The right portable concentrator turns holiday travel from a health risk into a packing question. Here is the checklist our specialists give travelers every December.
Flying: the 3 rules
- 48 hours ahead: notify your airline you'll fly with an FAA-approved POC. Most have a short form; some want a physician statement.
- 150% battery: carry battery capacity for one-and-a-half times your flight time. For a 4-hour flight on a setting-2 draw, that usually means one extended battery plus a charged spare.
- Papers with your passport: prescription copy, airline form, and your unit's FAA label (it's printed on the device).
Road trips: easier than you think
Every concentrator we sell includes a DC vehicle cable — run and charge the unit from any 12 V socket. Pack the spare DC fuse (it's the part that fails), keep the unit ventilated rather than buried under luggage, and plan stops around people, not power.
At your destination
- Bring your AC supply and claim a bedside outlet on arrival.
- Winter air is dry — hydrate more than usual and consider a room humidifier at night.
- Holiday homes mean wood smoke, pets, and perfumes. Position yourself upwind and don't be shy about stepping outside.
- Keep activity within your prescribed setting's range; grandkids will happily bring things to you.
The pack list
Concentrator + carry bag or backpack · all batteries, fully charged · AC supply · DC cable + spare fuse · spare cannula · prescription copy · airline paperwork · our phone number, (888) 585-8288 — we answer during business hours right through the holidays.
