Travel with lung issues

@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 !
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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.

@janet23
I traveled last week and was told only to bring the form in with me and show it at the check in desk day of travel. Admittedly, the check in folks were unfamiliar with the process, but they successfully cleared me for the round trip-point being, they may have lightened their procedure.

@cohera

I am glad your trip was successful!

Here is the link to Delta's website policy on traveling with oxygen. The policy looks the same.
https://www.delta.com/us/en/accessible-travel-services/assistive-devices-medication
I have witnessed several travelers with POCs experience travel delays and missed flights if the approval process was not followed. Some agents are better trained than others. The approval to fly on Delta is attached to your specific ticket for that flight only.

I always check the airline policy before traveling with a POC for the most recent policy.