If you have seen the OXYG airline code on a flight booking or while arranging medical assistance, it is an airline Special Service Request (SSR) code used for a passenger who needs oxygen during the flight.
OXYG tells the airline that oxygen is required on board. It is a medical-related request, so the airline may need more information before confirming that you can travel. Depending on the airline, route and type of oxygen equipment involved, medical clearance may also be required.
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It is important not to confuse OXYG with PPOC, which is the SSR code used for a passenger travelling with a personal portable oxygen concentrator. You can learn more about these codes in my guide to airline disability and SSR codes.
What Does the OXYG Airline Code Stand For?
The OXYG airline code means that a passenger requires oxygen during the flight. IATA lists OXYG among the medical SSR codes used by airlines to communicate a passenger’s needs. The code is attached to the airline reservation so relevant teams know that oxygen arrangements need to be considered before the passenger travels.
OXYG is not an airport code or an airline identifier. It is a four-letter service request code used within airline booking systems.
You can find the OXYG airline code alongside other accessibility and medical-related codes in my guide to airline and airport disability codes.
Who Might Have the OXYG Code Added to a Flight Booking?
The OXYG code may be used when a passenger needs supplemental oxygen while they are on board the aircraft. The reason for needing oxygen can vary. The code describes the service required rather than diagnosing the passenger’s condition.
Because oxygen use can involve medical and aviation-safety requirements, airlines commonly need more detail than the four-letter code alone. They may ask about the required flow rate, when oxygen is needed, the equipment involved and whether a doctor or other medical professional has confirmed the passenger is fit to fly. If you are travelling with medication, check out my guide for what to include on a doctors letter for your medication so you can get it right the first time.
Is the OXYG Code the Same as the PPOC Code?
No. OXYG and PPOC are different airline SSR codes.
- OXYG – the passenger needs oxygen during the flight.
- PPOC – the passenger is travelling with a personal portable oxygen concentrator.
A portable oxygen concentrator does not carry compressed oxygen in the same way as an oxygen cylinder. Instead, it takes in surrounding air and concentrates the oxygen. Airlines can have specific rules about which concentrator models are accepted and how batteries must be carried.
If you use a portable oxygen concentrator, tell the airline exactly what equipment you have rather than simply asking for the OXYG airline code to be added.
Does the OXYG Code Mean the Airline Will Supply Oxygen?
Not automatically. The OXYG airline code identifies the requirement for oxygen, but the practical arrangement depends on the airline. Some airlines may be able to provide approved in-flight oxygen on certain routes or aircraft. Others may not provide oxygen and may instead permit approved portable oxygen concentrators. Policies can also differ according to the type of equipment, flight duration and destination.
Do not assume that seeing the OXYG SSR code on a booking means oxygen has definitely been approved or will be waiting on board. Obtain confirmation from the operating airline before travelling.
Can You Bring Your Own Oxygen Cylinder on a Plane?
Passenger-supplied oxygen cylinders are subject to strict airline and dangerous-goods rules. You should never arrive at the airport with an oxygen cylinder and assume it can be taken on board. The rules can depend on the cylinder, the gas, the airline and the countries involved in the journey. Some airlines do not accept passenger-owned oxygen cylinders for in-flight use at all.
If you normally use bottled oxygen, contact the operating airline well before travel and ask what options are permitted. The airline may have a specific medical-assistance process or may direct you towards an approved portable oxygen concentrator where clinically suitable.
You also may be entitled to travel with extra luggage if it is medical equipment – check out my guide to medical luggage for more information.
Will You Need Medical Clearance for OXYG?
You may. IATA guidance places OXYG among medical-related SSR codes and notes that airlines may request a medical certificate or medical clearance for passengers who need oxygen during a flight. Airlines often have their own medical information forms or fit-to-fly procedures. These may ask a healthcare professional to provide information about your condition and oxygen requirements.
The airline may want to know:
- whether oxygen is needed continuously or only at certain stages of the flight;
- the prescribed oxygen flow rate;
- whether the requirement changes at altitude;
- what equipment you normally use;
- whether you can operate the equipment independently; and
- whether you are medically stable enough to fly.
Do not change your prescribed oxygen flow or travel plan without advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.
How Do You Add the OXYG Airline Code to a Flight Booking?
Contact the airline’s medical, accessibility or special assistance team before travel. Oxygen requests generally need more planning than routine airport assistance, so it is sensible to start the process as early as possible. You can aslo use the PRM Assist app to make service requests but it is best to also follow this up with a call to the airline to explain you needs in more detail.
You do not need to know the SSR code yourself. Tell the airline that you require oxygen during the flight and explain exactly what equipment or provision you need. Staff can then record the appropriate service request.
If your itinerary includes flights operated by more than one airline, check the requirements with each operating carrier. Medical approval from one airline does not necessarily mean another airline has accepted the same arrangement.
How Far in Advance Should You Arrange In-Flight Oxygen?
Airline deadlines vary, so check the carrier’s current policy rather than relying on a universal notice period. Oxygen requests may involve medical review, equipment checks and coordination with the operating crew. Leaving the request until the day of travel can mean the airline is unable to approve the arrangements in time.
If your medical needs change after approval, contact the airline again. A significant change in oxygen requirement or health may mean the medical assessment needs to be reviewed.
What Information Should You Take to the Airport?
Keep copies of any relevant airline approval and medical documentation with you when travelling.
Depending on your arrangements, useful information may include:
- written confirmation that the airline has approved your oxygen arrangements;
- medical clearance or fit-to-fly documentation where required;
- details of your prescribed oxygen requirements;
- the make and model of an approved portable oxygen concentrator;
- equipment instructions; and
- information about batteries and expected operating time.
Allow enough time at the airport for staff to check the arrangements before boarding.
You do not necessarily need paper copies of these documents, you can store them on your phone or in a Google drive if it is easier.
OXYG and Portable Oxygen Concentrator Batteries
If you are travelling with a portable oxygen concentrator, battery planning is particularly important. Airlines normally require enough battery capacity for the journey, and spare lithium batteries must be carried according to aviation safety rules.
Do not rely on having access to an aircraft power socket. Even if a seat has power, the airline may not allow medical equipment to depend on it as the sole power source.
Ask the airline how much battery capacity it requires for your itinerary and how spare batteries must be protected and carried.
Does Using the OXYG Code Include Wheelchair Assistance?
No. The OXYG airline code records the need for oxygen during the flight. It does not automatically request wheelchair assistance or other support through the airport or to the plane. If you also need help with airport distances, stairs, boarding or reaching your aircraft seat, tell the airline separately. Additional SSR codes may be added to describe those needs.
My guide to getting help at the airport as a disabled traveller explains more about arranging special assistance.
Can You Take Medical Equipment and Supplies With You?
If you travel with oxygen-related medical equipment, you may also have additional medical supplies or luggage. Airline policies for medical baggage can differ from their standard cabin and checked baggage allowances.
Check what your airline allows and whether medical equipment needs to be approved or documented in advance. My guide to medical luggage policies for major airlines can help you start that research, but always confirm the current rules directly with your operating airline before flying.
Frequently Asked Questions About the OXYG Code
What does the OXYG airline code mean on a flight booking?
OXYG is an airline Special Service Request code indicating that the passenger needs oxygen during the flight.
Is the OXYG airline code an IATA code?
Yes. IATA lists OXYG among the SSR codes used for passengers who need oxygen during a flight.
Is OXYG the same as a portable oxygen concentrator?
No. PPOC is the SSR code used for a personal portable oxygen concentrator. OXYG is the broader code indicating that oxygen is required during the flight.
Does the OXYG SSR code mean the airline supplies oxygen?
Not necessarily. Airline policies vary. Some carriers may provide approved oxygen in certain circumstances, while others require passengers to use an accepted portable oxygen concentrator. Confirm the arrangement directly with the operating airline.
Do I need a medical certificate to fly with oxygen?
You may. Airlines can require medical clearance or a medical information form before accepting a passenger who needs oxygen during a flight. Check your airline’s requirements well before departure.
Can I request OXYG and wheelchair assistance together?
Yes. OXYG describes your oxygen requirement. Separate SSR codes can be added for wheelchair or other airport assistance when needed.
Understanding what the OXYG airline code means can help you prepare for flying when supplemental oxygen is required during your journey. The OXYG code alerts the airline to a passenger’s need for oxygen, allowing the necessary arrangements and requirements to be recorded before travel. Airlines can have strict rules around oxygen equipment, medical clearance and what can be used onboard, so contact your airline well in advance to confirm what they provide or permit and what documentation you will need to bring with you.
Continue Learning About Airline Codes
Understanding these SSR codes can make it easier to check that the right assistance has been added to your booking. You can explore my guides to airline SSR disability codes to learn what the different codes mean, when they are used and what support you may need to arrange before you fly.
- Airline and airport codes and what they mean
- Download a copy of all of the airline SSR disability codes for free
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- Download a list of all of the airline meal codes for free
- Learn which airline meal codes are for travellers with allergies
- What does DPNA mean?
- Download a free, printable checklist for MEDA passengers to complete before they fly
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