Traveling with Oxygen
When traveling, people using oxygen have extra considerations to take into account. People who regularly need supplemental oxygen need to plan for mobility, and getting from one place to another between refills. The following our helpful guidelines on how to plan your trip with oxygen. Check the Breathin’ Easy Travel Guide for tips and information on suppliers at http://www.breathineasy.com.
Travel by Air
Well in advance of traveling, talk with your physician. You and your doctor should provide the airline with your prescription for oxygen and your needs. The airline's medical department will then evaluate your needs to see if they can accommodate you.
ALERT
***The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a new regulation that allows passengers to use certain types of medical oxygen products on commercial aircraft. Two brands of oxygen concentrators have won approval for use by AirSep Corporation & Inogen, Inc... Check with your airline for additional information.
What the New Rule Allows
The new regulation gives air carriers the ability to let passengers use the two types of portable oxygen concentrators during all phases of a flight, from taxiing on the runway to takeoff and landing. While the aircraft is in the air, passengers may operate their units whether seated or moving about the cabin.
Additional Safety Measures
Before passengers are allowed to use a portable oxygen concentrator device, however, air carriers must first ensure the model does not cause interference with the electrical, navigation or communication equipment on the aircraft. For their part, passengers must ensure the unit is in good working order, and they must be able to take appropriate action in response to the unit's warning alarms. Also, if passengers bring along extra batteries for the devices in their carry-on luggage, then the FAA requires them to protect the batteries from short circuits and physical damage.
If you do not have an approved concentrator for travel the airline will supply the oxygen and other apparatus that your doctor deems necessary. Equipment may vary from airline to airline. Keep in mind that airlines have limited seats for passengers that need in-flight oxygen. Airlines may also refuse passengers that they consider unsafe to travel. Passengers cannot use their own oxygen cylinders. However, passengers may be able to take empty cylinders and equipment as part of their baggage. Check with different airlines as their charges for supplemental oxygen and equipment storage vary.
Remember to also make plans for when you're on the ground. Airlines do not provide oxygen at the airport. Try to get a non-stop or direct flight to avoid extra fees and the hassle of arranging for oxygen on the ground for stopovers. Oxygen distributors should be able to provide this service.
Traveling by Land
There are fewer restrictions when traveling by land. However you should still talk with your doctor. Let your doctor know about the altitudes that you'll be traveling to. Your prescribed flow rate may need to be altered if you are going to a very different altitude. You will also need to arrange for oxygen refills in advance.
- BY CAR: When traveling by your own car or motor home, you have the freedom to carry your own portable oxygen equipment and to arrange for refills along the way. But remember to transport and store oxygen safely. The oxygen must be kept upright, away from heat and flame. Do not store oxygen in the trunk where it can get very hot. Also, because oxygen containers release small amounts of gas periodically, keep a window partially open, regardless of the weather.
- BY BUS: Since the travel-with-oxygen policy varies by bus line, check with the bus operator in advance. Buses should all be non-smoking now, so if portable oxygen is allowed there should not be a problem.
- BY RAIL: Similarly, there are no set policies for traveling with oxygen by rail. Contact the railroad in advance to notify them of your need and to check their specifications on the equipment you can bring aboard. You will need to sit in the no smoking section. Generally, on Amtrak, you will need to bring enough oxygen for the trip plus an additional 20%. The equipment should also not depend solely on the train's provided electrical power.
Traveling by Sea
Check with the cruise line for their supplemental oxygen policy. Some ships may be able to provide supplemental oxygen; otherwise you will need to bring enough oxygen to last throughout the trip or arrange for refills at ports of call. Your oxygen supplier may also be able to provide you with an oxygen conserving device for longer trips.
- Some companies, such as MedicalTravel.org and Cruise Holidays, organize cruises especially for people with lung disease. Your local Lung Association may also have plans for a cruise. Log on to your local chapter to find out if they are planning on
International Travel
In general, oxygen is widely available in Europe and Japan. There are now more suppliers that can provide oxygen in many other countries as well. Check the Breathin’ Easy Travel Guide for tips at http://www.breathineasy.com.
- Be sure to have the right electrical conversion adapters for your respiratory equipment. Liquid oxygen adapters with metric threads may also be needed.
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