ISHLT Statement on the Need for Equitable Air Travel Access for Oxygen-Dependent Patients

The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) is increasingly concerned about reports from patients who rely on portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) being denied air travel due to unclear or inconsistently enforced regulations related to medical battery use. While recent events in the United States have drawn attention to the issue, the underlying challenges are global and affect patients in many regions of the world.

Equitable access to air travel is essential for oxygen-dependent individuals living with advanced cardiopulmonary conditions. Denials of boarding or restrictions on necessary battery supplies not only disrupt travel plans but may also jeopardize patient safety and quality of life.

ISHLT urges aviation regulators, transportation authorities, and airline carriers worldwide to take coordinated action by:

• Issuing clear, evidence-based guidance on the use and transport of POCs and their associated battery systems, especially with regards to the extended duration battery packs;
• Aligning medical device regulations across jurisdictions including insuring that standards for POCs are comparable to existing battery standards for other disability-related equipment, in accordance with nondiscrimination and patient rights laws;
• Establishing centralized, authoritative mechanisms to certify POC compatibility with air travel requirements, reducing the burden on individual airlines and gate agents;
• Improving training for airline and airport personnel to promote informed, consistent application of relevant travel regulations at all points of the journey.

ISHLT affirms that patients who depend on supplemental oxygen must be able to travel safely and with dignity. We call on global stakeholders—including regulatory agencies, airline carriers, patient organizations, and medical societies—to work collaboratively toward uniform, practical solutions that uphold both safety and accessibility.

ISHLT's mission is to unite a global, multidisciplinary community in advancing research, education, and innovation for patients with advanced heart and lung disease. Through collaboration, advocacy, and the development of best practices, ISHLT is committed to improving outcomes and shaping the future of care worldwide.