You are welcome to use your portable oxygen concentrator (POC) during your flight if the POC is an approved model, is in its battery-operated mode, and you have enough fully charged batteries to cover no less than 150% of the expected maximum flight duration. We recommend carrying on at least one extra battery, provided the battery meets packaging criteria.

You may transport a POC that has not been approved for use inflight, but you may not use the device onboard. Although not required, we encourage you to bring documentation specifying that you will not need the device inflight. If you are not planning to use a POC during the flight but our Employees have reason to believe that oxygen may be required to complete travel, we may ask for medical documentation.

You can tell us in advance if you will be flying with a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) by managing your reservation online.

At the airport

You must see a Customer Service Agent to have your device verified and ensure the appropriate indicator is on your boarding pass. Additionally, before boarding each flight, a Southwest Airlines® Operations Agent will verify the POC model, phases of flight (taxi, takeoff, cruise, landing) during which you intend to use the device, and number and packaging of batteries.

Onboard the aircraft

If you're using an approved POC during the flight, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety regulations require that you be seated closer to the window than anyone else in your row. Your POC should be stowed completely underneath the seat in front of you. Additionally, you may not occupy an emergency exit seat.

Depending on the fare you purchase, you may be able to select an appropriate seat at the time of booking. If you’re unable to select an appropriate seat at the time of booking, please call us after booking but no later than 24 hours prior to your flight’s original scheduled departure so that we can assist in assigning you a window seat.