American Airlines Medical Equipment Policy: What Travelers Need to Know

Introduction

Traveling with medical equipment can feel overwhelming, but American Airlines provides clear guidelines and accommodations to ensure passengers with medical needs can fly safely and comfortably. Whether you require portable oxygen concentrators (POCs), CPAP machines, insulin pumps, or other assistive devices, understanding American Airlines’ policies will help you plan your trip with confidence.

This guide covers allowances, restrictions, necessary approvals, and in-flight usage guidelines for medical devices on American Airlines flights.

American Airlines Medical Equipment Policy Overview

1. American Airlines’ Medical Equipment Allowances

American Airlines allows passengers to bring essential medical devices, in addition to their standard carry-on baggage. This means that approved medical equipment does not count toward your carry-on limit, making it easier to travel with necessary healthcare items.

✔ Medical devices are permitted as additional carry-on items free of charge.
✔ Wheelchairs, mobility aids, and service animals are accommodated at no extra cost.
✔ Certain medical devices may require advance approval before your flight.
✔ Passengers must ensure their devices meet FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) guidelines for in-flight use.

2. Approved Medical Devices for Air Travel

American Airlines allows a wide range of FAA-approved medical devices on board, including:

• Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)
• CPAP, BiPAP, and APAP machines (for sleep apnea)
• Nebulizers and inhalers
• Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)
• Epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen)
• Feeding pumps and portable dialysis machines
• Wheelchairs and other mobility aids

3. Pre-Flight Approval: What Requires Advance Notification?

While many medical devices can be brought on board without special approval, some require pre-authorization from American Airlines before your flight.

📌 Devices that require advance approval (at least 48 hours before departure):
✔ Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) – Must be FAA-approved and meet airline safety regulations.
✔ Battery-powered medical devices (exceeding FAA limits) – Large battery-powered medical devices must comply with airline safety policies.
✔ Medical devices requiring electrical power on board – If you need to use a medical device that requires an onboard power supply, you must inform American Airlines ahead of time.

4. Using Medical Equipment During the Flight

Certain medical devices can be used in-flight, while others must be stored and cannot be operated on board.

✅ Devices Allowed for In-Flight Use

• Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) – Must be FAA-approved and used according to airline safety regulations.
• CPAP and BiPAP Machines – Allowed but must be battery-powered, as electrical outlets are not guaranteed on all aircraft.
• Insulin Pumps and Glucose Monitors – Allowed but may require manual adjustments in case of cabin pressure changes.
• Nebulizers – Allowed but should be battery-powered.

🚫 Devices NOT Allowed for In-Flight Use

• Compressed oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen – Not allowed on board due to safety regulations.
• Battery-powered medical devices that exceed FAA lithium battery limits – Must be checked and approved before travel.

5. Battery and Power Requirements for Medical Devices

Passengers using battery-operated medical equipment must comply with FAA lithium battery restrictions to prevent fire hazards.

🔋 Lithium Battery Guidelines for Medical Devices
✔ Carry spare batteries in your carry-on bag (batteries are NOT allowed in checked luggage).
✔ Each battery must be 100Wh or less (larger batteries up to 160Wh require airline approval).
✔ Carry enough batteries to power your device for at least 150% of the flight duration in case of delays.

💡 Tip: If you rely on a CPAP machine or another power-dependent device, bring a portable battery pack since power outlets are not guaranteed on all aircraft.

6. Transporting and Storing Medical Equipment

To ensure smooth security screening and boarding, follow these guidelines for packing and transporting medical equipment:

• Label your medical device with your name and contact information.
• Keep medications and medical supplies in their original containers for easy identification.
• Have a doctor’s note explaining your medical condition and need for the equipment (helpful for international travel).
• Arrive early at the airport to allow extra time for security screening.

✈ TSA PreCheck Tip: Passengers with medical conditions or mobility challenges can request TSA Cares assistance to help with screening.

7. Checking Larger Medical Equipment (Wheelchairs & Mobility Aids)

American Airlines accommodates passengers traveling with wheelchairs, mobility aids, and assistive devices at no extra cost.

🛞 Wheelchair & Mobility Aid Policies
✔ Manual wheelchairs and collapsible mobility aids can be stored in the cabin on select aircraft.
✔ Battery-powered wheelchairs and scooters must be checked at the ticket counter or gate.
✔ Dry-cell, lithium-ion, and gel-cell battery-powered devices are accepted with specific safety precautions.

🛑 Important Note: If traveling internationally, some airports may not have proper wheelchair accessibility, so contact American Airlines’ Special Assistance Desk ahead of time to make necessary arrangements.

8. Traveling with Medications & Medical Supplies

Passengers traveling with prescription medications, insulin, syringes, or medical liquids should follow these important guidelines:

💊 Bringing Medications on Board
✔ Keep medications in their original prescription bottles for easy identification.
✔ Liquid medications over 3.4 ounces (100mL) are allowed through TSA security but must be declared separately.
✔ Carry a doctor’s note or medical prescription if traveling internationally.
✔ Bring a small cooler for temperature-sensitive medications like insulin (airlines do not provide refrigeration).

📌 TSA Tip: You can request manual screening for medications to avoid placing them through X-ray machines.

9. Requesting Special Assistance

Passengers needing additional support with medical equipment, mobility, or in-flight accommodations can contact American Airlines’ Special Assistance Team at least 48 hours before departure.

📞 How to Request Special Assistance

• Call 1-800-433-7300 (within the U.S.)
• Use the American Airlines website to submit a request
• Inform the gate agent and flight crew about your medical needs before boarding

10. Why Choose American Airlines for Medical Travel?

American Airlines is one of the best U.S. airlines for travelers with medical needs, offering:

✔ Free carry-on of medical devices that don’t count toward baggage limits.
✔ Special assistance for boarding, deplaning, and connecting flights.
✔ Accommodation for mobility devices and wheelchairs.
✔ Pre-approved in-flight medical device usage.
✔ TSA and security support for passengers with medical conditions.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with medical equipment on American Airlines is straightforward when planned in advance. By understanding the airline’s medical device policies, battery regulations, and in-flight allowances, passengers can ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Medical devices are allowed as additional carry-on items for free.
• Some devices (like POCs) require advance airline approval.
• Battery-operated medical equipment must comply with FAA safety limits.
• Special assistance is available for passengers needing extra support.

With proper planning and coordination with American Airlines’ special assistance team, travelers with medical needs can fly with confidence and ease.