Alaska Airlines Medical Equipment Policy: What You Should Know

Introduction

Traveling with medical equipment can be a challenge, but Alaska Airlines provides accommodations to ensure passengers with medical needs can fly safely and comfortably. Whether you require a portable oxygen concentrator (POC), CPAP machine, insulin pump, or mobility aid, Alaska Airlines has clear policies regarding the transport and in-flight use of medical devices.

This guide outlines Alaska Airlines’ guidelines for passengers traveling with medical equipment, including carry-on allowances, pre-flight approval requirements, battery policies, and in-flight usage guidelines.

Alaska Airlines Medical Equipment Policy

1. Policy Overview

Alaska Airlines allows passengers to bring necessary medical devices on board without counting them against standard carry-on baggage limits. The airline ensures that travelers with medical needs have access to their essential equipment while in flight.

✔ Medical devices are permitted as extra carry-on items free of charge.
✔ Passengers requiring special medical accommodations can request assistance before travel.
✔ Certain medical devices require advance airline approval to ensure compliance with FAA safety standards.
✔ Passengers using battery-powered medical devices must follow FAA battery safety regulations.

2. Approved Medical Devices for Air Travel

Alaska Airlines permits the transportation and use of FAA-approved medical devices, including:

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

📌 Note: Some devices require advance approval before they can be used during the flight.

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

While most medical devices can be carried on board without prior approval, Alaska Airlines requires advance notification for certain equipment to ensure compliance with FAA and airline safety policies.

📌 Devices that require pre-flight approval (at least 48 hours before departure):
✔ Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) – Must be FAA-approved and registered with Alaska Airlines before the flight.
✔ Battery-powered medical devices exceeding FAA limits – Devices with lithium-ion batteries over 100Wh require approval.
✔ Medical devices requiring in-flight power – If your device needs electrical power during the flight, you must notify Alaska Airlines in advance.

🔗 How to Request Approval:

• Call Alaska Airlines’ Accessible Services at 1-800-503-0101.
• Submit documentation via Alaska Airlines’ Accessibility Request Portal.
• Provide a doctor’s medical statement if using a POC or specialized medical device.

4. Using Medical Equipment During the Flight

Not all medical devices can be actively used during the flight, so passengers should review Alaska Airlines’ in-flight medical device policies before traveling.

✅ Devices Allowed for In-Flight Use

• FAA-approved Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)
• CPAP, BiPAP, and APAP machines (battery-powered preferred)
• Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)
• Nebulizers (battery-powered only)

🚫 Devices NOT Allowed for In-Flight Use

• Compressed oxygen tanks or liquid oxygen – Strictly prohibited due to FAA safety regulations.
• Non-FAA-approved respiratory devices – Cannot be operated on board.
• Devices requiring high-powered electrical connections – Alaska Airlines does not guarantee in-seat power on all aircraft.

📌 Tip: Alaska Airlines encourages passengers to bring battery-powered devices, as in-seat power is not available on all flights.

5. Battery and Power Requirements for Medical Devices

Passengers using battery-operated medical equipment must follow FAA lithium battery guidelines to prevent fire hazards.

🔋 Lithium Battery Rules for Medical Devices
✔ All batteries must be carried in carry-on luggage (checked baggage is not allowed).
✔ Each battery must be 100Wh or less (larger batteries up to 160Wh require airline approval).
✔ Passengers must bring enough battery power to last at least 150% of the flight duration in case of delays.
✔ Spare batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.

💡 Tip: If using a CPAP machine, oxygen concentrator, or nebulizer, bring a backup power source, as electrical outlets are not available on all Alaska Airlines aircraft.

6. Transporting and Storing Medical Equipment

Passengers should pack and label medical devices properly for security screening and in-flight storage.

✔ Label all medical devices with your name and contact information.
✔ Keep medications and medical supplies in original packaging for TSA screening.
✔ Bring a doctor’s note for international travel explaining your medical condition and device usage.
✔ Arrive early to allow extra time for security clearance.

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

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

Alaska Airlines accommodates 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 when space allows.
✔ Battery-powered wheelchairs and scooters must be checked at the ticket counter or gate.
✔ Lithium-ion powered mobility devices must comply with FAA battery safety rules.

📌 Important Note: If traveling internationally, some airports may lack proper wheelchair accessibility, so passengers should notify Alaska Airlines’ Accessible Services in advance for accommodations.

8. Traveling with Medications & Medical Supplies

Passengers carrying prescription medications, insulin, syringes, or liquid medical supplies should follow these guidelines:

💊 Bringing Medications on Board
✔ Keep medications in original prescription bottles for easy identification.
✔ Liquid medications over 3.4 ounces (100mL) are allowed but must be declared at security screening.
✔ Carry a doctor’s note or prescription documentation for international travel.
✔ Use an insulated cooler for temperature-sensitive medications like insulin (Alaska Airlines does not provide onboard refrigeration).

📌 TSA Tip: You can request manual screening for medications instead of sending them through an X-ray machine.

9. Requesting Special Assistance

Passengers needing extra support can request assistance from Alaska Airlines’ Accessible Services Team at least 48 hours before departure.

📞 How to Request Special Assistance

• Call 1-800-503-0101 for disability and medical device assistance.
• Submit a request via Alaska Airlines’ website.
• Notify the gate agent and flight crew about medical needs before boarding.

10. Why Choose Alaska Airlines for Medical Travel?

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

✔ Free carry-on of medical devices beyond standard baggage allowances.
✔ 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 travelers with medical conditions.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with medical equipment on Alaska Airlines is straightforward when planned ahead. By understanding the airline’s policies, battery restrictions, and pre-flight approval process, passengers can ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Medical devices are allowed as extra carry-on items for free.
• Some devices (like POCs) require advance airline approval.
• Battery-powered devices must follow FAA safety rules.
• Alaska Airlines provides excellent accessibility support for passengers with medical needs.

With proper planning and coordination with Alaska Airlines’ Accessible Services Team, passengers with medical requirements can fly with confidence and peace of mind.