Traveling with Supplemental Oxygen

Planning ahead when you need to take oxygen on a trip

Updated on September 04, 2021

Medically reviewed by Daniel More, MD

If you have a condition such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and are planning to travel, you may need to take supplemental oxygen with you. When you are traveling on an airplane, by train, or on a bus, or staying in a hotel, you need to be aware of considerations and possible restrictions.

As you prepare for a trip with supplemental oxygen, check that your equipment and devices are permitted for use during your travel and at your destination. Be sure to ask whether you will have space and be afforded accommodations to use your device.

Prepare for your travels by bringing batteries or chargers to power your equipment. Keep in mind that international destinations and cruise ships may have power outlet configurations that do not match the ones you are used to.

man has respiratory problem from covid-19 so wear Inhaler Oxygen mask — JadeThaiCatwalk / Getty Images

Before Your Trip

When you are traveling with oxygen, it is important to plan ahead. It is a good idea to schedule a pre-trip medical examination, especially if you will be traveling on an airplane, hiking, staying at a high elevation (such as on a mountain), leaving the country, or going away for a long period of time.

Obtain a letter of medical necessity from your healthcare provider during your pre-trip medical exam. Most airlines require that this letter include your healthcare provider's contact information, a statement about your specific condition, healthcare provider approval for air travel, and confirmation that you require supplemental oxygen, as well as the flow rate and duration of use. You may need to present it when you go through airport security, board your plane, go through customs, and/or at your hotel if you need to stay in a specially accommodated room.

Don't forget to pack all of your regular medications in your carry-on luggage and, if needed, to bring an adequate supply of COPD rescue inhalers with you throughout your trip.

It's always a good idea to keep any medications in their original containers so that you will get the right treatment in case of an emergency.

Altitude and Oxygen Needs

A high altitude may change the oxygen pressure around you—essentially increasing your oxygen requirement. This doesn't have a significant effect on most people, but if you have a pulmonary disease, a slight change in oxygen pressure can make you feel short of breath.

Your healthcare provider may change your prescription for oxygen supplementation if you are staying at a high elevation or flying during your travels. In fact, some people who do not regularly need to use supplemental oxygen might need to use it only in these circumstances.

Supplemental Oxygen on Airplanes: Regulations

When making an airline reservation, be sure to ask about specific regulations and restrictions that may apply when carrying oxygen onboard your flight.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel Act, oxygen-dependent passengers may now carry their own Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved, battery-powered portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) onboard U.S. domestic and international flights with 19 or more passenger seats, beginning or ending in the United States.

The policy states that:

Airlines must permit a passenger to use his/her POC during the flight if it is labeled as FAA-approved.
Airlines may not charge for providing accommodations required by the rule, such as hazardous materials packaging for batteries.
Airlines may charge for optional services such as providing oxygen.

Assistive devices do not count against any limit on the number of pieces of carry-on baggage, and they have priority over other items for storage in the baggage compartment.

In addition to POCs, respiratory assistive devices also include nebulizers, respirators, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. Liquids associated with a nebulizer are exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Compressed oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen are not allowed on airplanes.

FAA-Approved POCs

POCs are permitted on flights only if they are approved by the FAA. Consider renting your POC from an oxygen supply company if you don't typically need oxygen, or if the device you regularly use is not FAA-approved.

According to the FAA, the following devices are approved to carry on board your flight:

For more information about FAA requirements for traveling with oxygen by airplane, visit the FAA website.

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