If you have a medical condition that requires you use an oxygen tank, it's important to know the rules and regulations involved with traveling with oxygen. There are difficult rules for trains, planes and other modes of travel, so review with the specific company before bring your oxygen tank on-board. It's also important that you have a tank that is safe for travel.
Contact your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to be traveling with your medical condition, and if the oxygen tank that you use is also safe for travel. You will not be able to bring your own oxygen on-board with you, so you will have to use oxygen provided by the airlines for the duration of the flight.
Call the airlines that you plan to travel in advance of your flight. Ask to speak with special services or the medical department of the airlines in order to make arrangements for you to be able bring your tank with you.
Make sure that you meet the requirements with the airlines while setting up your arrangements. This includes knowing what flow of air they need to deliver to you and if they will provide you with a nasal cannula or mask .
Confirm all of your arrangements by phone at least 48 hours before your flight boards and make sure to go over all of the rules and regulations that the airlines give you. Typically, the airlines will direct you to a website with rules for those traveling with medical oxygen or they will send you a pamphlet.
Repeat the same steps if you are traveling by train or going on a cruise. For a cruise, make sure to contact the company before purchasing tickets, as many cruises won't allow oxygen tanks. For train travel, such as Amtrak, contact the company at least 12 hours in advance to let them know that you'll be bringing the oxygen on-board.
