How To Travel With Supplemental Oxygen
If you require supplemental oxygen during your trip, you will need to make sure that your equipment is ready for various airport and airline regulations
You may believe that it's difficult to impossible to travel with supplemental oxygen. The fact is that more and more travelers need a portable oxygen concentrator and airports and airlines have worked to accommodate such travelers. At Desert Medical, we are only one of three US companies that offer FAA-approved oxygen concentrator rentals for travelers. Here, we will show you the steps that you should take to travel successfully with supplemental oxygen
1). Visit Your Doctor
First, you should visit your primary doctor and let him or her know about your travel arrangements. You should make this visit several weeks to a couple of months before you travel. Your doctor will determine if you need supplemental oxygen for your travel. Additionally, your doctor will let you know how much oxygen you should bring with you. At this time, you should learn the requirements needed to travel on an airline with supplemental oxygen. Finally, you should obtain a note from your doctor that your supplemental oxygen is a medical necessity.
2). Obtain Oxygen for Your Travel
After you have visited your doctor, you should go about obtaining the oxygen needed for your travel. At this time, you should also make sure that you have all the equipment that you need. For instance, make sure you have more than enough 12-cell batteries for your flight. Assume that your flight may be delayed. Therefore, have more batteries than you need. Also, bring a backup nasal cannula or mask.
3). Shop Around for the Right Airline That Can Accommodate You
Make sure that you book your flight on an airline that can best accommodate you. When you contact the airline, be sure to ask the following questions:
Does the airline accept passengers with supplemental oxygen?
Are oxygen concentrators acceptable or does the airline supply oxygen?
How much notice do I need to give before flying?
Are there specific seat requirements?
If the airline is supplying the oxygen, how are the charges determined?
4). Verify Arrangements
Be sure to verify all the information. For instance, you may have to book your flight a month in advance. However, you should contact the airline about 72 hours before you fly to ensure that you can bring your supplemental oxygen equipment and oxygen aboard the flight.
5). Check Your Equipment Before Boarding
When you are at the gate, go through the following checklist before boarding your plane:
Is the oxygen equipment working properly?
Do you have enough batteries?
Check to see that your oxygen canisters are full
The flow meter is set up properly to deliver the proper amount of oxygen
You have access to all of your medications
Traveling with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Yes, it is possible to travel with supplemental oxygen. If you are planning to travel soon - and require supplemental oxygen equipment - contact us today at Desert Medical. We have helped thousands of travelers secure FAA-approved oxygen concentrators around the United States.
REFERENCE:
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/supplemental-oxygen-on-commercial-airlines-beyond-the-basics
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