their own
4
Calculate your battery — the 150% rule
Airlines require you to carry at least 150% of your total travel time in battery capacity. This covers delays, diversions, and time on the tarmac — not just the flight itself. Use the battery calculator below to work out exactly what you need.
5
Check your travel insurance
Notify your travel insurer that you travel with a medical device and that you have a respiratory condition. Make sure your policy covers:
- Medical equipment replacement or repair while overseas
- Medical evacuation if your condition worsens
- Pre-existing condition cover
6
For international travel — check power compatibility
Most modern portable concentrators support a wide voltage range (100–240V) and include a DC car charger. Before you travel internationally:
- Check your AC adaptor supports the destination country's voltage
- Pack the appropriate plug adaptor for each country
- Consider bringing your DC car charger as a backup power option
- Check whether your destination requires any import documentation for medical devices
2 Battery Calculator — How Much Do You Need?
⚡ Interactive Tool
Enter your total door-to-door travel time (include time at airport, on the plane, and any connections) to calculate the minimum battery you need to meet the airline's 150% rule.
⚠️
Always round up, never down. Battery life figures are measured at the lowest flow setting. At higher flow settings, runtime will be shorter. If your prescribed flow rate is setting 3 or above, reduce your expected runtime by 20–30% when calculating. When in doubt — bring more batteries.
3 At the Airport
Day of Travel
✅ Do These
- Arrive earlier than usual — allow extra time for security screening
- Carry your doctor's letter and prescription in your hand luggage, not your checked bags
- Keep the device in its carry bag and accessible at security
- Inform the security officer you have a medical device before you reach the scanner
- Keep the device switched on or in standby — showing it works speeds up screening
- Ask staff at check-in about the designated seating area (window seats near power points on some aircraft)
- Board early if the airline offers priority boarding for medical passengers — ask!
❌ Don't Do These
- Don't put your concentrator in checked luggage — it must travel with you in the cabin
- Don't assume all airlines will charge your device in-flight — most don't have compatible power points
- Don't leave batteries loose in your bag — use the original packaging or a protective case
- Don't forget to turn on the device before takeoff if you need continuous use during ascent
- Don't rely on airline oxygen as a backup — they won't provide it
4 On the Plane
In-Flight
Once you're on board, using your concentrator is straightforward. A few things to keep in mind:
-
Most airlines allow use from gate to gate — confirm with your airline whether you can use it during taxi, takeoff and landing or only at altitude
- Stow the device under the seat in front of you for easy access — most concentrators are too large for the overhead locker during use
- If you use a pulse flow device, your oxygen delivery may feel slightly different at altitude — this is normal. The device compensates automatically
- Cabin air is pressurised to the equivalent of 6,000–8,000 feet — your doctor may prescribe a slightly higher flow rate for flying if you have more severe respiratory impairment. Ask at your pre-flight appointment
- Stay hydrated — cabin air is very dry and can affect mucous membranes. Drink water regularly
- Let the flight attendants know you're using a medical device at the start of the flight
💡
Tip: Carry a small bag with spare nasal cannulas and tubing — these can crack or get kinked in transit. Having a spare means you're never left without, even if something gets damaged. Our oxygen tubing and cannulas are available separately.
5 Major Australian Airline Requirements
Quick Reference
Requirements vary by airline. Always call to confirm — policies can change. This table is a general guide only.
| Airline |
Notice Required |
Doctor's Letter |
Own Form? |
Contact |
| Qantas |
48 hrs minimum |
Required |
Yes — Medical Information Form (MEDA) |
1300 650 370 (medical) |
| Virgin Australia |
48 hrs minimum |
Required |
Yes — Medical Clearance Form |
13 67 89 |
| Jetstar |
48 hrs minimum |
Required |
Yes — Special Assistance form |
1300 737 287 |
| Rex Airlines |
48 hrs minimum |
Required |
Doctor's letter typically sufficient |
13 17 13 |
| Emirates / Etihad / Singapore Airlines |
72 hrs – 2 weeks |
Required |
Airline-specific MEDIF form |
Check airline website |
Always confirm directly with your airline as policies change. This is a general guide only.
6 Road Trips, Cruises & Other Travel
Beyond Flying
Air travel gets most of the attention, but road trips and cruises have their own considerations:
🚗 Driving & Road Trips
- Most portable concentrators include a DC car charger — plug into your 12V socket to run the machine and charge batteries while you drive
- Never leave your concentrator in a hot car — heat can damage the device and reduce battery life
- Plan your route around power options — motels, caravan parks, and rest stops with power for overnight charging
- If doing remote travel, consider a backup power bank or solar charging setup
- Keep the air intake vents clear — don't pack items tightly around the device
🚢 Cruises
- Notify the cruise line's medical team well in advance — most have a specific process for medical equipment
- Cruise cabins typically have standard Australian or international power points — confirm before you sail
- Shore excursions: treat these like day trips — bring enough battery for the full excursion time plus 50%
- Many cruise lines have an onboard medical team who can assist if you have any issues with your equipment
7 Travel Packing Checklist
Tick These Off Before You Leave
🧳 Oxygen Travel Checklist
Documents
-
Doctor's letter / medical clearance for flying
-
Copy of oxygen prescription / prescription reference form
-
Airline medical clearance confirmation number or email
-
Travel insurance documents (confirm medical equipment is covered)
-
Device manual and FAA approval documentation
Equipment & Power
-
Portable oxygen concentrator (charged and tested)
-
Enough batteries for 150% of total travel time — calculated and confirmed
-
AC power supply / wall charger
-
DC car charger (for road trips or hire cars)
-
International plug adaptor (if travelling overseas)
-
External battery charger (charge spare batteries independently)
Supplies & Accessories
-
Spare nasal cannulas (at least 2–3 extras)
-
Spare oxygen tubing
-
Carry bag or backpack for the concentrator
-
Pulse oximeter to monitor SpO2 levels during travel
-
Contact number for Rapid Medical Supplies (1300 758 613) in case of equipment issues
Before You Leave Home
-
Test run machine on full charge the night before
-
All batteries fully charged
-
Filters cleaned and in good condition
-
Notified a trusted contact of your travel plans and emergency procedures
8 Best Travel Bundles — Inogen One Rove 6
Built for Travel
The Inogen One Rove 6 is one of Australia's most popular travel oxygen concentrators — FAA-approved, 2.8kg, up to 13 hours on a single 16-cell battery, and up to 6 pulse flow settings. We've put together two purpose-built travel bundles that tick every airline requirement.
Save 31%
Great for: Short–Medium haul ✈️
Inogen Rove 6 — Extra Plus+ Bundle
What's included:
- Inogen One Rove 6 + 16-cell battery
-
Extra 16-cell battery — up to 26 hrs total
- External battery charger
- 6x cannulas (6 months' supply)
- Carry bag, AC power supply & DC car charger
- User manual
✔ Covers flights up to ~17 hrs travel time (150% rule)
$4,549
was ~$6,600
View Bundle →
Save 32%
Best for: Long haul & extended travel ✈️
Inogen Rove 6 — Traveller Plus+ Plus+ Bundle
What's included:
- Inogen One Rove 6 + 3x 16-cell batteries
- Up to 39 hrs total battery life
- External battery charger
- Travel backpack
- Cannulas, AC & DC power supplies
- Australia's longest-range travel setup
✔ Covers flights up to ~26 hrs travel time (150% rule)
$5,399
was $7,989
View Bundle →
9 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly on a plane with a portable oxygen concentrator in Australia?
+
Yes. All FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators are permitted on commercial flights. You must notify your airline in advance (typically 48–72 hours for domestic, longer for international), carry a doctor's letter, and carry at least 150% of your total travel time in battery. Every portable unit sold by Rapid Medical Supplies is FAA-approved.
How much battery do I need to satisfy the airline's 150% rule?
+
Multiply your total door-to-door travel time by 1.5. For a 4-hour trip, you need 6 hours of battery. For a 14-hour long-haul, you need 21 hours. Always base this on your total travel time including time at the airport, not just the flight time. Use the battery calculator above, and always round up — never down.
Do I need a doctor's letter to fly with my oxygen concentrator?
+
Most airlines require a medical clearance letter confirming your diagnosis, that you require supplemental oxygen during the flight, your prescribed flow rate, and that you are fit to fly. Carry this letter with you even if not strictly required — it can resolve any issues at security or boarding far faster than explaining verbally. Some airlines have their own forms — always check when you call to notify them.
Can I put my oxygen concentrator in checked luggage?
+
No. Your portable oxygen concentrator must always travel with you in the cabin as carry-on. It cannot go in the hold. Most airlines classify it as a medical device and do not count it against your carry-on baggage allowance — but confirm this with your airline when you notify them.
Do airlines charge for using an oxygen concentrator on board?
+
Most airlines do not charge extra for using your own FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrator as it is classified as a medical device. However, policies vary by airline and route. Always confirm when you call to give advance notice. Note that airlines will not supply their own oxygen for your use — you must bring your own approved device.
What happens if my machine breaks down while I'm overseas?
+
Before you travel, save the emergency contact number for your device manufacturer and for Rapid Medical Supplies (1300 758 613). Make sure your travel insurance covers medical equipment failure or replacement. In a medical emergency, go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department and inform them of your oxygen requirements. In many countries, hospitals can supply short-term oxygen while arrangements are made.
Ready to Travel with Confidence?
Browse our range of FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators and travel bundles. Our team is here to help you find the right setup for your next trip.
Airline policies and requirements change frequently. Always confirm requirements directly with your airline before travel. This guide is for general information only and does not constitute medical or legal advice.
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