Since it is the holidays and many people visit friends and family, it seems appropriate that the Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists bring you a holiday gift of very special travel tips.
If you have been diagnosed with COPD or another chronic lung condition, you need not cancel your plans to go on a holiday excursion. You just simply need to make some advance arrangements and take some precautions to avoid a flare-up.
Whether your trip is across town or around the world, the Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists have prepared a checklist to help you travel comfortably.
The FLASS Travel Check List for Lung Patients
1. Talk To Your Doctor: Contact your Healthcare Provider and make sure your doctors agree that you are healthy enough to travel.
2. Get It In Writing: Be positive you have verification of medicines and oxygen. Remember, you might need a letter or a prescription from your doctor to verify your medicines or your oxygen. Likewise, keep an up-to-date list of current medications with you at all times. It might not be fashionable, but please wear your emergency medical identification.
Here is a good tip, especially if you are going on an extended trip, or traveling overseas: “Arrange emergency antibiotics, if you might need them.” At least ask your doctor if this is a good idea.
3. Carry Your Contacts: Make a neat list of names and phone numbers you might need: your respiratory therapist, your oxygen supplier, your caregiver.
4. Estimate Your Needs: We know you won’t forget your medication. Many patient err by not taking enough of their medication with them. Be sure you have enough, plus back-up if your travel plans change. Pack all your medicine and supplies in your carry-on luggage, not your check-in bag.
5. Some ABC’s for traveling with your oxygen:
A. Even if you are traveling with a companion, make sure “you understand how to use your portable oxygen system and know how long the oxygen will last. Check ahead to see if you need oxygen refills to complete your trip. Contact the travel carrier (airline, cruise ship, bus) when making your reservations to obtain information about your oxygen needs. There may be a fee related to oxygen use.” 
By the way, you should know only personal portable oxygen concentrators can be taken aboard many airlines. Just give them some advance notice.
Experts tell us “Using oxygen doesn’t mean you can’t travel, but it does mean you have to plan ahead. Plan ahead for changes in time zones and increased or decreased activity.”
B. Be aware that new airline rules only allow for portable oxygen concentrators. Naturally, you should call the airline and be certain of their policies.
C. Double check your batteries for your equipment. Be sure you have extra ones with you.
D. FLASS highly recommends you fly direct to avoid the airport run to catch connecting flights. If you must take connecting flights, arrange wheelchair transportation in advance. Find more information at this helpful online resource.
6. Taking A Bus or Train: As with the airport, you need to check with your terminal and explain you will be traveling with oxygen.
7. Taking A Cruise: 4 to 6 weeks before you depart, be aware you might need:
A. A letter from your doctor,
B. a brief medical history,
C. your current oxygen prescription.
As you might suspect, you will need to have your oxygen units delivered directly to the cruise ship before you depart.
8. Road Trip! If you are planning a trip by car, make certain no one will be smoking in the car. Double check, because you never really know if someone is a “secret” smoker. A little fresh air is a good thing, so crack open the window for good circulation.
If you are taking oxygen with you, keep it upright and seatbelt it securely into the seat beside your seat.
9. Leave Nothing to Chance: Whatever type of transportation you are taking, do a little advance study about your destination. Be sure you are aware of any challenges that you will face concerning the terrain, even the simple ones.
For example, know how far it will be from an automobile to the front door of the family member you are visiting. Know if you will be confronted with a staircase. Likewise you must avoid triggers, such as feather pillows. Tell your host about your condition. If you stay at a hotel, you can often arrange for hypoallergenic bedding.
With careful pre-planning, Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists recommends that you have a marvelous Holiday trip.
Holiday Wishes
Whether you are traveling or staying at home, the doctors and staff at
FLASS have three holiday wishes for you:
May the Magic of the Season fill your home with joy,
fill your heart with love,
and fill your life with laughter.
From the FLASS family To Yours!