Before You Purchase a Ticket

• 1). Talk to your doctor. Tell her about the travel plans and how long the flight will take. Ask if you are well enough for travel. Discuss portable oxygen concentrators and ask whether you require a continuous-flow oxygen device or if you would be fine with a pulse-flow POC. Pulse flow only releases oxygen when you inhale, making for a smaller, more efficient device. According to a research report in the journal "Chest" in 1994, pulse delivery of oxygen is safe for many patients with proper screening.
  
  
• 2). Request a written oxygen prescription defining your required oxygen flow, expressed in LPM or liters per minute. POCs are available with maximum oxygen flows of 6 liters per minute if you can use pulse flow and 3 liters per minute if you require continuous flow. A pulse-flow POC is about the size of a purse and light enough to carry over a shoulder. Continuous-flow POCs are typically twice the size and weight, but many models come with wheeled carts for easy toting.
  
  
• 3). Create a list of the airlines that fly to your vacation spot. Different airlines have different oxygen rules and these rules can differ depending on the destination country. Each airline has a department or person responsible for special-needs assistance. Ask to speak to the appropriate person at each airline and discuss the regulations. When speaking to an airline representative, you also should get a sense of how confident the airline is in dealing with your special oxygen needs.
  
  
• 4). Choose an airline and request the POC requirements in writing as well as requirements for any medical forms. According to FAA rules, the medical forms must include a physician's authorization for medical oxygen. These forms also state that if you are not able to adjust the POC or respond to alarm sounds unassisted, you are required to have someone travel with you.
  
  
• 5). Take the airline's supplemental oxygen rules and the oxygen prescription provided by your doctor to an oxygen supplier. With these documents, the supplier will be able to give you options for rent or purchase of a POC. Your oxygen flow needs and the requirements of the airline will determine the recommended POC models.
  
  

Purchasing a Ticket and Flying

• 1). Purchase a ticket. At the time of purchase, inform the airline that you will be bringing portable oxygen and deliver or fax the medical and POC authorization forms. Confirm with the airline that these forms have been received. Never assume that the proper office has received the forms. Keep copies of all airline forms as well as your oxygen prescription.
  
  
• 2). Contact the reservations department of the airline 48 hours before the scheduled flight. Confirm that they are aware you will be bringing an approved POC and that all the paperwork is in order.
  
  
• 3). Plan to pick up the rental POC two days before the flight. You might pay extra, but it will give you an extra day to practice using the machine and to make sure that everything is working properly.
  
  
• 4). Arrive for the flight an hour earlier than required in case there are any difficulties. Take with you copies of all the forms (medical form, authorization form and oxygen prescription) the airline required. Check-in with the airline desk and inform checkin personnel that you have a pre-approved POC. Airline personnel will examine the POC, and they will seat you early. Follow the same procedure for the flight back home.