Can I Take Medical Equipment On A Plane?
Supplementary oxygen
We'll connect you with an authorised oxygen provider for domestic flights in New Zealand.
Due to safety considerations, private and hospital compressed gas cylinders are not allowed to be carried on board Air New Zealand aircraft.
Due to various operational factors, Air New Zealand may not be able to provide the requested oxygen on a flight. This means that passengers are still able to travel on a flight with the possibility of receiving supplementary oxygen.
Air New Zealand can also provide supplementary oxygen to international passengers on domestic flights. The company's Avia Pulse oxygen bottle can provide up to 2 liters of oxygen per minute. It's powered by a device that senses when you breathe in and automatically delivers oxygen to the first part of each breath.
If you're not familiar with this product, or are worried about its safety, consult with your doctor about the proper usage of this device. It can also be set to provide continuous oxygen.
If traveling to and from New Zealand, Air New Zealand will provide supplementary oxygen to its domestic and international passengers.
Bringing your own medical equipment
Medical equipment that are used on board must have an Air New Zealand Engineering certificate. This includes but not limited to a portable oxygen device, a respiratory device, and a nebuliser.
Before boarding, make sure that you have the necessary medical clearance from your doctor. It's also important to note the conditions of your clearance.
If you're planning on using a portable oxygen device on the plane, this item must meet the requirements of the flight medical clearance.
If you're planning on using a portable CPAP device, make sure that it meets the flight medical clearance requirements.
Despite having approval from Air New Zealand, the airline cannot be held liable for the malfunction of the medical equipment that passengers use on board.
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Connecting medical devices to aircraft power
The Boeing 777 aircraft series has power outlets that are designed to provide 115Vs at 400 Hertz. These outlets are not compatible with standard domestic power supplies.
On international flights, the availability of medical power outlets can vary depending on the aircraft you're on.
In-plane power is not approved for medical equipment, except for some CPAP devices. Before you can use them, make sure that your device has received the necessary medical clearance.
Due to the safety restrictions associated with the use of aircraft power, it is usually safer to travel with rechargeable batteries.
Before you can use the aircraft medical power, you must first secure the necessary approvals from Air New Zealand Engineering. This usually takes a couple of weeks to complete. Once the device has been assessed, the manufacturer can then give their written approval.
Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) / respirator / ventilator
You must provide Air New Zealand Engineering with a minimum of 48 hours' notice to confirm that you will be using the device.
The device must be stowed in a way that meets the safety and security regulations.
If you are traveling with a portable oxygen concentrator or respiratory device, it is required to meet the following requirements to use the aircraft medical power.
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Bringing Medical Devices Onboard the Airlines for Free
Due to the fees for bringing bags onboard, many people avoid bringing anything that's larger than a small backpack or a purse. If you're flying on a low-cost carrier, then you'll most likely be hit with additional fees.
It's not uncommon to find bags that can be used for free on low-cost airlines. However, these bags must be accompanied by a medical device.
If you bring a medical device that's needed for a specific reason, all US airlines will allow free accommodations on flights. This includes, but is not limited to, medical equipment such as CPAP machines and breast pumps.
Some medical equipment, such as CPAP machines and point-of-care supplies, can be brought on board for free without exceeding your normal baggage allowance. However, these items must be in an overhead compartment and have the same size rules as other carry-on bags.
Ideally, if traveling with a medically-required device, you should have the airlines' policy on how to carry it printed on your ticket. This will help avoid getting confused with the crew when you encounter them. If it's a non-medical item, you should contact the airlines at least 48 hours in advance to let them know about the use of your bag.
While it's generally not allowed to bring a car seat or a stroller onboard for free, these items can be checked if necessary.
Before you pay for an extra bag, think about whether the item is already provided by the airline.
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