Travelling with oxygen when you have a lung condition

You can arrange oxygen for travel within the UK through your oxygen provider. You'll need to tell them your travel dates and where you'll be staying. Try to give them as much notice as you can.

Check with your hotel or accommodation about taking and storing oxygen equipment.

Make sure you know how to travel safely with your oxygen. Your respiratory team and oxygen provider will be able to advise you if you’re unsure.

If you need oxygen abroad, you’ll need to make arrangements before you travel. 

In most cases, UK oxygen providers do not allow their equipment to be taken outside the UK, but they can usually tell you how to arrange oxygen abroad. You’ll have to pay for the oxygen supply.

The European Lung Foundation has a list of oxygen providers in European countries.

If you plan to fly, you may need tests beforehand to confirm if you need in-flight oxygen, such as the ‘fitness-to-fly’ (hypoxic challenge) test.

You may not normally use oxygen, but you may need it while flying because there is less oxygen in the air at high altitudes.

Airlines have their own rules about using in-flight oxygen. Some airlines may only allow you to bring a portable oxygen concentrator. You may need to hire or buy one.

Some airlines provide oxygen for free, and others charge a fee. The cost can vary widely. Make sure you check with the airline before booking. You can also speak to your oxygen supplier for more information.

The European Lung Foundation has a list of airline oxygen policies. It’s important to check your airline’s website or contact them, so you have the most up-to-date information.

Fitness to fly (hypoxic challenge) test

Ask your GP if you need extra tests before you travel.

One test you may need is a hypoxic challenge test. This finds out if you need extra oxygen when flying. We have more information about hypoxic challenge tests.

Your usual NHS hospital will probably not be able to provide a hypoxic challenge test. You may have to travel to a different hospital or use a private provider.

Medical clearance to fly

If you’re using oxygen on the plane, the airline will ask for a medical certificate to show you’re healthy enough to fly. This is called a Fit to Fly Certificate or Medical Information Form (MEDIF). You’ll need to complete the form yourself and then ask your GP to complete and sign it.

Each airline has its own form, which you can find on their website. This is usually on the special assistance page.

The form will ask for information about:

• your route, flight date and booking reference
• who you’re travelling with
• your oxygen needs, including rates in litres per minute and flow type (continuous or pulse)
• what medical equipment you’re taking, such as a portable oxygen container, CPAP machine or mobility equipment
• which batteries your equipment uses.

• Start planning well before your trip.
• Check your fitness to fly test is valid. Some airlines are specific about the time between the test and travel.
• Check the insurance arrangements for your oxygen equipment.
• Check whether your flight is code-sharing. This is when a flight has one airline’s code and flight number but is operated by another one. You will need to check with each airline about their own oxygen policy.
• Check ahead with your airline for any flight delays or cancellations. If you use oxygen, you may need to bring more or make sure you have enough battery.
• Make sure you know how many batteries you’ll need for your flight. Airlines should tell you how many extra batteries you’ll need to take in case your flight is delayed or lasts longer than expected.
• Plug in and charge your portable concentrator whenever you can.
• Remember to take international plug adapters that will work at your destination.
• Keep the helpline number for your oxygen equipment supplier with you at all times.
• Take a copy of your oxygen prescription or letter from your healthcare professional in case you need to order more supplies.

You can read more about oxygen therapy on our website. You can read about the travel experiences of other people with lung conditions on our Health Unlocked forum.

Use our helpful checklist to make sure you’re prepared for your trip.