Home > Info Center > Traveling with Oxygen Equipment

Traveling with Oxygen Equipment

Click here to see our selection of products

If you have a condition that requires you to use oxygen equipment, such as lung disease, the following pointers can help make traveling easier.

Before Leaving on Your Trip
Talk to your doctor about your travel plans, and the methods you will be using to get around (car, taxi, plane, etc..). There are certain limitations that your doctor might inform you about. Your physician can also help you to understand your limitations and whether or not the trip is practical and whether your oxygen equipment will be able to accompany you safely.

Traveling By Airplane
First make sure you get your doctor’s approval. Airline cabin pressure is typically lower than what people are used to and in-flight use of oxygen may be a prerequisite.

Second, be sure to provide the airline, in advance, with information about your specific oxygen requirements. Most major airlines have an in-house medical team which will asses your needs and whether or not they can meet them. If they can they will typically provide you with oxygen equipment for the flight.

Airlines will not transport full oxygen containers. Some airlines will allow you to transport empty oxygen equipment, but be sure to speak with them in advance.

Airlines will not provide you with oxygen equipment outside of the plane, for this reason be sure to make a direct flight or arrange for the rental of oxygen equipment during any layovers.

Traveling By Land
Tell you doctor about any altitude changes you may encounter during your trip. Your flow rate prescription may need to be altered.

When traveling by car, be sure to safely transport and store your oxygen tank. Keep it away from heat and flame and do not store it in the trunk where it may get hot. Keep in mind that your oxygen tank releases small amounts of gas periodically, so you should keep a window cracked.
If you will be traveling by bus or train, check with the bus or train company to see if they have any rules about carrying oxygen on board. Also, make sure your equipment can be used independently of the train's electrical power.

Traveling By Sea
Check with the cruise line about their oxygen policy. Some cruise lines will provide supplemental oxygen. If not, you will need to arrange for refills at ports of call or your oxygen supplier may be able to provide you with an oxygen conserving device.

International Travel
Be sure to have the right electrical conversion adapters for your respiratory equipment. You may also need metric threads for liquid oxygen adapters.