Medical equipment

Air New Zealand aims to provide safe and comfortable travel, for passengers with medical conditions requiring the use of special medical equipment.

Air New Zealand has some special equipment that can be installed on its aircraft for customer use. In other cases the customer will need to provide the required equipment. Equipment requiring an electrical outlet must be fitted with a US plug; please note that adapters cannot be used on board.

Supplementary oxygen
Bringing your own medical equipment
Connecting medical devices to aircraft power
Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) / respirator / ventilator
Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP)
Nebulisers
Stretchers

Supplementary oxygen

If you require supplementary oxygen:

  • Complete parts 1 and 2 of the MEDA medical clearance form. See conditions requiring medical clearance
  • Send the form to us at least 72 hours before you travel or 48 hours before if using your own portable oxygen concentrator
  • Check in one hour before the final check-in time
  • Pay any applicable charges
  • Note that passengers are not allowed to use their own oxygen bottles on the aircraft

Please note that Air New Zealand will make every effort to have oxygen available on the flight requested, due to operational matters it may not be possible to fulfil the request. In these instances Air New Zealand reserves the right to request that you travel on a flight where oxygen can be supplied.

For safety reasons, private and hospital compressed-gas cylinders may not be carried or used on board Air New Zealand aircraft unless packaged as Dangerous Goods.

Domestic flights: For flights within New Zealand, we will refer you to an authorised oxygen provider wherever possible. They'll supply enough oxygen for the flight and any waiting time on the ground.

International flights: We can provide oxygen on most of our aircraft, but not on the ground or in transit - you'll need to make your own arrangements for that.

For passengers travelling internationally, Air New Zealand can provide airline oxygen whilst you are on board the flight for an additional cost. The standard supply is 2L/min via nasal prongs using an Avia Pulse oxygen bottle. The device can be set to deliver oxygen via a "pulse-dose" delivery system that senses you breathing in and electronically triggers oxygen to be delivered for the first part of each breath; this is the part of the breath which is the most important for maintaining oxygen levels in your lungs. This type of oxygen delivery is more than adequate for most stable conditions requiring extra oxygen to compensate for the effects of altitude. If you are unfamiliar with this device, or are unsure whether this will be adequate for your needs, we suggest you discuss it with your doctor. The device can also be set to deliver oxygen continuously where this is recommended. Your doctor will be asked to indicate the appropriate flow rate and setting for your medical condition. Your doctor is welcome to contact the Air New Zealand Paxcare with any queries about inflight oxygen; please contact + 64 9 255 7757.

If you are travelling both internationally and domestically within New Zealand as part of the same journey on the same day, Air New Zealand will provide the oxygen from portable oxygen bottles at an additional cost.

There is no charge for customer supplied portable oxygen concentrators, however, restrictions apply to their acceptance and use.

The cost for Air New Zealand supplied portable oxygen bottles is NZD $150 per unit required.

Flow rates higher than 4LPM will require use of a fixed oxygen rig at additional cost.

Bringing your own medical equipment

If you bring medical equipment with you for use on the aircraft, it must have an 'aircraft-type approved' certificate or have been checked and approved by Air New Zealand Engineering. This includes any portable oxygen concentrator (POC), respirator, ventilator, CPAP device or nebuliser. If your own device is not suitable, we recommend you hire an approved device for your travels.

Please include details of any medical equipment on your MEDA medical clearance form. See conditions requiring medical clearance

For security screening, we recommend you carry a letter from your doctor saying you need to use the device on the aircraft.

If you wish to use your Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) / Respirator / Ventilator device during the flight medical clearance is required and it must meet these requirements.

If you wish to use your Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) device during the flight medical clearance is required and it must meet these requirements.

Please note that despite Air New Zealand's approval of a device, the airline cannot be held responsible for any subsequent breakdown or operational failure of any medical equipment owned, supplied and used by customers on its aircraft.

Connecting medical devices to aircraft power

Safety restrictions apply to the use of aircraft power, so where possible it is better to travel with battery-powered devices and sufficient spare batteries (for packing instructions, see carry-on baggage restricted items).

In-seat power: In-seat PC power is not approved for medical devices, except for some continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices. We'll let you know whether your CPAP device is approved for in-seat power when we receive your MEDA medical clearance form. See conditions requiring medical clearance

Medical power outlets: Medical power outlets are not available on our domestic flights. For international flights, the power outlets may vary in voltage and availability depending on which aircraft you are on. Where possible, we recommend battery power. 

The medical power outlets on our Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft provides 230 Volts at 50 Hertz, which is New Zealand's domestic voltage.

The medical power outlets on our Boeing 777 aircraft series provides 115 Volts at 400 Hertz, which is different to any domestic power supply. If you need to connect to one of these, let us know before you book and allow a minimum of two weeks for assessment.

Allow two weeks for assessment: To connect to our aircraft medical power on our Boeing 777 series aircraft, your device must have been assessed and approved by Air New Zealand Engineering, even if it has been approved by another airline. This can take at least two weeks as the assessment includes receiving written advice from the manufacturer or local agent, stating that the manufacturer approves the use of the equipment with a power supply of 115 Volts at 400 Hz.

Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) / respirator / ventilator

If you wish to use your Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) / Respirator / Ventilator device during the flight medical clearance is required and it must meet the following requirements:

  • It must be an Air New Zealand approved model or meet FAA approval and have a manufacturer's label that indicates it meets those requirements
  • The device must be able to be stowed in the cabin in a way that meets safety and security regulations. Maximum combined dimensions are: maximum weight of 7kg (15lbs) and maximum total dimensions (length + width + height) of 115cm (45")
  • You must provide us with a minimum of 48 hours notice of your intention to use your device if you wish to use aircraft power and check in 1 hour prior to general check in
  • Please note that aircraft power is not available on domestic flights
Device

AirSep Corporation's FreeStyle

Approved for use
with battery power

Yes

Approved for use with 
aircraft medical power

Yes

Approved for use
with in seat power

No


Device

AirSep Corporation's LifeStyle

Approved for use
with battery power

Yes

Approved for use with 
aircraft medical power

Yes

Approved for use
with in seat power

No


Device

Inogen, Inc.'s Inogen One
(also known as IO 100 or IS 100)

Approved for use
with battery power

Yes

Approved for use with 
aircraft medical power

Yes

Approved for use
with in seat power

No


Device

Invacare Corporation's XPO2-XP0100

Approved for use
with battery power

Yes

Approved for use with 
aircraft medical power

No

Approved for use
with in seat power

No


Device

Delphi Medical Systems' RS-00400

Approved for use
with battery power

Yes

Approved for use with 
aircraft medical power

No

Approved for use
with in seat power

No


Device

SeQual Technologies' Eclipse

Approved for use
with battery power

Yes

Approved for use with 
aircraft medical power

No

Approved for use
with in seat power

No


Device

Repironics Inc.'s EverGo

Approved for use
with battery power

Yes

Approved for use with 
aircraft medical power

No

Approved for use
with in seat power

No


Device

International Biophysics Life Choice

Approved for use
with battery power

Yes

Approved for use with 
aircraft medical power

No

Approved for use
with in seat power

No


Device

Oxlife Independence

Approved for use
with battery power

Yes

Approved for use with 
aircraft medical power

No

Approved for use
with in seat power

No


Device

Inogen Inc's Inogen One G2v
(also know as IO 200 or IS 200)

Approved for use
with battery power

Yes

Approved for use with 
aircraft medical power

No

Approved for use
with in seat power

No


Device

Devilbiss IGo

Approved for use
with battery power

Yes

Approved for use with 
aircraft medical power

No

Approved for use
with in seat power

No


Device

Invacare Corporation's SOLO2

Approved for use
with battery power

Yes

Approved for use with 
aircraft medical power

No

Approved for use
with in seat power

No


Device

INOVA LifeChoice

Approved for use
with battery power

Yes

Approved for use with 
aircraft medical power

No

Approved for use
with in seat power

No


Device

Philips Respironics Simply Go

Approved for use
with battery power

Yes

Approved for use with 
aircraft medical power

No

Approved for use
with in seat power

No


Due to the level of reliability required when using medical equipment, in-seat PC power is not approved for medical devices. Medical outlets are available for approved medical devices with prior notice. These outlets run off a separate power supply to the in-seat PC power.

Should your own Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) / Respirator / Ventilator device not meet these requirements we recommend hiring a device for the period of your travels to ensure that you are able to be comfortable for your journey.

Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP)

Sleep apnoea, a disorder where the upper airways obstruct during sleep, is not normally life threatening, and the condition can be alleviated with the use of a Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) pump.

If you wish to use your CPAP device during the flight it must meet the following requirements:

  • It must be an Air New Zealand approved model or meet FAA approval and have a manufacturer's label that indicates it meets those requirements
  • The device must be able to be stowed in the cabin in a way that meets safety and security regulations. Maximum combined dimensions are: maximum weight of 7kg (15lbs) and maximum total dimensions (length + width + height) of 115cm (45")
  • You must provide us with a minimum of 48 hours notice if you wish to use your device on-board and check in 1 hour prior to general check in. Air New Zealand MEDA form Part 1 must be completed for anyone wishing to use a CPAP on-board, if your device is not listed Part 1 must still be completed.
  • Please note that aircraft power is not available on domestic flights please refer to the seat map to check if your aircraft type has in-seat power

Model

ResMed / Sullivan 

APD 2, 2e, 2s, III (3), IIId (3), AutoSet T, S6 Elite,
S6 Liteweight, V, V Plus, V Elite

Approved
for use
with battery power

 Yes

Approved
for use with aircraft medical power

Yes

Approved
for use
with in seat power

Yes


Model

ResMed

S7 AutoSet Spirit, AutoSet Spirit,
S7 Lightweight, S7 Elite,
S8 AutoSet Spirit, S8 AutoSet Vantage,
S8 AutoSet II (2), S8 AutoSet Spirit II (2),
S8 Elite, S8 Elite II (2), S8 Autoscore,
S8 Auto score II (2), S8 Classic,
S8 Escape, S8 Lightweight, S9,
S9 Elite, VPAP III (3), VPAP III (3) ST

Approved
for use
with battery power

 Yes

Approved
for use with aircraft medical power

 Yes

Approved
for use
with in seat power

 Yes


Model

Fisher & Paykel - HC 230 Series*   

HC 232, HC 233, HC 234, HC 235, HC 236, HC 237,
HC 238, HC 239, HC 254

Approved
for use
with battery power

 Yes

Approved
for use with aircraft medical power

 Yes

Approved
for use
with in seat power

 Yes


Model

Fisher & Paykel - HC 600 Series*   

HC 602, HC 604, HC 608, Icon Premo, Icon Auto, Icon Novo

Approved
for use
with battery power

 Yes

Approved
for use with aircraft medical power

 Yes

Approved
for use
with in seat power

 Yes


Model

Respironics**

Remstar Plus C-Flex, Remstar Auto M

Approved
for use
with battery power

 Yes

Approved
for use with aircraft medical power

 No

Approved
for use
with in seat power

 Yes


Model

Respironics**

Remstar Auto A -flex

Approved
for use
with battery power

 Yes

Approved
for use with aircraft medical power

No

Approved
for use
with in seat power

No


Model

Respironics**

Remstar Pro C-Flex +

Approved
for use
with battery power

Yes

Approved
for use with aircraft medical power

No

Approved
for use
with in seat power

 

No


Model

DeVilbiss Healthcare   

DV5 Series

Approved
for use
with battery power

 Yes

Approved
for use with aircraft medical power

 No

Approved
for use
with in seat power

 Yes


Model

Puritan Bennett   

GoodKnight 420 Series

Approved
for use
with battery power

 Yes

Approved
for use with aircraft medical power

 No

Approved
for use
with in seat power

 Yes


Model

Transcend   

Transcend, Transcend Auto­™, Transcend EZEX™

Approved
for use
with battery power

 Yes

Approved
for use with aircraft medical power

 No

Approved
for use
with in seat power

 Yes


* Approved for use with in seat power if CPAP is operated in a low power mode. This is achieved by not using the humidifier or climate control functions. On the ICON model this can be achieved by switching to "Flight Mode"

** Rem Star Auto A -flex may be approved for use with in seat power provided there is no battery fitted or the battery is fully charged

Connecting to in-seat power is approved for listed CPAP devices only. Use of an approved CPAP device is limited to the cruise phase of flight, after take-off and before landing. Your crew will let you know when it's safe to use these devices.

In-seat power supply can not be guaranteed and is dependant on a number of factors including other devices plugged into the shared power supply. Please note that the power supply at in-seat power sockets is110V 60Hz capable of accepting multiple types of plug fitting. Crew have access to a limited number of plug adaptors if your plug is not compatible with the socket.

The devices shown as not approved to connect to in-seat power draw more than the maximum 1.2Amps an in-seat power socket can support.

Due to the level of reliability required when using medical equipment, in-seat PC power is not approved for any other medical device. Medical outlets are available for approved medical devices with prior notice. These outlets run off a separate power supply to the in-seat PC power.

Should your own CPAP device not meet these requirements we recommend hiring a device for the period of your travels to ensure that you are able to be comfortable for your journey.

Nebulisers

Nebulisers can be used on board Air New Zealand aircraft. However, you do need to follow these safety and operational requirements:

  • The make and model of your nebuliser must be approved by Air New Zealand
  • Please include details of the device on the MEDA form
  • As there is no onboard facility for operating electric nebulisers, you will need to use a hand-held battery device or a spacer
  • While air travel does not usually affect nebulising equipment, Air New Zealand cannot be held responsible for any breakdown or other operational failure of your equipment

Stretchers

Aircraft stretchers can be requested for international flights on Air New Zealand Boeing 777, 787 and Airbus A320 aircraft. They're not available on our domestic services.

Requirements: A minimum of 48 hours' notice and medical clearance is required. A fully qualified medical escort must travel with the passenger. Please include details of the accompanying medical staff on the MEDA medical clearance form. See conditions requiring medical clearance

Charges: Special fares apply, depending on the route required. The fares do not include other organisation's costs, such as ambulance or airport handling charges that you or your booking agent may have to pay.

Oxygen: If oxygen or other medical equipment is required, this needs to be approved by us for use inflight. See the relevant sections above.

If we can't provide a stretcher on the international flight you request, we'll ask you to travel on another flight or recommend the use of an air ambulance.