Traveling with Oxygen

Before you travel

Give yourself plenty of time to make plans.

• Talk with your health care provider. Talk about your condition and what type of travel is safe for you. Ask what your oxygen needs will be while traveling. Also ask for copies of your oxygen prescription and any other paperwork you may need.

• Talk with your medical equipment company. You may need to arrange for oxygen to be delivered. This will depend on where you are going and how you are getting there. Or you may be able to go to a supplier when you arrive. Many oxygen suppliers have offices across the country. They also have offices in other countries. Your health care provider's office can help with these plans.

• Talk with the company you will be traveling through. Find out what is needed for traveling with oxygen.

Types of portable oxygen devices

Talk with your health care provider about one of these choices for travel:

• Compressed oxygen tank. This is oxygen gas stored in a tank under pressure. Small tanks can be carried.

• Liquid oxygen unit. This has oxygen gas cooled to a very low temperature. Most tanks come with a portable unit. You can carry the unit or pull it on a cart. Some units weigh only a few pounds. These units are easy to carry.

• Portable oxygen concentrator (POC). This takes in the air around you to concentrate oxygen and give you more of it. It uses a battery. Or you can plug it into an outlet.

Traveling by car

• Place the oxygen unit upright on the floor. Or put it upright on the seat beside you. Secure the unit with a seat belt.

• Don’t let anyone smoke in the car.

• Keep the windows open at least a little. This lets the air move around.

• Store extra oxygen units upright on the floor of the car. Make sure they are secured.

• Don’t leave oxygen units in a hot car.

Traveling by cruise ship

• Tell the cruise company that you will be traveling with oxygen. Do this when you book the cruise. Most cruise lines require a 4- to 6-week notice to travel with oxygen.

• Ask your health care provider to send the cruise company a letter. The letter should include a brief health history and your oxygen prescription. 

• Work with your oxygen supplier. They can have oxygen units sent to the cruise ship before you leave. Ask the supplier how many tanks you’ll need at ports of call. They may also be able to arrange those for you.

Traveling by plane

• Find out the airline’s policy for using oxygen in flight. Do this before booking a ticket. You can check the airline's website. Or you can call the customer service number. You can’t take compressed gas or liquid oxygen on planes. You may be able to use a POC that is approved by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). Or the airline may give you in-flight oxygen for a fee. They may not allow personal oxygen devices. And you may need to sit in a certain seat on the plane.

• If the airline allows a POC, check that your POC is approved by the FAA. Check the agency’s list of approved devices.

• When you book your ticket, tell the airline that you’ll need oxygen during the flight. Many airlines require that you tell them a few days to a week before you fly. You may need to send a copy of your oxygen prescription. You may also need to send a letter from your health care provider. This letter will say you are approved for air travel and need in-flight oxygen. You may also need to fill out the airline’s medical form. Bring extra copies of this information with you. Give a copy to staff members for all flights as needed.

• You may be using the airline’s oxygen system. If so, bring your own nasal prongs or adaptor. Some airlines only give out masks.

• If you will be using the airline’s oxygen system, keep in mind that it’s only on the plane. You will need to use your POC in the airports before and after the flight.

• If you will be using your POC during the flight, bring extra batteries. Most airlines don’t allow a POC to be plugged in on the plane.

• Arrange for extra oxygen supplies to be there when you arrive. And arrange for oxygen during layovers.

Traveling by bus or train

• Call the local bus or train office at least 3 days before you leave. Tell them that you’re bringing oxygen. Ask about their policies. Most bus or train companies allow personal oxygen devices on board.

• Ask for seating in a nonsmoking area.

• Bring extra oxygen units as baggage, if allowed.

• Carry your oxygen prescription with you.

Traveling outside of the United States

Policies for traveling with oxygen vary by country. Some international airlines don’t have oxygen or allow devices. Work with a travel agent. They can help you make plans for travel outside the U.S. Plan far ahead. And have all of your medical paperwork ready.

When to get medical help

While traveling, ask for medical help right away if you have:

• Pale skin or a blue color to your skin.

• Heavier or faster breathing than normal.

• Trouble breathing, even with your oxygen in place.

• Chest pain.