Travel

TIPS & TRICKS

Before you consider a journey of any kind, you should talk with your doctor. He or she can provide the support and preparation you need to help make your trip a great one. Don't forget to ask if you will need any adjustment to your flow rate due to changes in elevation or other environmental factors. You should also get a copy of your oxygen prescription, and make photocopies to carry with you. Get a letter from your doctor as well stating that he or she approves your travel, and outlining in general terms what kind of treatment you are receiving and that it is perfectly safe for you to be using on your chosen method of transit.

Here are some specific tips for the various modes of transportation you may be considering:

Air Travel

Most commercial airlines are capable of providing oxygen service on board their aircraft, but you should make the arrangements very far in advance. If you use a portable oxygen concentrator that is approved for airline use, you will have a much easier time. The FAA now allows two brands of these devices to be used on board many commercial airlines (the Inogen One by Inogen and the Lifestyle by Airsep), making air travel a lot easier.

Here are the steps to take when getting ready for a plane trip:

  • Check with your doctor to make sure it's OK for you to fly
  • The Customer Care department at Inogen is familiar with all of the airlines that allow portable concentrators onboard. Call them at 1-877-446-6436 for any assistance
  • Contact the airline as far ahead as you can to make arrangements
  • If using airline-supplied oxygen, ask what flow they can provide
  • If using a portable concentrator, obtain a signed physician statement. You can use this template: www.inogen.net/faa
  • Always bring your own cannula or breathing accessory
  • Arrange for backup oxygen at your destination
  • Call back to confirm all of your oxygen arrangements 48 hours before your flight
  • Arrive two hours early at the airport
Cruises

Commercial cruise lines will most likely allow passengers to use oxygen on board, but you should give them as much advance notice as you can so that they can make the proper arrangements for you. As opposed to the airlines, cruise ships require that you provide your own equipment and oxygen for the duration of the trip. This is another situation where a portable concentrator can make a real difference.

Go through this checklist when booking a cruise:

  • Check with your doctor to make sure it's OK for you to travel
  • Contact the cruise line as far ahead as you can to make arrangements
  • If you are using traditional cylinders, figure out how much equipment you will need and arrange to have it delivered to the boat by your oxygen provider
  • Ask about specialty cruises for oxygen patients
Train

Amtrak and other rail companies allow oxygen onboard. You must notify Amtrak of your need to bring oxygen and make reservations in advance by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. There is a limit as to how many tanks you can bring onto the train, so check with the rail company first. You will need enough to get you through the trip, plus enough to get you through any delays that may occur.

For train travel, consider the following:

  • Check with your doctor to make sure it's OK for you to travel
  • Contact the rail company as far ahead as you can to make arrangements
  • Figure out how much you need for the journey
  • Arrange for backup oxygen
  • If your travel is exceptionally long, arrange for refills to be provided to you by your oxygen provider at station stops along the way
  • Consider new technology such as a portable oxygen concentrator to ease your travel concerns
Bus

Bus lines such as Greyhound require 48 hours advance notice for people traveling with oxygen. Call customer service for the company you are traveling with and ask for a copy of their latest policy on oxygen use.

Bus travel checklist:

  • Check with your doctor to make sure it's OK for you to travel
  • Contact the bus line as far ahead as you can to make arrangements
  • Figure out how much you will need for the journey
  • Request the bus line's policy on oxygen users
  • Arrange for backup oxygen
Driving and Public Transportation

You can ride in and drive a car while using oxygen, and you can use it on public transportation. All it takes is a little common sense and your doctor's permission.

  • Check with your doctor to make sure it's OK
  • Make sure that your oxygen equipment is secure, so that it won't tip over or stop working suddenly
  • Make sure you have enough with you for your whole trip, and for any delays
  • If you're using public transportation, such as a bus or subway, make sure that your equipment is portable enough for you to maneuver it easily onto and off of the vehicle
  • Talk to the OxygeNation Community for other driving and public transportation tips

Back to Top