Flying with Oxygen

My dad was recently diagnosed with emphysema and using oxygen. He has an oxygen concentrator at home and uses portable tanks to go to the grocery store. Thought he might come to see me but United has very strict requirements. He would have to have a United approved portable oxygen concentrator which is over $500 (I don't know if that is to rent or buy). Any tips on how to go about this? Thanks

BTW he had a stint put in last week and feels he is getting better blood flow even to his legs. He thinks he can now go without his oxygen long enough to fly but I'm betting the airlines won't go for that. Cardiologist told him he still has a breathing problem.

You must talk to United before anything else because of their strict rules - they'll tell you the protocol to follow. Then (or beforehand) talk to your father's doctor because he may very well forbid him to fly for very good reasons, and your father would be foolish to ignore them. Until you do those things, other people's experiences won't help you much - we aren't doctors, don't know your father's detailed med history and only his doctor can address those. But if he had a stent put in last week, he shouldn't go anywhere til the doctor says he's stabilized and otherwise clear.

Considering the situation, I would go to him. Don't let him travel.

Julie and chunky, my thoughts exactly. I realize you aren't doctors, but I was just wondering what other people have experienced and how they went about accomplishing this.

My father and mother were in the military, lived all over the world, travelled in retirement and now it is killing my dad to have to stay home. We thought coming here might be a good option since he can't go to Hawaii. Have to keep working on it. He needs something to look forward to.

Cardiologist cleared him to fly as far as his heart is concerned. Next week he sees the Pulmonologist and we will see what he has to say.

I started on oxygen in February which was just 2 weeks before a trip which involved flights and cruises. I flew on American which also has very specific rules regarding portable oxygen concentrators. They don't allow oxygen tanks. Their website has a form which you have to print and have your doctor sign and you must have it with you. The form lists the specific brands and models that you're allowed to bring on the flight. You also have to call American to have it noted on your reservation. I also brought a copy of my oxygen prescription. It is important to travel with the POC as a carryon. Like a CPAP, it is a medical device and doesn't count as a carryon.

I have a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) at home that I rent from my DME. Although it is 'portable' and has wheels, it is very heavy and not practical for traveling. (It also isn't allowed on planes.) My DME loaned me (for free!) a smaller POC that is airline approved. The cost of the travel POC I used is at least $6,000 if you were to buy one.

If I had just been flying somewhere within the US, my DME would have arranged a rental with a DME at my destination. I only need oxygen while I'm sleeping. Since your dad uses oxygen all the time, that wouldn't be an option.

So flying with a POC is definitely possible, but it requires planning and following the airline's rules. Good luck!

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http://www.inogen.com/products/g3-systems/ I have one of these. I haven't traveled since I got it, but it is so much easier for going out and about than trying to carry tanks. Mine was covered by my insurance and Medicare.