Travel Tips

Just because you use oxygen doesn't mean that you can't travel. It does mean, however, that you have to plan ahead. Changes in time zones and increased activity are things you need to take into consideration.

Here is a checklist to help you prepare for the next time you travel.

• Did you ask your doctor about traveling? Especially if you've been hospitalized recently, check with your doctor for travel clearance.
• Have you completed the necessary paperwork to travel? A letter from your healthcare provider that verifies all of your medications, including oxygen, may be needed.
• Do you have a copy of your oxygen prescription? You will need to show your prescription to travel personnel, so be sure to carry the prescription with you.
• Do you have the name and phone number of the following healthcare professionals with you: your doctor, your respiratory therapist, your oxygen supplier and home healthcare company representative?
• Do you have enough medication to last the entire trip? Remember to pack all medication and supplies in your carry-on bag. Keep a list of current medications with you at all times.
• Do you have emergency medical identification to wear?

Below are additional tips for travelers on oxygen therapy:

• Contact your home healthcare company and tell them where you are going and how you are getting there. They can assist you in arranging for oxygen when you reach your travel destination.
• Be sure you know how to use your portable oxygen concentrator. Try operating it on all types of power-AC , DC , and battery . Test how long your batteries last at your dosage or liter flow level.
• Did you contact your travel carrier (airline, cruise ship, bus) before departure to check for any special requirements?
• Check with your healthcare provider if you have further questions.

Traveling by air:

• Contact the airline several weeks ahead to obtain their policy and make arrangements. The airline may require a letter from your physician, some medical history, and a current oxygen prescription.
• Most airlines have specific requirements for the amount of battery time you are carrying. Although we have guidelines listed on this site, we recommend you double check with the airline for additional information or requirements.
• Most airlines do not have the ability to charge a unit (AC or DC power) while in flight.
• Manage your battery life by keeping your unit under charge on AC power while you are waiting for boarding or during any layovers.
• Direct flights are recommended whenever possible.
• Battery Requirements for Portable Oxygen Concentrator Use on an Airplane
  
  If you'll be traveling by airplane with your portable oxygen concentrator, it's critical, and required by airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration, that you have sufficient battery life to power your concentrator for 150% of your flight time. So, for a six-hour flight, you would need nine hours of battery time.
  
  Airlines strongly recommend that you carry at least two batteries on your flight, even if it's a short flight, and we agree. An extra battery gives you a back-up in case something goes wrong with the first one.

Traveling by car:

• All of our portable concentrators come with a DC power supply that plugs into an automobile cigarette lighter.
• Many (but not all) units charge the battery under DC power. Please ask our sales technicians or support department for specific information on your unit.

Traveling on a cruise ship:

Call the cruise line several weeks before and let them know that you will be traveling with oxygen. Be sure you understand any specific requirements they may have.

• The cruise line will need a letter from your physician, some medical history, and a current oxygen prescription.
• Validate the cruise line can accommodate the AC or DC power charging requirements for your unit.