Hofstra

My wife was recently informed by a lung specialist that she must carry oxygen whenever she travels. Will the airlines permit her to use equipment such as oxygen tanks for her needs? This is a new, unexpected, experience for both of us who like to travel by air around the country. Any advice from Fodorites would be appreciated.

offlady

My mother-in-law who requires oxygen wasn't allowed to bring a tank on the airplane, and she hasn't flown since. You will probably have to call the individual airlines to see what their rules are regarding this. I know MIL has a smaller tank that she can carry around for short trips to the market and such, and the airlines may allow those, or allow you to use their oxygen for the flight (for a fee). I'd check with the oxygen tank companies and find out what they are manufacturing to deal with a situation like yours. Also, check with renting tanks after you arrive at your destination.

gail

Obviously follow advice to contact airline - but a quick check of Delta website under "special needs" indicates that they will provide in-flight oxygen for a fee and that you may not bring your own. They also caution that this is just for in-flight use and does not cover time prior to flight or upon arrival and that traveler must make their own arrangements for that.

That will not make travel impossible - just tedious and annoying to arrange for oxygen on of both ends of trip.

ChristieP

Yes, Gail is very correct. (BTDT with my late grandfather.) The airlines require passengers who need oxygen to buy it from them, and it is gate-to-gate use only. Basically, your wife will need someone who won't be traveling with her to accompany her to the gate (airline will give them a gate pass), where she will give them her own oxygen tank for them to take home, and then she can switch to the airline's tank for the trip. At the arrival, there will also need to be someone to meet her with a new oxygen tank since the airlines will want theirs back. Any medical supply company in the arrival city should be able to do this if it is pre-arranged. Plus, they will meet you at the end of your trip to get their tanks back!

Hofstra

You folks are so thoughtful and kind to respond to my message. I really appreciated the advice. Thanks again.