Traveling and flying with oxygen

@cognac , you will have to go on the airline's site and read what their requirements are. They all differ. One airline I flew on wanted info on my POC (personal oxygen concentrator). I will say that no airline ever asked to SEE any of the paperwork or check to see if I had enough battery power with me. But, you risk that one time they will ask. Now, to get back to the importance of using a wheelchair..... I got detained and missed a flight because I did not use a wheelchair. They got suspicious of the POC and me looking like I didn't actually need it. This wheelchair tip was handed down to me from another POC traveler, and boy, was she right.

The airline rules about Oxygen and WCHR are all safety and health related...and backed by the FAA.
It is wise to let the airline know you need a wchr and O2 when you book your reservation. They will brief you and put a note with your reservation and on your ticket that will help get you through security and even get onto the flight first!
The crew working the flight will
also have your information.
You may have to pay for the airline Oxygen, but they will only typically charge you for the bottles you use...depending on the length of the flight.

I flew as a Flight Attendant for 35 years for NWA now Delta and also served on Safety & Health committee. I understand the safety issues well and served as Government Affairs Chair. We fly a lot and I keep up with the rules so I offer these suggestions. I hope this helps your travels go more smoothly.
Also, if you are flying to Mayo Clinic, for one Delta offers patients a deep round trip discount and dates can be changed without the “change fee”. But remember to ask questions when you book your flight! Booking 7 days or more before flying may reduce the air fare greatly.
linda

I have a question. I don’t have oxygen but know it is coming soon. I keep getting ads for conscentrators. Are they adequate?

Medicare, if you are eligible, will cover them as durable medical equipment. I have one in my house for oxygen at night.

@windwalker, thanks for taking the time to give me the info,especially about the tip on the wheelchair. It makes me feel much less anxious.

@llwortman, thanks for taking the time to respond. I'm planning on taking my own Oxygen this time, because I read some airlines don't offer individual Oxygen. But all your info is REALLY good to know, both for me and for any others who may be flying somewhere.

@jo54, I use a concentrator and find it more than adequate. I have a machine in the bedroom and use Oxygen all night. But for trips to the grocery store, the gym, light yardwork, etc., I use the concentrator because it's lighter than a tank. If you have time, please see my response below to @waterboy.

@waterboy, you're lucky. On the day at the doctor's office when I was diagnosed with ILD and was told I needed Oxygen, I asked the nurse for some names of places to call. She told me who they usually use, and I was upset, so I said fine. I'll use them. She didn't mention that I was also agreeing to use ONLY them for 5 YEARS as part of their contract. Consequently, Medicare pays for the rental on the huge unit I have at home, and any tanks I wish to order, but WILL NOT pay for a concentrator from another company until t he 5 years has expired. So I bought my concentrator out-right.

@dogwood928, I'm familiar with having machines delivered for use overnight, but that was within 150 miles from home. I don't know if my provider rents portable concentrators (not tanks), or not. But I'm definitely going to check. Thank you for taking the time to send me this info.

cognac... the way I understand it Medicare sets up a five year obligation.... they only pay for three.... so, if you have used it for let's say 2.5 years and you have to move, another supplier would have to finish the five years and only get paid for 6 mos.