Traveling with breathing problems

Talk with Your Doctor about Traveling:

If you have breathing problems and you:

• Are short of breath most of the time
• Get short of breath when you walk 150 feet or less
• Have been in the hospital for breathing problems recently
• Use oxygen at home, even if just at nighttime or with exercise

If you were in the hospital for your breathing problems and had:

• Pneumonia
• Chest surgery
• A collapsed lung

Oxygen and Air Travel:

Tell the airline 2 weeks before you travel that you will need oxygen on the plane.

• Make sure you talk with someone at the airline who knows how to help you plan for having oxygen on the plane.
• The airline may not be able to provide oxygen if you tell them you will need it less than 48 hours before your flight.
• You will need a prescription for oxygen and a letter from your doctor.

You cannot bring your own oxygen onto the plane.

• The airline will provide it for you.
• Bring your nasal cannula. Some airlines only give you a mask

Airlines and airports will not provide oxygen when you are off the airplane.

• Not before or after the flight.
• Not during a layover.
• Call your oxygen supplier. They may be able to help.

On the day of travel:

• Get to the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight.
• Have an extra copy of your doctor's letter and prescription for oxygen.
• Carry lightweight luggage, if possible.
• Use a wheelchair and other services for getting around the airport.

Stay Away from Infections:

Get a flu shot every year to help prevent infection. Ask your doctor if you need a pneumonia shot. Get one if you do.

Wash your hands often. Stay away from crowds. Ask visitors who have a cold to wear a mask.

Find out about Medical Care Where You Are Going:

Have a name, phone number, and address of a doctor. Do not go to areas that do not have good medical care.

Bring enough medicine, even some extra. Bring your recent medical records with you.

Other Travel Tips:

Always ask for non-smoking hotel rooms. Try to stay away from cities with dirty, polluted air. Stay away from places where people are smoking.

Be careful about high-altitude areas. Talk with your doctor before you go.