DH is planning to fly from the PNW to Central America with an old, dear friend who has stage 4 lung cancer. He will need oxygen on the flights, but we cannot figure out what kind of equipment is allowed. Just reading AA's regulations is confusing to say the least.
Has anybody had any experience with this kind of situation? Advice?

Here is a thread from FlyerTalk that has some good info.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/disab...ygen-tank.html

I don't have experience with this but maybe can help. Here is the relevant AA webpage: http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInforma...nce/oxygen.jsp

Where it says "<b>Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) approved by the FAA</b> will only be accepted for inflight medical oxygen. A 48-hour notice is required." I am virtually certain that it means: "only POCs approved by the FAA will be accepted for inflight medical oxygen".

Apparently, there are other "personal inflight medical oxygen units" that are not accepted. But FAA approved POCs are accepted.

The following is useful as it covers many major airlines

http://www.blf.org.uk/Page/Airline-oxygen-policies

Some will allow oxygen under VERY controlled situations whilst others ban it totally and only allow POCs

Others may not allow oxygen producers

Best advice however is to phone the airline as it's rare that you don't have to inform them in advance

You need to call the airlines and talk to their "medical or special assistance" dept.

He will have to have his oxygen equipement approved before flying. Also if they are changing airlines (even if it is on the same ticket) he will have to contact each airline, as each airline as it's own paperwork.

It's not just the equipment that needs to be approved, but the traveller might need medical clearance to fly. The airlines must be contacted and advised of the situation to avoid issues at the airport.

Thank you for all the information. DH is following up on everything and hopefully they will be ready to go in a few weeks.