Traveling with Respiratory Issues: Do I need Portable Oxygen In-Flight?

Is traveling with portable oxygen in your future?  While traveling with oxygen is possible, there are several factors to take into account.  You will first need to check that if you need portable oxygen while in-flight.  Once you discover you need portable oxygen, you'll need to check with your airline to see which portable oxygen devices they approve and also how much oxygen you'll need. [caption id="attachment_427" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Traveling with Portable Oxygen"][/caption] Since 1986, airlines have been prohibited from discriminating against passengers with disabilities, including those who need portable oxygen.  While regulations vary between airlines, the Air Carrier Access Act assures that passengers needing portable oxygen will be allowed a certain amount of supply and devices aboard their flight. Another challenge faced by travelers is the question of whether or not you need portable oxygen on your flight.  As most of you know, the air quality diminishes as you ascend from sea level so on standard commercial flights that cruise between 30,000 and 40,000 feet above sea level, the cabins must be pressurized.  The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires air pressure to be equal or lower than 8,000 feet above sea level which is sufficient for most of us.  However, for passengers with respiratory problems, the air pressure may not be enough to keep them healthy. Consult your healthcare provider before travel if you are suffering from emphysema or COPD, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis or interstitial lung disease or have difficult time breathing during normal everyday activities. Please share with us your experiences in traveling with portable oxygen.  To find an oxygen provider in your area, click here!