AARC Applauds FAA Rule on Oxygen Concentrator Use During Flights  

For Immediate Release

IRVING, TX (July 20, 2005) – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has significantly improved the outlook for oxygen therapy patients who would like to travel by air, says the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).

A new rule issued just last week will allow oxygen patients to bring certain portable oxygen concentrators onboard commercial flights, eliminating the logistical problems and expense associated with the provision of oxygen by the airlines and the need to arrange for supplemental oxygen through an oxygen provider while in the airport.

“This is a major victory for oxygen therapy patients and for all the organizations that worked so hard to make this a reality for patients and their families,” says AARC Director of Government Affairs Cheryl West. “The AARC is proud to have been a part of this effort, and we especially want to thank the leaders of the Congressional COPD Caucus – Senators Mike Crapo and Blanche Lincoln and Representatives Cliff Stearns and John Lewis -- who played an instrumental role in making our voices heard at the FAA.”

Under the new rule, patients will be allowed to bring pre-approved portable oxygen concentrators onboard flights. Right now the FAA has approved two devices for use on aircraft, the Inogen One and Lifestyles by AirSep.

The new rule goes into effect on August 11.

While the FAA decision is being heralded as a major step forward, however, the AARC and fellow organizations are quick to point out that work still remains to ensure patients are able to take advantage of the new rule. Specifically, the rule allows , but does not require , airlines to let patients use approved portable oxygen concentrators onboard their airplanes.   

“Now that the rule is on the books, we need to contact the airlines and urge them to allow oxygen patients to bring their portable oxygen concentrators on flights,” continues West. “The AARC and its partners in the U.S. COPD Coalition are gearing up now for this second leg of the campaign.” 

By informing the airlines about the new rule and how it will benefit patients, the groups hope that all airlines will soon agree to take advantage of this great new policy and open up air travel to a group of people who have historically found it difficult, if not nearly impossible to fly.

The AARC and its partners will also ask the Department of Transportation, which has the authority under the Air Carrier Access Act to require airlines to allow portable oxygen concentrators on board aircraft, to issue a rule to that effect. 

Respiratory Therapists (RTs) are specially trained and licensed respiratory health care professionals assisting physicians in diagnosis, treatment, and management of respiratory diseases. RTs provide care in hospitals, outpatient centers, physicians' offices, skilled nursing facilities, and patients' homes.

The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) is a not-for-profit, professional organization, consisting of 37,000 respiratory therapists, physicians, and other health care professionals. AARC is dedicated to assisting persons with respiratory diseases receive safe and effective respiratory care.

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Contact:  Beth Binkley
Binkley@aarc.org
American Association For Respiratory Care
9425 N MacArthur Blvd, Suite 100 , Irving , TX 75063
972-406-4657, 927-243-2272