Contact the airline you plan to fly before purchasing your tickets at least a week before you plan to leave. While many carriers are happy to accommodate passengers with oxygen, some are unable to do so. Also ask about its oxygen policies, which vary from airline to airline. Ask about what type of flow they provide and whether they have a mask or nasal cannula.
Get a note from your doctor stating that you require oxygen to fly. The FAA requires this note to allow passengers to fly with oxygen. Check with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to travel.
Be prepared for the charges. You cannot take your own oxygen, so you have to pay the airline to use its oxygen. Some airlines charge by the canister, while others charge for the whole flight. Either way, plan to pay between $50 $150 per plane ride. This means that if you have a layover, you will be charged twice.
Make arrangements for oxygen at the terminal if you do have a layover. Because you cannot take your own oxygen, you will be without oxygen at your layover. It is important to make arrangements with the first-aid station at your layover to meet you at your gate with oxygen.
Make plans for getting oxygen at your destination. Most carriers will not allow you to take your own oxygen aboard, only an empty canister. You will need to make plans for someone to meet you at your destination with a new bottle of oxygen or go straight to a pharmacy to get one.
Call to confirm your arrangements with the first-aid station at your layover and your flight carrier 48 hours before your flight. You want to make sure it has oxygen in stock and the right type of flow and mask.
Arrive at your flight at least an hour and half before your flight leaves so you can make sure all arrangements have been properly handled.
