What is the oxygen saturation while flying?

One study found a passenger had a blood oxygen saturation of 94% at ground level and 85% at altitude. This study concluded that this hypoxia in conjunction with the dehydration, immobility and low humidity associated with airplane travel could contribute to morbidity during and after airplane travel.



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The mean [range] (SD) SpO(2) for all flights at ground level was 97% [93-100] (1.33) and at cruising altitude 93% [85-98] (2.33). Fifty-four per cent of passengers had SpO(2) values of 94% or less at cruising altitude. This is a value which may prompt physicians to administer supplemental oxygen in hospital patients.

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A simple pulse oximeter reading while you are at high altitude, at rest and during activity, can determine if oxygen is needed at altitude. Alternatively, some pulmonary function labs can perform an altitude simulation test to determine your oxygen saturation at altitude.

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Check the airline's oxygen policy Others will allow you to bring your own Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved portable oxygen concentrator (POC) onto the flight, but will often specify the type of device you can use.

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Low air pressure during air travel also decreases the amount of oxygen in the air. This effect is modest and generally not noticeable for healthy travelers. For patients with significant lung disease, a small decrease in available oxygen can cause significant symptoms, especially with exercise.

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