Medical equipment and specimens
Before flying, it's important to know how to pack your medical equipment and specimens correctly while adhering to the dangerous goods regulations.
Find more information to plan your trip if you require the use of your medical equipment (e.g. oxygen, CPAP etc) onboard at Specific Needs
On this page
Select the option that suits your needs:
Dry shipper (insulated packaging containing refrigerated liquid nitrogen)
How you can carry a Dry Shipper and requirements of how to pack:
Airline approval required | No |
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Carry-on baggage | Yes |
Checked baggage | Yes |
Requirements
When packed in checked or carry-on baggage:
- refrigerated liquid nitrogen must be fully absorbed in a porous material,
- insulated packaging does not allow build-up of pressure,
- irrespective of orientation the insulated packaging would not permit the release of any refrigerated liquid nitrogen, and
- must not contain dangerous goods
Note: For Carry-on baggage with international flights, airport security requirements limit liquids, aerosols and gels to 100g/100ml find out more
Medical equipment (portable) powered by batteries
Note: Watt hours (Wh) are determined by multiplying the voltage (V) by the amp hours (Ah). ie. 12V x 5Ah = 60Wh
Lithium-ion batteries (rechargeable) - not more than 100Wh in medical equipment
Airline approval required | No |
---|---|
Carry-on baggage | Yes |
Checked baggage | Yes |
Information on frequently used equipment is available in the CPAPs and Oxygen Concentrators Medical Equipment List
Requirements
When packed in checked baggage:
- equipment containing batteries must have the ON/OFF switch protected to prevent accidental activation, and
- the device must be completely switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode).
Lithium ion batteries (rechargeable) - exceeding 100Wh and up to 160Wh in medical equipment
Important
Lithium-ion batteries in medical equipment must be declared during check-in.
Airline approval required | Yes |
---|---|
Carry-on baggage | Yes |
Checked baggage | Yes |
Requirements
When packed in checked baggage:
- equipment containing batteries must have the ON/OFF switch protected to prevent accidental activation, and
- the device must be completely switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode).
Lithium-metal batteries in medical equipment (non-rechargeable) - exceeding 2g and up to 8g of lithium metal per device
Important
Lithium-metal batteries in medical equipment must be declared during check-in.
Airline approval required | Yes |
---|---|
Carry-on baggage | Yes |
Checked baggage | Yes |
Requirements
When packed in checked baggage:
- equipment containing batteries must have the ON/OFF switch protected to prevent accidental activation, and
- the device must be completely switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode).
Oxygen or air gaseous cylinders for medical use
Important
Carriage of portable oxygen or air cylinders is only permitted for medical use.
Medical oxygen cylinders must be declared during check-in and must travel in carry-on baggage only.
Airline approval required | Yes |
---|---|
Carry-on baggage | Yes |
Checked baggage | No |
Requirements
- only BOC, Air Liquide, SupaGas and CoreGas (hospital supplied only) cylinders are accepted;
- each cylinder must not exceed 5kg (typically size 'C' cylinders); and
- the valve/regulator must be fully protected.
Pacemaker (radioisotopic cardiac)
Airline approval required | No |
---|---|
Carry-on baggage | No |
Checked baggage | No |
Permitted on one's person.
Specimens, biological samples (non-infectious) contained in small quantities of permitted flammable liquid
Airline approval required | No |
---|---|
Carry-on baggage | Yes |
Checked baggage | Yes |
Requirements
- no more than 30 ml of liquid per inner container; and
- no more than 1L per package.
Medical or Clinical Thermometer (contains mercury)
Airline approval required | No |
---|---|
Carry-on baggage | No |
Checked baggage | Yes |
Requirements
- only one (1) per person for personal use; and
- must be packed in protective case.
Further information on dangerous goods
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations describe in detail what Dangerous Goods may be transported by air, in what quantities, and how they should be packed. For details on how to safely transport your Dangerous Goods, contact your local Qantas Freight Office.
Forbidden dangerous goods
For a summary of common items that are classified as dangerous goods view our prohibited and check with airline dangerous goods (PDF) - passengers are forbidden to carry them on an aircraft.
Important information regarding electronic devices
Qantas Group customers are advised to refer to the Product Safety website for a list of products that contain dangerous goods that have been recalled due to faults.
Customers planning to travel with these products should refer to the original manufacturer for further information and recall instructions.