There is less air at higher altitudes, making fewer oxygen particles for your blood. Therefore, anyone who is dependent upon oxygen for medical reasons should make special plans approximately one month before traveling by plane. First, it is important to get a doctor's clearance that it is safe for you to travel. A letter is also needed from the physician that you can give to the airline confirming your need for oxygen. And while you are in the air, there are some rules about oxygen use that you must follow.
A law was put into action in 2005 by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) approving two types of portable oxygen concentrators on aircraft. This law only allows the oxygen on the plane but does not force the airline to permit the concentrators. Each airline has its own set of rules as to whether or not they will allow an individual to board their plane with the oxygen.
AirSep Corporation and Inogen, Incorporated make the two portable oxygen concentrators allowed on airlines. The devices are made to filter nitrogen in the air and give concentrated oxygen to the patient. Neither of these concentrators uses compressed oxygen, which is dangerous on a flight. It is important to check with the company that supplies your oxygen to see if they use either of these two portable oxygen concentrators.
Some airlines may require a passenger to use the onboard oxygen or rent a portable oxygen concentrator directly from the airline instead of allowing the passenger to use her own. Therefore, patients should contact the airline before booking to inquire about the rules and arrangement for oxygen travel on a specific aircraft. It many cases, a seven-day notice is required for an airline to arrange oxygen use for a traveler.
If you are having to use the onboard oxygen while taking a flight, check with your oxygen provider to see if they will provide you with your oxygen before embarking or after disembarking. The oxygen supplier will be able to accompany you through security and to the gate after obtaining a gate pass. The carrier will also undergo screening.
Screening and checking in at the airport with oxygen can be rather easy. Security must be informed about your equipment, and whether or not it can be disconnected. If the physician recommends that a patient not be disconnected from his oxygen, ask for an alternate inspection to be performed.
