Holiday checklist when you have a lung condition

• If you can, see your GP or healthcare professional for any necessary health checks and for a review of your asthma action plan or lung condition self-management plan. We have free plans to help you manage your condition, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis and pulmonary fibrosis.
• If you’re planning to fly, your GP can tell you if you need to have any tests beforehand, such as the 'fitness-to-fly' (hypoxic challenge) test. It could take six weeks to have these tests and receive your results, so it’s good to plan ahead.
• Get a copy of your prescription. Most people can access their medical information on the NHS App. You can also ask your GP surgery for a medical summary.
• Make sure your destination is suitable and accessible for you.
• Arrange travel insurance. Remember to tell your travel insurer about all your medical conditions.
• Check that your transport is accessible.

Learn more about travelling safely with a lung condition, including what to think about when flying and planning a trip. We also have more information about travel insurance.

Ask your oxygen supplier how you can get it while you're away.

If you plan to fly:

• check the policy of the airline you plan to use
• make sure you've filled out a Fit to Fly Certificate or Medical Information Form (MEDIF). Your GP will need to sign it. Each airline has its own form, which you can find on their website.

Find out more about travelling with oxygen in the UK and abroad.

• Plan your route from door to door. Think about how far you will have to travel, how many stops you might have to make and what access is like at your destination. Give yourself a lot of time.
• Make sure you have enough medicine for your whole trip, including extra to cover any delays. Take any medicine in the original packaging.
• Make sure you have your self-management plan or asthma action plan with you.
• Arrange emergency antibiotics or steroids if you might need them. Ask your GP or specialist team if you’re not sure.
• Make a list of the medicines you take in case you need more during your holiday or need to show a healthcare professional if you become ill.
• Send your travel provider any fitness to travel documents they have asked for.
• Arrange any travel assistance you might need, such as help getting through the airport or getting on a train.
• Make sure the people you travel with know about your condition and what to do if you have symptoms.

• When you arrive, find the nearest hospital or clinic, and check its opening times.
• Find out how to get more of your medicines if they get lost or damaged. You could ask your travel provider or hotel reception. Find out where the nearest pharmacy or healthcare centre is before you go.
• Take copies of your list of medicines, medical letters, and insurance policy with you.
• Take a list of emergency contact numbers, including your GP’s number.
• If you start to feel unwell, seek medical advice quickly. If you’re abroad, check any new medicine you’re given is allowed back into the UK.