With the summer travel season rapidly approaching many of us are having thoughts

about flying somewhere with our elders. There is usually no reason why someone

who uses supplementary oxygen can't be included in our travel plans, as long as

we prepare early. Air travel with oxygen will require some important

pre-planning.

Every airline has its own rules and policies for oxygen on board their

aircraft. The first thing to do is to contact the airline(s) you plan to use

about their current policy. These can change, so do not rely on a website. Ask

to speak with a customer service representative who deals with special travel

needs. Keep good notes about which number you called and who you spoke with.

Although travel agents may offer to do this footwork for you, don't rely on

anyone else to give you valid information. Having the wrong information when you

arrive at the gate can ruin your trip before you begin.

Airlines will require that you carry a valid prescription for oxygen that

includes the rate of oxygen flow required. Because many airlines have their own

prescription forms, don't ask your doctor to write anything until you have

spoken with the airline and have their forms, if any, in hand.

You will not be permitted to bring your own oxygen supply on board any

airline, nor will you be permitted to check filled tanks as baggage. Check with

your airline about checking empty oxygen equipment. Some will permit this, but

the equipment must be inspected by airline personnel to verify that it is empty,

and the regulator must be removed before it is checked.

There are still a very few airlines that will supply oxygen tanks for use

in-flight. Most require that you bring your own href="http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=11083" target="_blank">FAA

approved portable oxygen concentrator on board with you. These are usually

stowed under the seat in front of you and can be plugged in to an electrical

outlet if there is one available. When not plugged in they have battery power.

Check with the individual airline about which oxygen concentrators they will

approve.

Some oxygen providers can supply portable oxygen concentrators for travel.

Check with your individual supplier. If your supplier does not have what you

need you will have to either rent or purchase one yourself.

Be sure your unit will have enough battery power to cover the time you will

be using a concentrator plus 50% to cover delays. Remember that you may be

spending up to two hours on the ground before your flight.

When you make your flight reservations be sure to tell the airline that you

will be flying with someone who uses oxygen. You must specifically let them know

48 hours in advance of your flight, and you must tell them what kind of

supplemental oxygen you will be using.

If someone will be coming with you to the airport to remove oxygen tanks that

are not permitted in the air, that person will be able to accompany you into the

airport with a special boarding pass. You may also make arrangements for someone

to meet you at your destination gate with filled oxygen tanks. In both instances

tanks will have to be inspected by airport security before being permitted

inside the airport.

If you plan to be met by a commercial oxygen supplier at your destination, it

is best to plan your arrival during business hours. Be sure to confirm that your

oxygen supplier has all necessary information, including your name and cell

phone number, your flight information, a copy of your oxygen prescription, all

billing information, and an alternate contact at your destination. It is not

overkill to verify more than once that someone will meet you at the plane with

oxygen.

Preparing to travel by air with someone who uses supplementary oxygen may

sound overwhelming. It won't be if you start early and don't leave any of these

steps out. It can truly be accomplished with relatively little stress. The most

important thing to remember is to call everyone again 24 hours before your

scheduled flight to re-confirm that all your ducks are in a row.

Plan ahead and starting your trip with a commercial flight should be much

easier and more fun than driving for hours or days with someone who is easily

exhausted.