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Oxygen
If your doctor has prescribed oxygen, you will have a liquid oxygen unit, an oxygen tank, or an oxygen concentrator. You will breathe the oxygen through either a mask or nasal cannulae (two short prongs that fit just inside your nostrils). The system will also have a humidifier to warm and moisten the oxygen.
As a precaution, also keep a small portable oxygen tank available in case of power failure.
Only your doctor can decide how much oxygen you need. You should never change the flow rate without instructions from your doctor. The medical supply company will show you how to set the flow rate and how to care for the equipment. Keep the supplier’s telephone number handy in case the system does not work properly.
Sometimes it is hard to tell whether oxygen is flowing through the tubes. If you have doubts, check to be sure that the system is turned on and the tubing does not have any kinks. If you still are not sure, place the nasal cannulae in a glass of water with the prongs up and watch for bubbles. If no bubbles appear, oxygen is not flowing through the tubes and you need to call your supplier.
Oxygen is very flammable. Keep your oxygen unit away from open flames and high heat, including lit cigarettes, burning candles, log fires, gas stoves, space heaters, or kerosene heaters.
Traveling With Oxygen
When traveling around town, be sure to plan for an adequate supply of oxygen and know how much time you can safely travel between refills. Always allow for a 20%–25% safety margin to cover any unexpected delays. When traveling, keep the oxygen container upright and secure at all times.
- Planning a longer trip
- Discuss your travel plans with your doctor to be sure it is all right for you to travel and to find out how long your trip can safely be away.
- Contact your oxygen supply company about your travel plans. The company will recommend the equipment you need and help determine the time you can safely travel between refills. Get the oxygen equipment with which you will travel ahead of time so you can become familiar with how to operate it. Your supplier can also arrange to have oxygen supplied to you at your destination.
- Check with your insurance company. You may have to pay in advance for equipment and submit the insurance claims after you return home. Be sure to keep your receipts.
- Always keep your prescription with you throughout the trip.
- Traveling by Bus
Bus lines do permit travel with oxygen equipment. However, to prevent any unexpected problems, check in advance. Most bus companies permit you to take one E (M-24; 680 L) cylinder onto the bus. Empty tanks can be checked as baggage. You must be able to put your tank on and take it off by yourself.
- Traveling by Train
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Power source: Oxygen equipment cannot rely solely on train-provided electrical power.
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UL or FM listed: Oxygen equipment must be Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) listed.
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Weight limits: Each tank and its associated equipment may weigh no more than 50 lbs (22.7 kgs) per unit.
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Configuration: Amtrak permits only one of the following:
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a two-tank system (maximum of 50 lbs [22.7 kgs] per tank), or
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a six-tank system (maximum of 20 lbs [9 kgs] per tank), but only if the tanks can be separated and handled individually.
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Traveling by Ship
Cruise line regulations differ and are subject to change, so you must contact the cruise line regarding current rules. Some cruise lines permit you to travel only with oxygen cylinders and limit the number you may bring on board.
- Be prepared to supply the following information from your doctor:
- a prescription stating the quantity of oxygen and the flow rate,
- a letter describing your diagnosis, and a statement that you are approved for travel.
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Traveling by Plane
Regulations vary from one airline to another and are subject to change.
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Always call ahead of time to inquire about current rules. Some airlines will not permit passengers to use oxygen. Other airlines are willing to provide oxygen if you make advance arrangements, but you must use their oxygen supply. Airlines do not allow passengers to bring oxygen on board the plane.
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Always bring your own nasal prongs: some airlines use only simple oxygen masks, which allow carbon dioxide buildup. Also bring a universal nipple adapter that fits various sizes of tubing.
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You must make reservations 2 to 5 days in advance, depending on the individual airline’s rules. Be sure to ask what documents you will need to supply. Airline documentation requirements are similar to those of cruise lines. Some airlines also have special forms that must be filled out by your doctor. You might have to sign a liability statement. In a few cases, you are required to bring a companion with you on the flight. Additional charges vary, but expect to pay about $50 extra.
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Allow at least 1 hour between connecting flights. Remember that you must arrange for oxygen for the time between flights. Local oxygen suppliers will provide this service for layovers between flights. Whenever possible, use small airports because they usually have fewer delays and their boarding gates are closer together.
- Lodging
- Contact your local supply company about arranging for a supply company at your destination to set up the equipment in the room before you arrive.
In the United States, Amtrak requires at least 12 hours notice in advance of your train’s boarding time of your need to bring oxygen aboard. Portable oxygen containers must meet the following requirements:
Hotels and motels are usually very accommodating about special needs. Someone is usually available to transport your oxygen tank.
This page last updated on December 04, 2007
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 1825 Century Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30345
Contact CDC: 800-232-4636 / TTY: 888-232-6348
