Traveling with Oxygen

Just because you are using supplementary Oxygen doesn’t mean to say that life has to stop. More people than ever before are travelling and not letting their disability get in the way. Whether it be domestically or internationally, by car, by plane or by boat, with a portable oxygen concentrator you really can live life without boundaries. In this article we collated a list of airlines and cruise ships including useful links and travel tips of our own if you intend travelling abroad with Oxygen. Although we will look to keep the list below updated as best as we can, we are never notified automatically of any changes. Therefore, the information published below should be used as a guide only and we always recommend you contact your travel agent/airline/cruise provider prior to making any travel arrangements.

Traveling by Air

As a general rule of thumb, most major airlines are quite accommodating to those who bring their own oxygen concentrator on board. Some airlines are only able to carry a certain number of people with a disabling condition. Therefore, it is always recommended to make the airline aware of your condition and that you will be facilitating your own oxygen arrangements before making any bookings. The main pre-requisite of anyone intending on using a POC onboard an aircraft is that the battery life should cover at least 150% of the overall flight time irrespective if the aircraft provides a power outlet or not. This mitigates for any risk of delays. It is also recommended you leave enough battery life to cover the time at the departure terminal and for when you arrive at the destination airport. Our range of portable oxygen concentrators are FAA Airline Approved. Below is a list of major airlines along with information that we’ve collated together with direct links to their website (if available).

Airline	POCs Permitted	Notes	Link
Virgin Atlantic	YES	You are required to complete two forms – one declaring battery usage and a MEDIF form before you travel. You are not permitted to take your own cylinders.	https://flywith.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/on-the-flight/wellbeing-and-health/medical-facilities-onboard.html
British Airways	YES	You will need to get medical clearance before your fly. You are not permitted to take your own cylinders.	https://www.britishairways.com/en-es/information/travel-assistance/medical-conditions-and-pregnancy
EasyJet	YES	Medical certification required. Oxygen cylinders exceeding 50cm in length and 25cm diameter not permitted. Limited to two cylinders only. Liquid oxygen not permitted.	https://www.easyjet.com/en/terms-and-conditions/medical-information
Ryanair	YES	Must contact the Special Assistance Line to obtain prior approval and a medical equipment approval & baggage waiver.	https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/special-assistance/the-carriage-of-medical-equipment
Emirates	YES	Must submit a physicians statement at least 48 hours prior to travel	https://www.emirates.com/uk/english/before-you-fly/health/special-needs.aspx#Oxygen_Information
Norwegian Airlines	YES	Must call the contact centre prior to travel. Medical certificate may be required.	https://www.norwegian.com/uk/travel-info/special-needs-assistance/medical-conditions/
Qatar Airways	YES	MEDIF form needs to be completed prior to flight.	https://www.qatarairways.com/en/services-special/disability-and-medical.html
TUI	YES	A medical letter maybe required from your GP.	https://www.tui.co.uk/destinations/faq/can-i-take-oxygen-on-my-flight?catId=261&subcatId=299&docId=955
Singapore Airlines	YES	Contact the airline 48 hours before travel. Medical certificate required.	https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/gb/travel-info/special-assistance/medical-information/
Aer Lingus	YES	Contact airline prior to travel. Medical clearance may be required.	https://www.aerlingus.com/travel-information/special-assistance/medical-conditions/
Jet2	YES	Must contact the special assistance team prior to flight.	https://www.jet2.com/faqs?topic=medical-and-special-assistance&category=carriage-of-oxygen-and-medical-equipment

Traveling by Eurostar

There is no guidance publicly available on the Eurostar website. We advise to check before you travel. https://help.eurostar.com/faq/uk-en/question/Can-I-take-my-prescription-medication-or-medical-equipment-on-Eurostar

Traveling by Boat

Oxygen concentrators are generally permitted on board ferries and cruise liners. You may need to present a medical letter at security. Power rating on board may vary. All of our portable oxygen concentrators are able to be powered on a 110 to 240v, 50 to 60hz power rating.