Planning a summer getaway? If you use supplemental oxygen and your plans involve flying, follow these tips to be prepared:

1. Talk to your health care team about concerns or changes needed for your supplemental oxygen during air travel. Depending on your care facility, your doctor might be able to order a high-altitude simulation test, which mimics the atmospheric pressure of a commercial airplane cabin. The test can determine how much oxygen you need at high altitude. Just like at home, you might need a higher oxygen flow when on the plane.

2. Keep in mind that airlines don’t allow oxygen e-tanks on planes, and some don’t permit portable oxygen concentrators in the cabin. Check your airline’s website before booking to make sure you can use a portable concentrator on board. If your airline allows portable concentrators, make sure it’s approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.

3. Get a consent form from your physician to show your airline that you need a portable oxygen concentrator and you can safely use one. Some airlines require you to use specific forms. Be sure to check online whether the airline requires its own form.

4. When booking your flight, tell the airline about needed accommodations like supplemental oxygen or wheelchair assistance. Airlines might require you to notify them 48 hours in advance and/or check in at least an hour before your flight so they can accommodate your oxygen needs. If possible, reserve a seat by the window to prevent your tubing or equipment from getting tangled in the aisle.

5. Consider calling the TSA Cares Help Line (855-787-2227) 72 hours before your flight to request a passenger support specialist at the TSA checkpoint. You will have to remove your concentrator and put it through the X-ray machine, or you can keep it on and wait for an agent to pat you down and inspect your concentrator and other mobility equipment.

6. Reduce travel stress by planning for delays. Try to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight to get through TSA and reach your departure gate well in advance of the boarding time. Be sure to bring enough batteries to provide power for one and half times the expected flight duration (e.g. three hours of battery life for a two-hour flight). Look for an outlet or charging station to plug in your concentrator and spare batteries at the gate so they will be fully charged when you board.

Note: Your oxygen supplier doesn’t have to provide an airline-approved portable oxygen concentrator, and Medicare doesn’t cover additional costs for oxygen related to air travel. If you need e-tanks or want to rent a portable concentrator at your destination, you can explore rental options from oxygen supply companies with local branches. Rentals also are available through online companies that work with most airlines and provide the documentation required for your travel.

Find more resources in our Empowered Patient Toolkit.