Flying With a Portable Oxygen Concentrator in Canada: 2026 Airline Guide

A big change for 2026: Air Canada is ending onboard oxygen

If you've flown with airline supplied oxygen before, the rules just changed.

Air Canada is shutting down its Medipak onboard oxygen service. In the airline's words, it is "retiring our Medipak oxygen service in September 2026." Customers are being moved to portable oxygen concentrators instead. You can bring your own, or rent one through the airline's approved provider (Air Canada).

Here's what that means for you. On Canada's biggest airline, your own concentrator is now the main way to fly with oxygen.

WestJet and Porter already worked this way. They don't supply oxygen at all. So owning a travel ready concentrator with enough battery life is now the difference between taking the trip and staying home.

Is your oxygen concentrator approved for flying?

There are two ways your device can qualify. Knowing which one applies to you saves a very stressful conversation at the gate.

Option 1: Look for the red label

Check the outside of your concentrator for a label printed in red text. It says the manufacturer has determined the device meets all FAA acceptance criteria for use on board aircraft.

That label is your ticket. Transport Canada confirms that manufacturer tested concentrators carry this exact label. WestJet accepts any concentrator that has it.

Most modern travel concentrators have it. Check yours tonight so you're not squinting at a label in an airport lineup.

Option 2: Check the approved model list

Older units are approved by name instead. Transport Canada lists models that must be accepted whether or not they have the label, including:

• AirSep Focus, FreeStyle, FreeStyle 5, LifeStyle
• DeVilbiss Healthcare iGo
• Inogen One, One G2, One G3
• Inova Labs LifeChoice and LifeChoice Activox
• Invacare Solo2 and XPO2
• Precision Medical EasyPulse
• Respironics EverGo and SimplyGo
• SeQual Eclipse, eQuinox (model 4000), Oxywell (model 4000), SAROS
• VBox Trooper

Airlines publish their own lists too, and they're usually longer. Air Canada's list includes newer units like the Inogen Rove 4 and Rove 6.

Newer device and not on any list? That's normal

The FAA stopped adding new models to a central list back in 2016. Manufacturers now self-certify instead (FAA).

So if your concentrator is newer than 2016 and isn't listed anywhere, don't panic. The red label is your proof, not the list.

What if you have neither?

You can usually still bring the device. But you may not be able to use it the whole flight.

WestJet is the clearest on this. Concentrators that meet neither standard may be carried on board, but used "only during the cruise portion of the flight" (WestJet).

If you need oxygen during takeoff and climb, that doesn't work. This is the single best reason to buy a properly labelled travel unit.

How many batteries do you need to fly with oxygen?

This is where most travellers get caught out. The rule is based on your whole travel day, not just your flight time.

You need battery power for 1.5 times your total travel time.

All the major sources agree on this number. Air Canada tells you to bring "enough battery power for 1.5 times your total travel time." WestJet calls 1.5 times "a good standard to follow." Transport Canada uses the same 150% figure. It also says to include ground time, connections and a reserve for delays.

Count your day like this: time you arrive at the airport + waiting at the gate + boarding and taxi + the flight + taxi and getting off + baggage and your ride at the other end. Then multiply by 1.5.

These times are estimates for planning. Build your own number from your real booking, and always round up.

Watch your flow setting

Battery life drops fast as your setting goes up. A unit rated for 12 hours at setting 1 may only give you a few hours at setting 4 or 5.

Always do the math at your prescribed setting, not the number on the box. Most people flying across the country or overseas need a second or third battery. You can build to your number with our oxygen concentrator batteries and power supplies.

How to pack spare batteries

• Carry-on only. Spare lithium batteries can't go in checked bags.
• Protect each one. Use the original box, tape over the terminals, or put each battery in its own bag or pouch.
• Air Canada: a battery already inside your device doesn't count as a spare.
• WestJet: maximum 100 watt hours per battery, and up to 20 spare batteries per guest.
• Porter: larger batteries (8 to 25 g lithium content) are limited to two spares per person.

Canadian airline oxygen rules compared

All details below were checked on September 1, 2026 on each airline's own accessibility pages. Confirm before you travel.

Air Canada

• Your own concentrator: yes, but it must be on Air Canada's approved model chart. Call Accessibility Services if yours isn't listed.
• Airline oxygen: Medipak ends September 2026.
• Oxygen tanks: not allowed. Personal cylinders, oxygen generators, canned oxygen and liquid oxygen devices are all prohibited.
• Battery: 1.5 times total travel time.
• Notice: at least 48 hours.
• Form: Air Travel Requirements Assessment Form. You fill Section 1, your healthcare provider fills Section 2. Email it to accessible@aircanada.ca.
• In-seat power: no.
• Size limit: your device must fit within 23 x 40 x 55 cm and 10 kg, or it gets checked.
• Good news for CPAP users: no medical approval needed if you use CPAP or BiPAP for sleep apnea only.
  
  

WestJet and WestJet Encore

• Your own concentrator: yes, with the red FAA label or a model on WestJet's list. Units with neither can be carried but used only during cruise.
• Airline oxygen: none. WestJet "only accepts Portable Oxygen Concentrators for use on all flights where oxygen is required."
• Battery: 1.5 times total travel time. Max 100 Wh per battery, 20 spares.
• Notice: submit medical documents 10 business days ahead.
• Form: Air Travel Requirements Assessment Form to MedDesk@WestJet.com, or fax 1-866-737-1202.
• In-seat power: no.
• Seating: if your device won't fit under the seat, ask the crew to move you.

Porter Airlines

• Your own concentrator: yes, with the red label or a model on Porter's list. Porter also accepts CPAP, BiPAP, ventilators and respirators.
• Airline oxygen: none. Porter "does not supply medical oxygen on board" and doesn't allow compressed or liquid oxygen on the aircraft at all.
• Battery: enough for your full travel time, including ground time and delays.
• Notice: 48 hours. Late forms "may result in delays or refusal to board."
• Form: Form C, "Request for Portable Oxygen Concentrator Use in Flight." Your doctor signs it, dated within the past year. Email disabilityassistance@flyporter.com and carry a copy with you.
• In-seat power: no.
• Size: must fit a space 17 x 15 x 8.5 inches, and you must be able to operate it yourself.

Air Transat

• Your own concentrator: yes, with the FAA label or a model on Transat's list.
• Airline oxygen: yes, Air Transat is the exception. It still offers cylinder oxygen supplied by VitalAire. Fees apply and are quoted on request, with no refund for unused oxygen. Not available on codeshare or partner operated flights.
• Battery: all medical devices must run on their own power. Spare batteries in carry-on only.
• Notice: forms must be completed within 30 days of departure and sent at least 48 hours before your flight.
• Form: Air Transat medical form signed by your doctor, plus a cylinder oxygen request form if you're using their oxygen.
• Seating: no bulkhead or emergency exit rows if you're using supplemental oxygen.
• CPAP: accepted as carry-on within 23 x 40 x 55 cm. Distilled water for it is exempt from liquid limits.
  
  

Flair Airlines

Flair does not publish an oxygen or medical device policy that we could find or verify. If you're flying Flair, call them before you book and get written confirmation that your device is accepted and what battery rules apply. Canada's accessibility regulations still require carriers to let you bring a portable oxygen concentrator on board.

The paperwork, step by step

1. Book your flight, then start the medical form right away. The 48-hour and 10-business day clocks run to your departure, not to your booking.
2. Download the right form. Air Canada, WestJet and Air Transat all use an Air Travel Requirements Assessment Form. Porter uses its own Form C.
3. Fill in your part. Your name, booking reference, travel dates, and your device make, model and flow setting.
4. Your doctor fills in the medical part. Your diagnosis, oxygen prescription, litre flow or pulse setting, and confirmation you're fit to fly. A nurse practitioner or respiratory therapist can often sign too.
5. Send it by email or fax to the airline's medical desk. Keep the confirmation.
6. Carry a paper copy and your prescription in your carry-on. Never in checked baggage.

Watch the dates: Air Transat wants the form signed within 30 days of your flight, and Porter wants a signature dated within the past year.

Your travel day checklist

• Charge everything the night before, your device and every spare battery, to 100%.
• Carry the concentrator, don't pack it. A proper concentrator backpack or travel cart keeps it safe and your hands free.
• Wrap each spare battery so the terminals can't touch metal.
• Bring your AC and DC cords for the hotel and the rental car, plus a plug adapter if you're going overseas.
• Leave extra time at security. Double battery packs sometimes get extra screening, and rules vary by country.
• Tell the gate agent you're travelling with a concentrator, before boarding.
• Think about your seat. The device has to fit under the seat in front of you.
• Pack spare cannulas and tubing. They weigh nothing and you can't buy them at 35,000 feet.
• Bring a pulse oximeter so you can check your oxygen levels in the dry cabin air.

Best portable oxygen concentrators for air travel in Canada

For flying, judge a concentrator on three things, in this order:

1. Is it labelled or listed?
2. How many hours does it run at your setting?
3. How heavy is it to carry through a terminal?

Price matters less than being stuck at a gate with a dead battery.

Inogen Rove 6 - best for long flights

Six pulse settings and 4.8 lb with the standard battery. It runs up to 6 hours 15 minutes on the standard battery, or 12 hours 45 minutes on the extended battery at setting 1. It meets FAA criteria for use on board aircraft and appears on Air Canada's approved list.

That extended battery figure lines up almost exactly with what you need for a Toronto to Vancouver travel day. See the Inogen Rove 6.

Inogen Rove 4 - lightest to carry

Just 2.9 lb, four pulse settings, and up to 5 hours 45 minutes of battery. Inogen confirms it "meets FAA acceptance criteria for carriage and use on board aircraft."

It's a great pick for shorter domestic flights, or if you struggle with weight. Just make sure your prescription fits settings 1 to 4. See the Inogen Rove 4.

CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort - most comfortable to wear

Five settings up to 1,050 mL/min, and 5 to 6 lb depending on the battery. The curved body is shaped to sit against you on a shoulder strap instead of digging in. See the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort.

CAIRE Eclipse 5 - if you need continuous flow

Most travel concentrators only do pulse dose. If your prescription needs continuous flow, this is your option: 0.5 to 3 LPM continuous, plus pulse settings up to 9. It's FAA approved for commercial air travel and comes from the SeQual Eclipse family named in Transport Canada's list.

The trade-off is weight 18.7 lb and just over 5 hours per battery cartridge. Plan on multiple cartridges. See the CAIRE Eclipse 5.

iGo2 - adjusts your dose automatically

Under 5 lb, with SmartDose technology that adjusts delivery to your breathing rate. Battery is about 3.5 hours at setting 2, so bring spares. Both the iGo and iGo2 are on Air Canada's approved list. See the iGo2.

Browse all portable oxygen concentrators in Canada, or start with our travel oxygen essentials.

Once you arrive

• Plugs and power. Most concentrator power supplies handle 100 to 240 V, so a plug adapter is usually all you need abroad. Check your unit's label to be sure.
• Altitude. Output can drop at elevation. Heading to Banff, Whistler or Mexico City? Ask your doctor whether your setting needs to change.
• Cruises and trains. Cruise lines have their own forms and usually need more notice than airlines. Trains and buses in Canada fall under the same accessibility rules that protect your right to bring a concentrator.
• Travelling to the US. Canadian airlines follow the same FAA standard, so a labelled device works in both directions. Carry your prescription and doctor's letter anyway.
• Heat and dust. Never leave your concentrator in a hot car, and pack spare intake filters for dusty or beach destinations.
  
  

Common questions about flying with oxygen in Canada

Can I use my oxygen concentrator during takeoff and landing?

If your device has the red FAA label or is on the airline's list, WestJet allows use during all phases of flight. Devices with neither can only be used during cruise. Air Canada and Porter don't publish a specific takeoff and landing rule, so if you need oxygen non-stop, confirm with your airline in advance.

Do I need a prescription to fly with oxygen in Canada?

Yes, in practice. Every major Canadian airline requires a medical form with a section signed by your doctor confirming your oxygen prescription and that you're fit to fly. Concentrators are also prescription devices when you buy them in Canada.

How many batteries do I need for a flight?

Enough to cover about 1.5 times your total travel time at your prescribed setting. That includes airport time, connections and delays. Because battery life drops at higher settings, most people flying long distances need one or two spares.

Can I bring an oxygen tank on a plane in Canada?

Usually no. Air Canada bans personal oxygen cylinders, oxygen generators, canned oxygen and liquid oxygen devices. Porter doesn't allow compressed or liquid oxygen on board at all. Air Transat is the one exception, it still sells its own cylinder oxygen service.

Will the airline give me oxygen if I don't have a concentrator?

Less and less. WestJet and Porter don't supply oxygen at all. Air Canada is ending its Medipak service in September 2026 and telling customers to bring or rent a concentrator. Air Transat still offers cylinder oxygen for a fee, but not on partner operated flights.

Can I charge my concentrator on the plane?

No. Air Canada, WestJet and Porter all say onboard outlets can't be used for medical devices. Plan as if there's no power available.

How far ahead do I need to tell the airline?

At least 48 hours for Air Canada, Porter and Air Transat. WestJet asks for medical documents 10 business days ahead. Earlier is always safer, medical desks aren't instant.

Can I check my concentrator as baggage?

You can, but you shouldn't if you need it while travelling. Spare batteries have to be in the cabin either way. Air Canada also limits carry-on devices to 23 x 40 x 55 cm and 10 kg bigger than that and it must be checked.

Does the airline charge a fee for my concentrator?

No. None of the airlines we checked charge for carrying or using your own concentrator, and WestJet says outright that it doesn't charge for medical equipment. Fees only apply to airline supplied cylinder oxygen.

Is a CPAP treated the same as an oxygen concentrator?

It's simpler. Air Canada doesn't require medical approval for CPAP or BiPAP used for sleep apnea alone, and Porter accepts CPAP as a respiratory device. You'll still need battery power, since you can't use the seat outlet. Read our guide to travelling with your CPAP machine and see our travel CPAP essentials.