By Car

One of the easiest ways to travel with oxygen is by car. If traveling with liquid oxygen, it is important that the tanks be kept upright and stored in the passenger area of the car since the trunk of the car becomes hotter than anywhere else.  Keep the air conditioner going or travel early in the morning and late in the evening.  Always crank a window (no matter the weather) since oxygen containers release small amounts of gas periodically.  Check with a supplier for special base clamps and fill adapters that make it easier to transport liquid oxygen containers.

By Train

Many rail stations will allow you to take your own supply of oxygen but sometimes there are restriction on the amount of oxygen you can take.  For example, in the United States, Amtrak will allow no more that two 75-pound tanks or six 20-pound tanks. 

It is a good idea to have at least a 12-hour backup supply of oxygen that does not require on-board electrical power since power interruptions may occur.  You can arrange with oxygen supply companies to re-supply you at stations.

Contact the local train authorities for more information:

Amtrak
60 Massachusetts Ave. N.E.
Washington, DC  20002-4225
(800) USA-RAIL, ask for Special Service Desk 

RailEurope
Tel: 877-257-2887 (U.S.)

By Air

Air travel with oxygen is possible but may be expensive and it also demands intensive planning.  In the United States, the FAA has recently approved in-cabin travel with some models of oxygen concentrators.

Information to Consider:

• Check first with your doctor that it is okay to travel

• Call the airline and tell them you need in-flight oxygen and ask their requirements 

• Most airlines require 48 hours to seven-days notice but a month’s notice is recommended 

• Try to get a non-stop flight to avoid having to set-up oxygen supplies in layover airports since airlines do not supply oxygen at airports
• Airline oxygen cost is approximately $50 to $150 per leg in the United States
• Some airlines will allow you to carry empty canisters so that you can get  filled at your destination
• Less oxygen is available in a cabin and the air inside is drier

List of Questions to Ask Airlines:

• Do you accept passengers with supplemental oxygen? 
• What do you charge for oxygen during the flight? 
• Do you provide masks or cannula or can I bring my own?
• What equipment is available on the flight?  What is the liter flow?
• Can I ship empty tanks or equipment as baggage? 
• Is there an extra charge to ship them?  Do you have a special procedure for ensuring that the tanks are empty?
• What documents do you require (i.e. – doctor’s paperwork)? 
• What procedure should I follow at the airport? 
• Is there ground assistance (wheelchairs and an assistant) and is there a cost for that service?

Oxygen Providers

• First check with your local supplier since they may have information to international and domestic suppliers.
• Check with your local hospital or respiratory care unit.
• Check with a travel agent as he/she may be able to assist you with information on suppliers in the area.
• Check with medical travel experts such as:

Medical Travel
16555 White Orchid Lane
Delray Beach, Florida 33446
Tel: 1-800-778-7953
Office Tel: (561) 921-0496

The Oxygen Traveler
6307 Hansel Avenue
Orlando, Florida 32809
Tel: 800-308-2503 (Toll Free)
Tel: 407-438-8010 (wk)

Breathin' Easy
A Guide for Travelers with Pulmonary Disabilities
Tel: 888-699-4360

Electrical Adaptors

When traveling internationally, you may need electrical converters/adaptors for respiratory equipment.  Find out more information about adaptors by visiting our Guide to Electrical Adapters, Converters and Transformers for International Travel with Power Wheelchairs and Other Electrical Devices resource on this subject.

More Information

• Society for the Acessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH)
  SATH
  347 Fifth Ave., Suite 610
  New York, NY 10016
  Tel: (212) 447-7284 / Fax. 725-8253.
  E-mail: info@sath.org
• Access-able Travel Source
  PO Box 1796
  Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80034
  E-mail: access-able@comcast.net
  Tel: (303) 232-2979
• The American Lung Association
  61 Broadway, 6th Floor
  New York, New York 10006
  Tel: (800) 586-4872

This information was gathered from the American Lung Association website and Access-able Travel website.

_{Although efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, MIUSA/NCDE cannot be held liable for inaccuracy, misinterpretation or complaints arising from these listings. Mention of an organization, company, service or resource should not be construed as an endorsement by MIUSA/NCDE. Please advise NCDE of any inaccuracies you may find.}