Travelling with oxygen when you have a lung condition

Reproduced with permission of:

• Asthma + Lung UK (opens in a new tab)

If you have a lung condition and are planning to travel abroad, please discuss your travel plans with your Respiratory Consultant, even if you do not normally use oxygen at home. This is because some people with a respiratory condition may oxygen during air travel.

Using oxygen in the UK

If you are a current home oxygen user, you can arrange oxygen for travel within the UK through your oxygen provider (Baywater is the oxygen provider for the East of England, their contact details can be found below).

You will need to tell them your travel dates and where you will be staying. Try to give them as much notice as you can.

Before travelling you will need to check with your hotel or accommodation about taking and safely storing oxygen equipment as not all hotels will accept home oxygen equipment.

Using oxygen abroad

If you need oxygen when abroad, you will need to ensure you have made appropriate arrangements before you travel.

Most UK home oxygen providers do not allow their equipment to be taken outside the UK but will be happy to advise how you can arrange for oxygen when you are abroad.

You will have to pay for the oxygen supply.

There are several companies who can provide portable Oxygen concentrators for travel purposes, such as:

• Pure O2 (opens in a new tab)
• Intermedical Home-care (opens in a new tab)
• The Oxygen store (opens in a new tab)
• Oxygen Worldwide (opens in a new tab)

This list is not exclusive, other travel Oxygen providers are available; we do not endorse one company over another.

Travelling by car

If you are travelling by car with oxygen, make sure all equipment is secured safely and cannot move during the journey. Keep the vehicle well-ventilated where possible. Never smoke, vape, or use any equipment that may create a spark or source of ignition near oxygen.

Check with your oxygen provider that your equipment is suitable for travel by car. Take enough oxygen for your journey, allowing extra supplies in case of unexpected delays.

Do not leave oxygen equipment in a hot vehicle and all oxygen equipment should be kept out of sight if you leave the car unattended

You should also inform your motor insurance provider that you will be carrying oxygen equipment in the vehicle.

Travelling by bus, coach, train or taxi

If you plan to travel by bus, coach, train or taxi, before purchasing your ticket, inform the transport provider that you will be travelling with oxygen. Staff can explain any support or assistance available to you during your journey.

Travelling by ferry

If you plan to travel by ferry with oxygen, make sure you tell the provider in advance.

Some providers may be able to supply oxygen if given sufficient notice. This however does vary between different providers.

You will need full travel insurance and may require a medical certificate signed by your healthcare professional.

Going on a cruise with Oxygen

Policies relating to oxygen differ between cruise operators.

Before booking a cruise, contact the cruise line’s accessibility team to confirm your needs can be accommodated.

You will need full travel insurance and may require a medical certificate signed by your healthcare professional.

Flying with oxygen

Aircraft cabin pressure differs at altitude from that at ground level and may reduce oxygen levels in some passengers. Some individuals with a respiratory condition who do not routinely use oxygen may still require oxygen during a flight. Your Respiratory Team may recommend a fitness-to-fly assessment to determine whether in-flight oxygen is necessary.

Airlines have different requirements regarding oxygen equipment and medical documentation, so it is important to contact your airline before arranging to travel.

Airlines have their own rules about using in-flight Oxygen. Some airlines may allow you to bring a portable concentrator onboard. You may need to hire or buy one. Some airlines provide oxygen for free, and other charge a fee. The cost can vary widely.

Make sure you check with the airline before booking. You can also speak to your oxygen provider for more information.

Medical clearance to fly

If oxygen is required for use during the flight, the airline will ask for a medical certificate to show you are healthy enough to fly. This is called a Fit to Fly Certificate or Medical Information Form (MEDIF). You will need to complete the form yourself and then ask your GP/Respiratory consultant to complete and sign it. Each airline has its own form, which you can find on their website. This is usually on the special assistance page.

The form will ask for information about:

• Your route, flight date and booking reference.
• Who you’re travelling with your oxygen needs, including rates in litres per minute and flow type (continuous or pulse).
• Your oxygen needs, including rates in litres per minute and flow type (continuous or pulse).
• What medical equipment you’re taking, such as a portable oxygen container, CPAP machine or mobility equipment.
• Which batteries your equipment uses.

Preparing to travel with oxygen

• Start planning well before your trip.
• Check that your ‘fitness to fly’ test is valid. Some airlines are specific about the time between the test and travel.
• Check the insurance arrangements for your Oxygen equipment.
• Check whether your flight is codesharing. This is when a flight has one airline’s code and flight number but is operated by another one. To know the actual airline providing the aircraft and crew for a codeshared flight, look for the “Operated by” tag during the booking process or on your ticket. It is this airline that you will need to contact and complete their forms. You will need to check with each airline about their own Oxygen policy, especially if your travel requires multiple flights.
• Check ahead with your airline for any flight delays or cancellations. If you use Oxygen, you may need to bring more or make sure you have enough batteries.
• Make sure you know how many batteries you’ll need for your flight. Airlines should tell you how many extra batteries you’ll need to take in case your flight is delayed or lasts longer than expected.
• Plug in and charge your portable concentrator whenever you can. Remember to take international plug adapters that will work at your destination and any stopovers.
• Always keep the helpline number for your oxygen equipment supplier with you.
• Take a copy of your oxygen prescription or letter from your healthcare professional in case you need to order more supplies.

Oxygen suppliers

There are four main companies in England that provide home Oxygen services for the NHS.

Each company covers a different geographical area.

If you have a question about your Oxygen device or travelling with Oxygen you can contact your local home Oxygen supplier:

Air Liquide – The South West of England

• Telephone: 0808 1439999

Baywater Healthcare – East of England, London, the North West of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands

• Telephone: 0800 373580

BOC – East Midlands

• Telephone:0800 136603

Vivisol UK – The North East of England and the South East of England

• Telephone:0800 9179840

Useful websites:

• Asthma and Lung UK (opens in a new tab) ; Asthma + Lung UK (opens in a new tab)
• NHS UK (opens in a new tab)
• Baywater (East of England Oxygen Provider) (opens in a new tab)
• European Lung Foundation (opens in a new tab)