Traveling with an oxygen cylinder by airplane or any other type of transportation can seem a bit intimidating. However, with a little bit of planning, you can manage it quite efficiently and travel easily and safely. Having said that, before you even start planning the trip with oxygen, you need to get approval from your doctor first. The expertise and support of your doctor will help you to make an efficient travel plan and execute it perfectly.
In some cases, you may also need your physician to sign a letter of approval for the train, airline, Cruiser, or bus line you will be traveling with. Once you get approval from your physician, all you need to know is to learn more about the restrictions and regulations associated with traveling with oxygen. It doesn't matter whether you are traveling by train, car, bus, or airplane, you need to maintain certain rules and practical factors to make your traveling as easy as possible.
By Car
If you are thinking about traveling by car, you need to consider its size first. If your vehicle is large enough to accommodate an oxygen concentrator easily, you can bring the machine along with you and use it whenever it is necessary. Another thing that you need to consider is the electrical outlet that these concentrators require to function. While some cars come with such special outlets, others do not. If you are traveling by the latter type of car, you should carry portable oxygen cylinders. Even though the traditional oxygen cylinders used to be very heavy, the modern ones are quite light and very easy to use.
Before starting your journey, you need to get in touch with your oxygen supplier to calculate the amount of backup oxygen you will require in the journey. Your supplier may also help you in arranging oxygen cylinder pick up from various places near your destination. Having said that, you should always try to collect the contact details of an oxygen supplier of your destination. This information will help you If your oxygen concentrator starts to malfunction or up any kind of oxygen-related emergency.
While storing the oxygen in your car, you should keep in mind that the cylinders are out of direct sunlight and forever from any heat resources. Also, you should not smoke in your car while carrying oxygen.
By Airplane
Most airlines will require a letter from your physician stating that you are fit to travel with your oxygen supply. However, the type of approved oxygen devices varies significantly. That is why you need to get in touch with your airline to know about the type of oxygen devices you can carry with you.
By Train or Bus
The oxygen rules of trains and buses very significantly. While most of the bass lines allow the travelers to carry portable oxygen with them, you may need to submit a consent letter to the baseline beforehand. It is always a good idea to inform the bassline about the type of oxygen device you will be carrying and whether it is permissible.
Some train lines will permit you to carry your own oxygen device. but you may need to use your own power generation tool.
By Cruise Lines
When it comes to traveling with oxygen, the rules are not very different for The Cruise lines as well. However, that does not mean that The Cruise lines do not permit people carrying oxygens on board. You will be quite surprised to find out how many Cruise lines will allow you to travel with oxygen without any questions. Many Cruise lines may offer you a continuous oxygen supply throughout your travel. However, other Cruise lines may need you to bring your oxygen supply for the whole time. In the latter case, you need to get in touch with your oxygen supplier to calculate the amount of oxygen level required throughout the journey, and then to determine how much backup you should bring with you.
Get in touch with the travel agent who is planning your trip. The agent can help you to arrange for extra oxygen if necessary during the journey. They can also arrange various oxygen pickups at different ports if you cannot bring sufficient oxygen on board.
Once you have gained permission and completed your homework, traveling with oxygen devices may seem like a breeze. Just make sure that you have followed all the rules and regulations properly to make this travel experience smoother and better.