Traveling With Oxygen

Each year, millions of travelers fly on commercial airlines in the United States and around the globe. As air travel has become more affordable, it has also become more accessible for people with serious medical conditions—including lung disease. The Air Carrier Access Act prohibits airlines from discriminating against passengers based on disabilities. While this legislation enhances the freedom of travelers, the varying policies of different airlines concerning the use of portable oxygen can cause confusion among travelers. Adding to the challenge, not all health-care providers are fully informed regarding Federal Aviation Administration regulations, and, therefore, are unable to advise their patients adequately. The Occupational and Environmental Health NetWork of the ACCP has developed a patient education brochure to assist these patients traveling by air with oxygen. This brochure, which is free to download, reviews the effects of altitude and air travel on individuals with lung disease, describes the types of portable oxygen systems that can be used in-flight and while traveling, and provides important tips for patients to consider when planning a trip.

Download the Traveling with Oxygen patient education brochure here.