Traveling Well by Air with COPD

Traveling by plane can be a bit of a challenge for people with COPD. The air pressure in the cabin is lower during the flight than it is on the ground. Even if you don't need to use oxygen at home, you still may need it on the plane. If you already use oxygen at home you may need more when you are in flight.

Each airline has its own set of rules about flying with oxygen. Some airlines want you to bring a letter from your doctor that explains your condition, your need for oxygen on the flight, and what your oxygen prescription is. Others will get in touch with your doctor directly. Some will let you bring your liquid oxygen tanks on board, either as carry-on baggage or checked baggage. Others do not even allow oxygen as checked baggage.

If the airline is supplying your oxygen, they will charge you a fee for each leg of the flight. An FAA rule gives airlines the option of letting people fly with portable oxygen concentrators that fit under the seat. Not all of the airlines allow concentrators on board and at least one requires it. If you don't own a portable concentrator you can rent one.

Before you book your ticket, it's a good idea to learn about each airline's rules on their web site under Customer Service or Special Assistance. Or call the 800 number for the airline and ask the agent about "traveling with oxygen."

Preparing with Your Oxygen Supplier

You will need to make arrangements with your oxygen supplier to have equipment waiting for you when you land. It is important to call well ahead of time to make these arrangements. Usually the supplier will meet you at the baggage claim area. You can order a wheelchair, so that you can get to the baggage claim area without tiring yourself out.

If you have a portable concentrator on board, you can use that until you get additional oxygen from the supply company. Just use it on battery for the short trip to baggage claim. Your supply company will be there with your oxygen.

In Preparation

¨ Discuss proposed travel with my doctor, including travel destinations, modes of travel, oxygen needs, medication needs, and emergency plans.

¨ Contact airline about their oxygen use regulations.

¨ Write out my medical information to take with me.

¨ Get a prescription for medications to last for the duration of my trip, plus any medications for flare-ups, such as antibiotics.

¨ Call my oxygen supplier to arrange for oxygen while traveling and at my destination.

¨ Ask my doctor if I will need oxygen during the flight.

¨ Ask my doctor if my oxygen flow rate will need to be adjusted during the flight.

¨ Get a letter from my doctor explaining my condition, my approval for air travel, my need for in-flight oxygen, and my oxygen prescription (flow rate, duration of use). Make extra copies for all flights.

¨ Call the airline well in advance to discuss my oxygen needs. Ask the agent:

o Do you accept passengers who need supplemental oxygen?

o Can oxygen concentrators be brought on board?

o Can I ship extra oxygen tanks as baggage?

o What do you charge per leg of the flight for oxygen?

o What is the liter flow capability of the oxygen you supply?

o Do you provide a cannula and/or mask?

o Required documents?

o Airport procedures?

o Type of ground assistance available?