Re: question about travelling and O2

[Guest guest]

Eileen,

Airline travel with supplemental oxygen is possible though it can be somewhat overwhelming to contemplate doing when faced with all the rules. No airline will allow a passenger to bring their own O2 tanks aboard a flight. You either need to bring an FAA approved portable oxygen concentrator or in some cases the airline will provide O2 tanks for you at a cost of $100 per flight segment. You do have to notify the carrier in advance of your trip. Just showing up at the airport with a tank is the best way to not get where you are going.

Usually your O2 supplier can get you a portable concentrator to use for traveling. If they can't there are places to rent them. They are very expesive to purchase.

This website has a tremendous amount of information on airline travel for those of us who need supplemental O2.

http://www.homeoxygen.org/airtrav.html

One other thing to be aware of is that when in flight passenger jets are pressurized to 8000 feet above sea level. That means you are breathing at the equivalent of sitting on an 8000 foot mountain. There is considerably less oxygen in the air at 8000 feet so your O2 needs could be more even though you are sitting quietly. When planning a trip it's important to take that into consideration.

Hope that helps some. Do you travel alot? I love to travel though I've done my traveling since my diagnosis by car!

Beth in North Carolina

Moderator

Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Friday, January 2, 2009 2:28:24 PMSubject: question about travelling and O2

Hi - I was watching a reality show today about airlines and an older lady was trying to get on a Southwest flight but they would not let her because she had an oxygen tank. I think she did not tell them when she made the reservation. So, when one travels w O2 you have to notify the airline when you make your reservation? and then what? do they allow you to bring your own O2 on? If your canister is good for like 4 hrs what do you do, call another O2 provider in each town you go to?Eileen 51 IPF/UIP May 07New to oxygen this past month

[Guest guest]

Eileen,

Airline travel with supplemental oxygen is possible though it can be somewhat overwhelming to contemplate doing when faced with all the rules. No airline will allow a passenger to bring their own O2 tanks aboard a flight. You either need to bring an FAA approved portable oxygen concentrator or in some cases the airline will provide O2 tanks for you at a cost of $100 per flight segment. You do have to notify the carrier in advance of your trip. Just showing up at the airport with a tank is the best way to not get where you are going.

Usually your O2 supplier can get you a portable concentrator to use for traveling. If they can't there are places to rent them. They are very expesive to purchase.

This website has a tremendous amount of information on airline travel for those of us who need supplemental O2.

http://www.homeoxygen.org/airtrav.html

One other thing to be aware of is that when in flight passenger jets are pressurized to 8000 feet above sea level. That means you are breathing at the equivalent of sitting on an 8000 foot mountain. There is considerably less oxygen in the air at 8000 feet so your O2 needs could be more even though you are sitting quietly. When planning a trip it's important to take that into consideration.

Hope that helps some. Do you travel alot? I love to travel though I've done my traveling since my diagnosis by car!

Beth in North Carolina

Moderator

Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Friday, January 2, 2009 2:28:24 PMSubject: question about travelling and O2

Hi - I was watching a reality show today about airlines and an older lady was trying to get on a Southwest flight but they would not let her because she had an oxygen tank. I think she did not tell them when she made the reservation. So, when one travels w O2 you have to notify the airline when you make your reservation? and then what? do they allow you to bring your own O2 on? If your canister is good for like 4 hrs what do you do, call another O2 provider in each town you go to?Eileen 51 IPF/UIP May 07New to oxygen this past month

[Guest guest]

Eileen,

Eddie & I flew on Southwest Airlines this past May when we gathered in San . I purchased a portable concentrator(Respironics Evergo) and the airlines required a letter from my pulmo doc. Only once did they ask to see the letter. As we were flying, I checked my sats and adjusted the liter flow. I had no oxygen company to give me a regular concentrator but one of my buddies helped me to have one in the hotel room. Other than that, I continued to use the portable concentrator everywhere we went. Lots of us on here have had plenty of experiences traveling with O2. Maybe Bruce will elaborate some more!

Toodles!

Jane UIP/IPF 12/1998 Dalton, Georgia aka pianolady_musicgirl>> Hi - I was watching a reality show today about airlines and an older > lady was trying to get on a Southwest flight but they would not let her > because she had an oxygen tank. I think she did not tell them when she > made the reservation. So, when one travels w O2 you have to notify the > airline when you make your reservation? and then what? do they allow > you to bring your own O2 on? If your canister is good for like 4 hrs > what do you do, call another O2 provider in each town you go to?> > Eileen 51 IPF/UIP May 07> New to oxygen this past month>

[Guest guest]

Eileen,

Eddie & I flew on Southwest Airlines this past May when we gathered in San . I purchased a portable concentrator(Respironics Evergo) and the airlines required a letter from my pulmo doc. Only once did they ask to see the letter. As we were flying, I checked my sats and adjusted the liter flow. I had no oxygen company to give me a regular concentrator but one of my buddies helped me to have one in the hotel room. Other than that, I continued to use the portable concentrator everywhere we went. Lots of us on here have had plenty of experiences traveling with O2. Maybe Bruce will elaborate some more!

Toodles!

Jane UIP/IPF 12/1998 Dalton, Georgia aka pianolady_musicgirl>> Hi - I was watching a reality show today about airlines and an older > lady was trying to get on a Southwest flight but they would not let her > because she had an oxygen tank. I think she did not tell them when she > made the reservation. So, when one travels w O2 you have to notify the > airline when you make your reservation? and then what? do they allow > you to bring your own O2 on? If your canister is good for like 4 hrs > what do you do, call another O2 provider in each town you go to?> > Eileen 51 IPF/UIP May 07> New to oxygen this past month>

[Guest guest]

Eileen,

I fly 3 to 4 times a year to see my grandchildren in South Dakota and Oregon. I have Apria and they always deliver everything I need free of charge to wherever I am going. Before you book a flight, find out if the airline provides oxygen or if you have to rent a portable concentrator. Most airlines charge $100.00 per segment ( I always book direct flights) and you must fill out paperwork that is signed by your doctor in advance. There is also a company that rents concentrators for $200.00 a week. The airlines have the info on their websites under handicap travel info. My other travel suggestions are:

About a week in advance call for wheel chair assistance. ( some airlines let you do this online). I use my own oxygen until I get into the wheel chair and then leave my tank with whoever is dropping me off at the airport.

You should tip the person who pushes the wheelchair-anywhere from 2 to 10 dollars depending on how far they have to push you.

Have all medications and your regulator in your carry on bag-but take the regulator out when you go through security, trust me it will save you tons of time!

Wear a mask on the plane, you can buy them for a few dollars in the little stores in the airport. It is uncomfortable but will keep you from catching all the germs that seem to hover in the airplanes.

Finally, have fun! Yes it is a hassle organizing all of this but being able to travel is worth it.

Take care-

R. (52) Sarcoid/PF 3/2006 Carlsbad, California

Subject: question about travelling and O2To: Breathe-Support Date: Friday, January 2, 2009, 11:28 AM

Hi - I was watching a reality show today about airlines and an older lady was trying to get on a Southwest flight but they would not let her because she had an oxygen tank. I think she did not tell them when she made the reservation. So, when one travels w O2 you have to notify the airline when you make your reservation? and then what? do they allow you to bring your own O2 on? If your canister is good for like 4 hrs what do you do, call another O2 provider in each town you go to?Eileen 51 IPF/UIP May 07New to oxygen this past month

[Guest guest]

Patti ...a quick line from me re: flying...

I had to cancel a long planned trip for a cruise out of Florida (I'm in Oregon) with my daughter because I could not pull it together for O2 needs. Way too lengthy to go into but briefly...Airline we wanted to fly did not provide O2, toooooo expensive with options, changing planes cost more (as wrote) connecting flights brought a problem and on and on. Remember the charges will be BOTH WAYS.

We finally just cancelled and went on a cruise out of Seattle for 3 days.

Yes, do call Customer Service for EACH airline you will fly...going and returning.

Lots of us do fly so I know it can be done!

MamaSher, age 70. IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Re: question about travelling and O2

Eileenwhen i went to Fla in May there were several things i had to do.first if you have an oxygen provider they can help you with the information also, i found it cheaper going through my equipment company for the portable oxygen concentrator as the prices changes with each co. Also the airline you choose has certain criteria what concentrators and tanks you can use. You need a letter from your doctor stating exactly what you need to use and i also was able to have my equipment company send me extra E tanks and M6 tanks for backup so i was never short. we actually had to have them deliver more to me as the portable conc proved not enough and effective while in disney all day..Hope this was helpful.. You need to carry the letter with you as you go through security also.. But i would start with your equipment comp. i have apria and they actually have a folder written up and fill with info on traveling.. patti, ipf,7'06,raynauds,scleroderma,Pulm Hyper> >> > Hi - I was watching a reality show today about airlines and an older> > lady was trying to get on a Southwest flight but they would not let> her> > because she had an oxygen tank. I think she did not tell them when she> > made the reservation. So, when one travels w O2 you have to notify the> > airline when you make your reservation? and then what? do they allow> > you to bring your own O2 on? If your canister is good for like 4 hrs> > what do you do, call another O2 provider in each town you go to?> >> > Eileen 51 IPF/UIP May 07> > New to oxygen this past month> >>

[Guest guest]

Whoops, wrong person. This is for Eileen.

MamaSher, age 70. IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Re: question about travelling and O2

Eileenwhen i went to Fla in May there were several things i had to do.first if you have an oxygen provider they can help you with the information also, i found it cheaper going through my equipment company for the portable oxygen concentrator as the prices changes with each co. Also the airline you choose has certain criteria what concentrators and tanks you can use. You need a letter from your doctor stating exactly what you need to use and i also was able to have my equipment company send me extra E tanks and M6 tanks for backup so i was never short. we actually had to have them deliver more to me as the portable conc proved not enough and effective while in disney all day..Hope this was helpful.. You need to carry the letter with you as you go through security also.. But i would start with your equipment comp. i have apria and they actually have a folder written up and fill with info on traveling.. patti, ipf,7'06,raynauds,scleroderma,Pulm Hyper> >> > Hi - I was watching a reality show today about airlines and an older> > lady was trying to get on a Southwest flight but they would not let> her> > because she had an oxygen tank. I think she did not tell them when she> > made the reservation. So, when one travels w O2 you have to notify the> > airline when you make your reservation? and then what? do they allow> > you to bring your own O2 on? If your canister is good for like 4 hrs> > what do you do, call another O2 provider in each town you go to?> >> > Eileen 51 IPF/UIP May 07> > New to oxygen this past month> >>

[Guest guest]

As of the last I knew, among the major US airlines only United did not

allow FAA approved portable concentrators. Here is an excellent article

from the National Home Oxygen Patients Association.

http://www.homeoxygen.org/airtrav.html

Most major airlines will also provide oxygen at typically $100 per leg

and on the plane only. However, last I knew, Southwest did not (even

though they do allow portable concentrators) and many other smaller

airlines didn't.

Oxygen suppliers will take care of you on the ground at the other end.

The main thing is advance planning and preparation. It is a bit of a

pain and can be expensive but its done all the time. Leanne is our

number one air traveler but Geeta wins the distance award by traveling

from India to California.

Now, others such as Beth and I have chosen car as our preferred

travel means and haven't allowed oxygen to slow us down at all. Have

Oxygen Will Travel.

Another site with good travel info:

http://www.access-able.com/tips/oxy.html

Most oxygen suppliers to have a travel department and with proper notice

should help you.

This company below is an example of one of many that promises " Any

Airport Any Time Any Place in the World " .

http://www.theoxygentraveler.com/index.html

> > >

> > > Hi - I was watching a reality show today about airlines and an

> older

> > > lady was trying to get on a Southwest flight but they would not

> let

> > her

> > > because she had an oxygen tank. I think she did not tell them

> when she

> > > made the reservation. So, when one travels w O2 you have to

> notify the

> > > airline when you make your reservation? and then what? do they

> allow

> > > you to bring your own O2 on? If your canister is good for like 4

> hrs

> > > what do you do, call another O2 provider in each town you go to?

> > >

> > > Eileen 51 IPF/UIP May 07

> > > New to oxygen this past month

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Brother Bruce! A Happy New to ya.

MamaSher, age 70. IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Re: question about travelling and O2>>> Eileen> when i went to Fla in May there were several things i had to do.> first if you have an oxygen provider they can help you with the> information also, i found it cheaper going through my equipment> company for the portable oxygen concentrator as the prices changes> with each co. Also the airline you choose has certain criteria what> concentrators and tanks you can use.> You need a letter from your doctor stating exactly what you need to> use and i also was able to have my equipment company send me extra E> tanks and M6 tanks for backup so i was never short. we actually had> to have them deliver more to me as the portable conc proved not> enough and effective while in disney all day..> Hope this was helpful.. You need to carry the letter with you as you> go through security also.. But i would start with your equipment> comp. i have apria and they actually have a folder written up and> fill with info on traveling.. patti,> ipf,7'06,raynauds,scleroderma,Pulm Hyper>> > > >> > > Hi - I was watching a reality show today about airlines and an> older> > > lady was trying to get on a Southwest flight but they would not> let> > her> > > because she had an oxygen tank. I think she did not tell them> when she> > > made the reservation. So, when one travels w O2 you have to> notify the> > > airline when you make your reservation? and then what? do they> allow> > > you to bring your own O2 on? If your canister is good for like 4> hrs> > > what do you do, call another O2 provider in each town you go to?> > >> > > Eileen 51 IPF/UIP May 07> > > New to oxygen this past month> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

Hi Beth

I suppose I do travel a bit. My family is in NY, Wisconsin and

Illinois. I always seem to be going to some family event. I have

always loved flying so I think nothing of going but I guess things

might change a little now with the O2. Thank you for your helpful

hints.

Eileen 57 IPF/UIP May 07

>

> Eileen,

> Airline travel with supplemental oxygen is possible though it can

be somewhat overwhelming to contemplate doing when faced with all the

rules.  No airline will allow a passenger to bring their own O2 tanks

aboard a flight. You either need to bring an FAA approved portable

oxygen concentrator or in some cases the airline will provide O2

tanks for you at a cost of $100 per flight segment. You do have to

notify the carrier in advance of your trip. Just showing up at the

airport with a tank is the best way to not get where you are going.

> Usually your O2 supplier can get you a portable concentrator to use

for traveling. If they can't there are places to rent them. They are

very expesive to purchase.

> This website has a tremendous amount of information on airline

travel for those of us who need supplemental O2.

> http://www.homeoxygen.org/airtrav.html

>

> One other thing to be aware of is that when in flight passenger

jets are pressurized to 8000 feet above sea level. That means you are

breathing at the equivalent of sitting on an 8000 foot mountain.

There is considerably less oxygen in the air at 8000 feet so your O2

needs could be more even though you are sitting quietly. When

planning a trip it's important to take that into consideration.

>

> Hope that helps some. Do you travel alot?  I love to travel though

I've done my traveling since my diagnosis by car!

>  

> Beth in North Carolina

> Moderator

> Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

>  

> HAPPY NEW YEAR!!   

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: nivlag1

> To: Breathe-Support

> Sent: Friday, January 2, 2009 2:28:24 PM

> Subject: question about travelling and O2

>

>

> Hi - I was watching a reality show today about airlines and an

older

> lady was trying to get on a Southwest flight but they would not let

her

> because she had an oxygen tank. I think she did not tell them when

she

> made the reservation. So, when one travels w O2 you have to notify

the

> airline when you make your reservation? and then what? do they

allow

> you to bring your own O2 on? If your canister is good for like 4

hrs

> what do you do, call another O2 provider in each town you go to?

>

> Eileen 51 IPF/UIP May 07

> New to oxygen this past month

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much. Your suggestions are a great help. Right now I

am not planning to go anywhere but in May my nephew is making his

First Communion and since I flew up for his 2 sisters, I do not want

to miss his. I live in Florida and they live in Wisconsin. I have

plenty of time to plan ahead.

Eileen 57 IPF/UIP May 07

>

> From: nivlag1

> Subject: question about travelling and O2

> To: Breathe-Support

> Date: Friday, January 2, 2009, 11:28 AM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi - I was watching a reality show today about airlines and an

older

> lady was trying to get on a Southwest flight but they would not let

her

> because she had an oxygen tank. I think she did not tell them when

she

> made the reservation. So, when one travels w O2 you have to notify

the

> airline when you make your reservation? and then what? do they

allow

> you to bring your own O2 on? If your canister is good for like 4

hrs

> what do you do, call another O2 provider in each town you go to?

>

> Eileen 51 IPF/UIP May 07

> New to oxygen this past month

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Bruce!

Thanks for the award!

Could not have done it without your prcious and timely suggestions.

Gearing up again for the return journey to India.

this time Jet Air ways have given me in writing that I can use my

POC on board , i am so relieved.

We will be flying on Jan.12th.

-- In Breathe-Support , " Bruce Moreland "

wrote:

>

> As of the last I knew, among the major US airlines only United did

not

> allow FAA approved portable concentrators. Here is an excellent

article

> from the National Home Oxygen Patients Association.

>

> http://www.homeoxygen.org/airtrav.html

>

> Most major airlines will also provide oxygen at typically $100 per

leg

> and on the plane only. However, last I knew, Southwest did not

(even

> though they do allow portable concentrators) and many other smaller

> airlines didn't.

>

> Oxygen suppliers will take care of you on the ground at the other

end.

>

> The main thing is advance planning and preparation. It is a bit of

a

> pain and can be expensive but its done all the time. Leanne is our

> number one air traveler but Geeta wins the distance award by

traveling

> from India to California.

>

> Now, others such as Beth and I have chosen car as our

preferred

> travel means and haven't allowed oxygen to slow us down at all.

Have

> Oxygen Will Travel.

>

> Another site with good travel info:

>

> http://www.access-able.com/tips/oxy.html

>

> Most oxygen suppliers to have a travel department and with proper

notice

> should help you.

>

> This company below is an example of one of many that promises " Any

> Airport Any Time Any Place in the World " .

>

> http://www.theoxygentraveler.com/index.html

>

>

>

>

> > > >

> > > > Hi - I was watching a reality show today about airlines

and an

> > older

> > > > lady was trying to get on a Southwest flight but they

would not

> > let

> > > her

> > > > because she had an oxygen tank. I think she did not tell

them

> > when she

> > > > made the reservation. So, when one travels w O2 you have to

> > notify the

> > > > airline when you make your reservation? and then what? do

they

> > allow

> > > > you to bring your own O2 on? If your canister is good for

like 4

> > hrs

> > > > what do you do, call another O2 provider in each town you

go to?

> > > >

> > > > Eileen 51 IPF/UIP May 07

> > > > New to oxygen this past month

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Geeta

Well, you're just the example to all not to let oxygen or our conditions

stand in the way of enjoyment and experiencing the trips we've dreamed

of. I remember when your son first contacted me and all along the way,

it was never a question from what I could gather of " whether or not it

would happen " it was just " how do we do this. " Thats how we all have to

be. It's not easy sometimes and I know you had some issues on the way

you shouldn't have. But, I also know that you were able to have an

experience with your family that was worth many times whatever effort it

took.

> > > > >

> > > > > Hi - I was watching a reality show today about airlines

> and an

> > > older

> > > > > lady was trying to get on a Southwest flight but they

> would not

> > > let

> > > > her

> > > > > because she had an oxygen tank. I think she did not tell

> them

> > > when she

> > > > > made the reservation. So, when one travels w O2 you have to

> > > notify the

> > > > > airline when you make your reservation? and then what? do

> they

> > > allow

> > > > > you to bring your own O2 on? If your canister is good for

> like 4

> > > hrs

> > > > > what do you do, call another O2 provider in each town you

> go to?

> > > > >

> > > > > Eileen 51 IPF/UIP May 07

> > > > > New to oxygen this past month

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Eileen

When traveling by air, and maybe some other methods too, you need to get a "portable oxygen concentrator" and let the airline know in advance. The oxygen that we use on a regular basis is not allowed.

Inogen is one of the approved POC's, there are a few

Do a search for traveling with oxygen.

there are lots of rules.

I also recommend subscribing to the Pulmonary Paper.

COPD magazine has a lot of good information/ads regarding O2 equipment and travel.

my o2 supplier loaned me an inogen the first time time i flew.

The second time, they charged me "rent"

the totally empty Helios was in my baggage, and the regulator for the green tanks was also in my baggage

Lincare is one of the companies that will supply o2 at your travel destination. I think Apria does too.

Have you gone for pulmonary rehab yet?

I think that is where I first learned about traveling with O2.

Pink Joyce IPF 3/06 Pennsylvania

Donate Life

Subject: question about travelling and O2To: Breathe-Support Date: Friday, January 2, 2009, 2:28 PM

Hi - I was watching a reality show today about airlines and an older lady was trying to get on a Southwest flight but they would not let her because she had an oxygen tank. I think she did not tell them when she made the reservation. So, when one travels w O2 you have to notify the airline when you make your reservation? and then what? do they allow you to bring your own O2 on? If your canister is good for like 4 hrs what do you do, call another O2 provider in each town you go to?Eileen 51 IPF/UIP May 07New to oxygen this past month

[Guest guest]

Eileen

When traveling by air, and maybe some other methods too, you need to get a "portable oxygen concentrator" and let the airline know in advance. The oxygen that we use on a regular basis is not allowed.

Inogen is one of the approved POC's, there are a few

Do a search for traveling with oxygen.

there are lots of rules.

I also recommend subscribing to the Pulmonary Paper.

COPD magazine has a lot of good information/ads regarding O2 equipment and travel.

my o2 supplier loaned me an inogen the first time time i flew.

The second time, they charged me "rent"

the totally empty Helios was in my baggage, and the regulator for the green tanks was also in my baggage

Lincare is one of the companies that will supply o2 at your travel destination. I think Apria does too.

Have you gone for pulmonary rehab yet?

I think that is where I first learned about traveling with O2.

Pink Joyce IPF 3/06 Pennsylvania

Donate Life

Subject: question about travelling and O2To: Breathe-Support Date: Friday, January 2, 2009, 2:28 PM

Hi - I was watching a reality show today about airlines and an older lady was trying to get on a Southwest flight but they would not let her because she had an oxygen tank. I think she did not tell them when she made the reservation. So, when one travels w O2 you have to notify the airline when you make your reservation? and then what? do they allow you to bring your own O2 on? If your canister is good for like 4 hrs what do you do, call another O2 provider in each town you go to?Eileen 51 IPF/UIP May 07New to oxygen this past month

[Guest guest]

Eileen

When traveling by air, and maybe some other methods too, you need to get a "portable oxygen concentrator" and let the airline know in advance. The oxygen that we use on a regular basis is not allowed.

Inogen is one of the approved POC's, there are a few

Do a search for traveling with oxygen.

there are lots of rules.

I also recommend subscribing to the Pulmonary Paper.

COPD magazine has a lot of good information/ads regarding O2 equipment and travel.

my o2 supplier loaned me an inogen the first time time i flew.

The second time, they charged me "rent"

the totally empty Helios was in my baggage, and the regulator for the green tanks was also in my baggage

Lincare is one of the companies that will supply o2 at your travel destination. I think Apria does too.

Have you gone for pulmonary rehab yet?

I think that is where I first learned about traveling with O2.

Pink Joyce IPF 3/06 Pennsylvania

Donate Life

Subject: question about travelling and O2To: Breathe-Support Date: Friday, January 2, 2009, 2:28 PM

Hi - I was watching a reality show today about airlines and an older lady was trying to get on a Southwest flight but they would not let her because she had an oxygen tank. I think she did not tell them when she made the reservation. So, when one travels w O2 you have to notify the airline when you make your reservation? and then what? do they allow you to bring your own O2 on? If your canister is good for like 4 hrs what do you do, call another O2 provider in each town you go to?Eileen 51 IPF/UIP May 07New to oxygen this past month