Do you know the secret behind enjoying a stress-free travel experience with a portable oxygen device? It’s how you plan and pack for your travel journey ahead.
Yes, traveling with a portable oxygen device can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right approach to travel prep, you can relax on your vacation instead of worrying about anything going wrong.
In this guide, we will cover exactly what you need to pack, how to plan, and just make travelling with oxygen less intimidating than it may sound in your head!
Why Packing Properly Matters
But first of all, why does packing properly even matter?
When you are taking oxygen on a plane, being unprepared can lead to unnecessary delays, equipment issues, or discomfort during your journey. It can interrupt your plans or, worse, even ruin them altogether, which I’m sure none of us wants.
So you need to make a well-organized packing strategy which will ensure:
- You have all the supplies needed for the entire trip
- Your portable oxygen device works efficiently at all times
- You meet all airline and safety regulations
- You stay comfortable and confident while travelling
This is the checklist you need when you start planning for your next trip.
Packing Essentials Checklist
1. Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) and Accessories
This goes without saying, but your portable oxygen device is the most essential item that you need to bring with you.
But wait..what is an oxygen concentrator?
If you don’t already know, an oxygen concentrator/ a portable oxygen device is a medical device that takes in air, filters it, and delivers purified oxygen to people who need breathing support.
Unlike traditional oxygen cylinders, a portable oxygen device does not store oxygen. Instead, it produces oxygen on demand. This makes it lighter, safer, and much easier to travel with. There are multiple models available, including Inogen Rove 6, Airsep Freestyle Comfort, Sequal Eclipse, GCE Zen-O, and more. Each model has unique benefits that you can learn in detail about here and then decide which one works best for you.
If you are going on a cruise, you can also have your portable oxygen device delivered to your cruise location if you don’t want to carry it yourself. Decide this beforehand and notify your service provider accordingly.
2. Nasal cannulas
Always pack extra, but a safe number is 2–3 spare cannulas.
3. Tubing and connectors
Keep at least one backup set in case there is any damage.
4. Humidifier bottle (if used)
Not all devices need one, but if yours does, make sure to pack a bottle.
5. Carrying case or backpack
This is just to avoid hassle at the airport because it makes movement easier and keeps your hands free.
6. Fully charged batteries
Airlines typically require you to have enough power for 150% of the total flight time when taking oxygen on a plane.
7. Power bank (if compatible)
Some POCs allow charging via external power banks. You can check this in your model’s manual, and if it does, you can add this to your list as well.
8. Cleaning Supplies and Spare Parts
To keep your device clean throughout your trip, it would be a good idea to pack basic cleaning supplies, including antibacterial wipes to clean the device exterior and surfaces you touch. Also, pack filter replacements if your oxygen concentrator uses reusable filters. A small cleaning cloth to wipe dust or moisture from the device will also be nice to have.
Also, keep in mind that at times, security officers may inspect your POC, so try to arrive early.
Essential Documentation
As you air travel with oxygen, documentation is just as important as the portable oxygen device itself.
Here are a few things some airlines require you to bring along:
Doctor’s prescription
This specifies your oxygen flow rate and usage. Some airlines need it, so you need to check in with yours and decide whether this is important for you or not.
Medical necessity letter
Some airlines ask for a letter confirming that you are medically fit to fly and that clearly states your oxygen needs during the flight.
POC approval information
You cannot bring a POC on board unless it is approved. Most devices have a sticker or page confirming whether they are approved for air travel or not, so look out for these labels.
Here’s a pro tip: Carry all your important documents in your hand luggage for easy access.
Travelling by Car, Bus, or Train
If you are bringing an oxygen concentrator machine with you while traveling by car, bus, or train, the rules are usually more flexible than air travel, but planning is still important.
You should have a DC power cable to charge your device in vehicles, and keep your portable oxygen device upright to avoid any sort of vent blockage. Don’t leave your device in a hot car.
For buses and trains, contact the relevant authorities to check whether power outlets are available, and always carry backup batteries in case the outlets are not working.
Hotel and Accommodation Preparation
Before your trip, call your hotel to confirm they have reliable power outlets, and make sure that they understand that you are travelling with oxygen. It also helps to ask if they can provide a room close to a lift if walking long distances is difficult for you.
Conclusion
So, this is how you should plan and pack if you want a stress-free travel experience!
As always, if you’re having a difficult time deciding which device to choose, want guidance on safety rules, or need help planning a smooth oxygen-supported trip, our team is here to assist you. If you’re confused about which POC to choose for your next trip, you can explore some of the most trusted and widely used portable oxygen device models here.
As a trusted UK-based provider of portable oxygen concentrators, we at Travelling with Oxygen take great pride in serving our customers worldwide and are here to make sure you can travel the world freely and will do everything we can to make this possible!
Want some travel inspiration for your next exciting trip? Make sure to explore these oxygen-friendly destinations, perfect for travelers with oxygen needs.