Travel with lung issues

I have traveled with my portable oxygen as Eugenia commented above. Wanted to add, that your pulmonologist can order a test that will tell you if you need oxygen at higher altitudes. Mine was done by respiratory therapy, the same ones that do my PFT. You really don’t want to be 30,000 ft in the air to find out.

I have traveled quite a bit with oxygen and it can be challenging. If you don't have one, you can rent one, but I believe you need a prescription from your dr. My understanding is that most planes pressurize the cabin as if you were at 8000 feet. Portable oxygen concentrators POC can go up to 4 or 6 liters. Your dr. should be able to help you determine what you'll need. Also make sure the concentrator is approved by the FAA. It should say it right on the machine. Also there are some POC batteries that are not allowed by certain airlines, On an international flight last year, the captain actually came out to inspect my machine.
Also, IF you do end up bringing a POC, you must let the airline know that you're bringing one and read the fine print. Some airlines might require a letter from your dr. Also, they require that you have enough battery to cover 150% of the travel time in case there are delays. Hope this information is helpful.

just flew delta with this situation. they were very helpful….had to fill out a form and when I checked in, my departure city made sure it was good for travel both ways—so my concentrator was cleared. I chose not to use the O2 on return and packed the concentrator in my carry on. When the option to check my bag arose at one point, they were very clear, I could not put my bag with the concentrator in the cargo section…fyi.

@kr61
When I travel by airline or I am in big crowds, I spray my nose first with a 1% Betadine and saline solution and gargle with Scope to prevent getting respiratory pathogens from replicating in my nose and throat. This seems to work for me. I don't get sick, or if I start getting early symptoms of a cold, I start doing this treatment three times a day and the symptoms disappear quickly.

Check with your pulmonologist to see if this may help you in your travels. Viruses go right through masks and masks restrict the flow of oxygen. I don't wear a mask when traveling.

@kr61

My Medicare insurance pays for my oxygen concentrator.

Airlines have different policies on traveling with an oxygen concentrator. Check their websites.

I fly Delta and Delta requires you to complete their form and
and email it in at least 1 week prior to the flight. They respond with their approval. Make a copy of the form you submitted and the approval email. Delta does not allow you to check in at a kiosk, only the desk. I request wheelchair service which makes it easier to get through the line to show the agent the form and approval letter to get my boarding pass. Allow extra time at the airport. I have Global Entry to go through the TSA Precheck. It is worth it.

I have attached photos on how to travel easily with the oxygen concentrator.

I purchased a shoe bag with a zipper and a handle. My Inogen G3 fits in the bag along with a clear zippered small bag holding my extra battery, and supplies. I purchased the bags on Amazon.

TSA Security requires for the oxygen concentrator be taken out of the bag so they can swab it after going through screening. I put my shoe bag in a separate bin and unzip it so it is easy for them to remove gently and swab it. I have had issues with the concentrator still alarming and I had to go through the embarrassment of a complete pat down, which was not pleasant. I learned that if there are residual oils or lotion on the concentrator, it can trigger an alarm. TDA advised me to clean the outside case of the concentrator with an alcohol swab before traveling. This worked.

Once on the plane, the shoe bag fits under my seat with room for my feet and my roller bag goes in the overhead bin. I book a window seat because I don't want people trying to pass by me once seated. After take off, I remove the concentrator and supplies from my shoe bag and I am all set for the flight.

Bring your oximeter so you know when you need to put on the oxygen.

Happy travels !
.
Update-
You are allowed three carry on bags when traveling with oxygen. I put a tag on the outside of my shoe bag with oxygen so it is not an issue when boarding.

I also use packing cubes inside my luggage to keep everything organized in the event TSA wants to look through my carry on luggage, and I also put my small purse in a package cube so I only board with 2 items.

If you haven’t purchase Travel Insurance for your trip, it would be a good idea. We always purchase travel insurance when traveling internationally just in case something unexpected should come up and we would have to cancel.
It gives me peace of mind.
Kathryn

@kr61

My Medicare insurance pays for my oxygen concentrator.

Airlines have different policies on traveling with an oxygen concentrator. Check their websites.

I fly Delta and Delta requires you to complete their form and
and email it in at least 1 week prior to the flight. They respond with their approval. Make a copy of the form you submitted and the approval email. Delta does not allow you to check in at a kiosk, only the desk. I request wheelchair service which makes it easier to get through the line to show the agent the form and approval letter to get my boarding pass. Allow extra time at the airport. I have Global Entry to go through the TSA Precheck. It is worth it.

I have attached photos on how to travel easily with the oxygen concentrator.

I purchased a shoe bag with a zipper and a handle. My Inogen G3 fits in the bag along with a clear zippered small bag holding my extra battery, and supplies. I purchased the bags on Amazon.

TSA Security requires for the oxygen concentrator be taken out of the bag so they can swab it after going through screening. I put my shoe bag in a separate bin and unzip it so it is easy for them to remove gently and swab it. I have had issues with the concentrator still alarming and I had to go through the embarrassment of a complete pat down, which was not pleasant. I learned that if there are residual oils or lotion on the concentrator, it can trigger an alarm. TDA advised me to clean the outside case of the concentrator with an alcohol swab before traveling. This worked.

Once on the plane, the shoe bag fits under my seat with room for my feet and my roller bag goes in the overhead bin. I book a window seat because I don't want people trying to pass by me once seated. After take off, I remove the concentrator and supplies from my shoe bag and I am all set for the flight.

Bring your oximeter so you know when you need to put on the oxygen.

Happy travels !
.
Update-
You are allowed three carry on bags when traveling with oxygen. I put a tag on the outside of my shoe bag with oxygen so it is not an issue when boarding.

I also use packing cubes inside my luggage to keep everything organized in the event TSA wants to look through my carry on luggage, and I also put my small purse in a package cube so I only board with 2 items.