A Guide for Carrying Oxygen when Flying

When you have a health condition that requires you to carry oxygen when traveling, you need to know how to carry it. Here is a guideline for carrying oxygen when flying.

Contact Your Airline

Before booking a flight, contact your airline to inquire about their policy. Also take time to make appropriate arrangements for special accommodations if necessary. Your airline might require you to produce a physician’s letter and medical history as well as your current prescription. Get these documents in advance to make transition easier.

Consider Getting Direct Flights

If possible, go for direct flights. This enables you to avoid boarding and disembarking from the plane with the oxygen concentrator severally. Layovers can increase the flight time. In turn, you may end using more batteries.

Keep the Unit Charged

Ensure that the unit is charged on alternating current as you wait to board or during layovers. Not all airlines can charge AC or DC power units during the flight. However, it’s possible to locate an outlet where you can plug the oxygen concentrator while waiting for a flight. This enables you to run the unit without using its battery. However, the battery will also charge. If you can’t find an outlet, seek help from the check-in counter.

Use the Pulse Dose

If possible, use settings for the pulse dose while resting or sitting. Some machines come with increased battery time when turned to pulse dose instead of continuous flow setting.

Arrive Early

It’s advisable that you arrive at the airport early so that you can board fist and store the POC properly. When you arrive early, you avoid moving other passengers around.

In addition to these factors, make sure that you have adequate battery life to keep the concentrator powered for a minimum of 150% of the flight time. Also carry a minimum of two batteries. Finally, update yourself with the FAA Regulations in relation to oxygen concentrators before the trip.