Medical Devices
Types of medical devices
The following are approved for checked, carry-on and onboard use:
- Approved Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC)
- Approved Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machines (CPAP)
- Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPap) Machine
- Breast pump (must be battery powered in order to be used during flight.)
- Catheter
- Hearing aids
- Inhalers
- Insulin pumps
- Pacemakers
- Respirator
- Ventilator
JetBlue does not allow the transport or use of compressed oxygen or oxygen generators due to the hazardous material classification.
- When assistive devices are brought onto a JetBlue flight, they are not added to your carry-on or personal bag count as long as the packaging only contains the assistive device. However, they are still subject to the size and weight restrictions of a carry-on bag.
- Inflight crewmembers are able to give guidance on storing these items in overhead space.
All medical devices are subject to the same size and weight restrictions as carry-on baggage.
If it is an assistive device and is for the person who is traveling, we will check the item without a fee.
NOTE: If there are any personal items such as clothing, shoes, toiletries, etc. packed in the bag with the assistive device, a fee will be charged. To be accepted without a fee, an item must be solely an assistive device, i.e. a wheelchair, a shower seat, a case that contains a prosthetic.
Oxygen
JetBlue will not carry persons who require medical oxygen on board. For safety reasons, we do not permit any type of oxygen to be brought on the aircraft nor do we supply medical oxygen on board.
Specific models of oxygen concentrators are approved for onboard use as long as the JetBlue requirements for oxygen concentrators are met. An oxygen concentrator is NOT to be confused with compressed oxygen, which is prohibited on any JetBlue aircraft.
Portable Oxygen Concentrator
A Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) is a machine that takes regular room air and removes nitrogen by using a series of sieves, filters and a compressor. This increases the oxygen content of the resulting air up to 96%. JetBlue will allow individuals to use certain POCs during their flight. A POC is not to be confused with a compressed oxygen tank which are strictly prohibited on any JetBlue aircraft.
Customers that need additional oxygen while traveling must provide their own POC in order to travel.
Visit TSA's website for more information about traveling with POCs.
- The POC must have a manufacturer's label attached indicating it has been approved for use on aircraft. If no label is present, our crewmembers will make every effort to verify that the device has been approved for air travel through our Business Partner.
- The FAA no longer requires documentation from your physician to use your POC on the aircraft. It is up to you to understand the operation of the device. We recommend that you bring with you the manufacturer's operating instructions or other written information provided by your healthcare professional regarding the use of your POC.
JetBlue may verify the following:
- Whether the user is able to operate the device, recognize and respond appropriately to its alarms; and if not, that the user is traveling with a companion who is able to perform these functions.
- The phases of the flight (taxi, takeoff, cruise, landing) during which use of the device is medically necessary.
- The maximum flow rate corresponding to the pressure in the cabin under normal operating conditions. (Cabins are pressurized to an altitude of 8,000 feet.)
While some of our aircraft have in-seat electrical power, they may NOT be used for medical devices.
- Lithium Ion Batteries must not exceed 100 wH (watt hours). Spare batteries must only be in carry on baggage with terminals secured from shorting (a plastic bag, cardboard box, or tape)
- We require that all customers traveling with a POC have an adequate supply of battery power to last 150% of the expected travel time. Spare batteries must be carried onboard and packaged in a way to prevent short circuiting.
- Your POC may only be used in its battery-operated mode. JetBlue does not have onboard power suitable for operating personal medical devices.
- In order to use your POC onboard the aircraft you must occupy a window seat to not block the egress of another customer.
- The POC must be stowed in the overhead bin or completely underneath the seat in front of you during taxi, take-off, and landing.
- When selecting your seat please keep in mind POCs may not be used at a bulkhead seat or emergency exit row seat.
- A POC may be used in our Mint cabin, however, due to under the seat stowage restrictions, the POC must be stowed in the overhead compartment for taxi, take-off and landing. In addition, the lie-flat feature of the seat will be forfeited in order to accommodate the use of the POC during flight.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machines
Portable electronic personal ventilators, respirators, CPAP and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines may be carried and used on board JetBlue, in accordance with specific FAA guidelines.
While some of our planes offer in-seat electrical power, these outlets can't be used to operate ventilators, respirators, CPAP or BiPAP devices and aren't designed to support medical equipment. If you plan to use your device during your flight, it must be powered by its own internal battery or an external battery pack. Battery requirements for medical devices are detailed on this page.
Ventilators, respirators and CPAP machines are considered assistive devices. They must be stowed and used in the cabin consistent with applicable TSA, FAA and other regulations governing carry-on bags.
Visit TSA for more info
Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulators
Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulators (TENS) may NOT be used during flight on board our aircraft. However, we will accept a TENS in checked-in or carry-on bags as long as the unit remains off and the battery is installed and enclosed within the unit.
External Defibrillator Vests
External Defibrillator Vests will be accepted in checked-in or carry-on bags, but are generally not permitted for use on board our aircraft. However, certain defibrillator devices may be approved for on board use - the device will be vetted through 3E at the time of travel. JetBlue recommends the customer bring documentation from the device manufacturer related to its carriage on an aircraft.
Checked-in Bags
The unit must be turned off and packaged properly with the battery installed in the unit. The battery must meet all the requirements below.
Carry-on Bags
The unit must be turned off and must meet the battery requirements below. It must be stowed in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. It must also have the FAA Approval sticker on the device. It is NOT allowed to be used during the flight.
Battery Requirements
For a lithium-ion battery, an aggregate equivalent lithium content of no more than eight grams per battery, except that up to two batteries with an aggregate equivalent lithium content of more than eight grams but not more than 25 grams may be carried.
Dialysis machines
Dialysis is the process of removing excess water, solutes, and toxins from the blood in people whose kidneys can no longer perform these functions naturally. The machine used to perform this process can be thought of as an artificial kidney. Portable dialysis machines are prohibited from use on board.
Checked-in Bags
JetBlue will accept dialysis machines and portable dialysis machines as a checked item. Dialysis machines and portable dialysis machines are considered an assistive device and therefore will NOT be counted as one of your checked bags.
Carry-on Bags
- Portable dialysis machines will be accepted as a carry-on item if the machine has a lithium battery under eight grams and meets carry-on baggage size guidelines and all TSA and FAA guidelines.
- Non-portable dialysis machines are NOT allowed on board the aircraft and must be checked.
Battery requirements on flights
JetBlue accepts assistive devices with lithium ion, spillable, and non-spillable battery types, with restrictions. See our batteries help page for more information.
Bring copies of any documentation for the batteries you wish to carry. This can usually be found in the user manual of the device.
- All batteries being used in medical devices must have a clear, readable manufacturer label and meet federal regulation requirements.
- Batteries may be inspected for airworthiness at the airport.
- For lithium batteries, customer should be aware of the battery chemistry (ion vs. metal) as well as the capacity and watt hours (wh).
- Mobility devices that have enclosed, installed, protected lithium-ion batteries, are allowed in the cabin and as checked items on JetBlue flights.
- For mobility devices that do not have a protective housing for the lithium-ion battery, the battery must be removed. The battery terminals must be protected from short-circuiting. JetBlue will notify the pilot of the battery location in the cabin.
- Lithium-ion battery size is limited to 300-watt hours (Wh) or 25 grams equivalent lithium content (ELC).
- Lithium-ion batteries over this Wh limit are never allowed on JetBlue flights.
- One (1) spare battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two (2) spare batteries not exceeding 160 Wh (13.5 grams ELC) each may be carried in carry-on baggage.
- Lithium metal (non-rechargeable lithium) batteries are forbidden with these devices.
- Non-mobility devices (i.e., portable electronic devices) battery limit is 100 watt hours (Wh) for lithium ion, or 2 grams lithium metal content.
JetBlue requires that you travel with enough power to cover 150% of the travel time of your trip. This requirement is intended to cover your trip and any delays that may arise during your travels.
- For example, if your flight is 6 hours long, we require that you must travel with battery power to cover 9 hours of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other medical devices are accepted on JetBlue Flights?
The following devices must be powered by battery only. In seat power cannot be used and are approved with conditions:
| Assistive Device | Checked | Carry-on | Onboard Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breast Pump | Yes | Yes | Yes, Battery powered |
| Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machine | Yes | Yes | Yes, Battery powered. Documentation not required for onboard use. |
| External Defibrillator Vests | Yes, in the off position with the battery installed in the unit | Yes, with an FAA approved sticker, stowed in the off position. |
Sometimes. Bring the manufacturer data sheet that shows the item is suitable for onboard use. Contact Us for more information. |
| Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) | Yes | Yes | Yes, with sufficient battery supplies. |
These devices have limitations:
| Assistive Device | Checked | Carry-on | Onboard Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Compressor | No | No | No |
| Nebulizer | Yes | Yes | No |
| Personal Air Purifier | No | Yes In the "OFF" position only |
No |
| Portable Dialysis Machine | Yes | Yes, with a lithium battery under 8 grams, stowed | No |
| Sequential Compression Device (SCD) | Yes | No | No |
| TENS - Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulator | Yes, in the off position | Yes, in the off position | No |
| Compressed oxygen tanks | No | No | No |
- JetBlue does not provide onboard medical oxygen.
- You are allowed to travel with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC), but not with compressed oxygen tanks.
- Medical oxygen is not available on JetBlue flights. You are allowed to travel with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC), but not with compressed oxygen tanks.
- Devices that are not safe for air transport will not be permitted.
JetBlue accepts your devices on international flights unless there is a restriction on importation of that device at your destination.
Where can I get FAA and TSA information?
FAA facts
Visit the FAA PackSafe page for more information on how to properly package different types of batteries.
TSA tips
You can view more information regarding TSA and what is allowed below: