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Traveling by Airplane for COPD patients on POV
I just read that Southwest airlines will require lithium batteries to b removed during flights. What will happen to those people that require 24/7 supplemental oxygen and use Portable units?
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I can’t imagine that the requirements have changed for portable oxygen units. There’s already rules in place for that and I imagine that would continue.
Southwest only wants lithium batteries in your carryon, not in your checked luggage.
So if you’re like me, you have your portable oxygen with you, so nothing has changed in that regard.
Hope this helps.
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1 ReactionYou are both correct and I stand corrected! When I re-read the article it was concerning the lithium batteries for mobility devices and did not mention POV. Sorry to be such an alarmist! Thank you for the gentle correction!
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1 ReactionNo worries… I have traveled with my husband and his oxygen and they are very careful on the airplanes. I was pretty sure their procedures were not gonna change. They are very efficient.
They are enforcing the limits of 100 watt hours and maximum of 2 batteries up to 160 watt hours more stringently. Batteries should have their watt hours printed on the battery.
I just flew and they were fine with my portable. I just had to tell them that there was enough battery life to get me through if needed!
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1 ReactionI have found the secret of flying with oxygen is to make sure they know you have enough battery life. Make sure you go with the big battery. Good for you It’ll keep you moving.
Actually if your battery exceeds 160 watt hours it can be confiscated. I don’t risk it and leave my battery above that limit home instead of flying with it. You are supposed to have 50% more than battery projected for duration of travel.