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Traveling With Oxygen
It can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be!
Before you begin to plan any kind of travel with oxygen, you’ll first need to get clearance from your physician for travel. You’ll want to have his support and expertise to help with your travel plans. You may also need him to sign a letter for the airline, train, bus or cruise line you’ll be traveling with.
After you’ve obtained a physician’s clearance for travel, you’ll need to know the regulations and restrictions of traveling with oxygen. Whether you're traveling by plane, bus, train or ship, there will be some rules to follow and practical things you can do to make traveling with oxygen as easy as possible.
Traveling With Oxygen by Airplane
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that any person traveling with oxygen submit a letter from their physician stating their need. The FAA has approved portable medical oxygen devices and allows airline passengers to carry them on the airplane.
Airlines: Click the airline below to see the requirements
Traveling With Oxygen By Bus or Train
Bus and trains lines vary in their rules and regulations. Most bus lines will allow passengers to carry portable oxygen, but you’ll need to check with them in advance of your trip. Some train lines may permit you to bring oxygen on board but require you use your own generator for power. Always call the bus or train line you’re planning to use far in advance of your trip, so you can plan accordingly.
RTC:
You must know how to operate the device on your own. (Please note the driver on the bus will not be able to help you)
For more questions call 702-676-1500
Greyhound:
You should keep your medicine with you on the bus at all times – please don’t put it in your checked baggage as we can’t take any responsibility if it gets lost or if it is not accessible to you.
It’s fine to bring portable oxygen and respirators onto Greyhound buses. You can bring up to 4 canisters in total (2 on the bus and 2 in the baggage compartment), as long as they’re no bigger than 26 inches long and 4.5 inches high (66cm x 11.5cm). Oxygen canisters stored in the baggage compartment must be in protective cases with safety caps on the valves. You’ll need to make sure you have enough oxygen for your journey, and it’s up to you to arrange refills in route if you need them.
For more questions call 1 (800) 752-4841
AMTRAK:
Required Medical Devices
Common/powered wheelchairs, scooters, oxygen equipment, canes, walkers, dry ice for medication
Carry-On: Allowed - up to 50 lbs., 30" wide x 48" long and 2" ground clearance
Checked: Allowed - up to 50 lbs. and 100 linear inches
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Required medical devices will not count towards a passenger's allowable baggage and will be accepted free of charge if accompanied by a ticket issued at a mobility impaired fare.
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For oxygen equipment, the total weight of all tanks must not exceed 120 lbs.; within the limit will be allowed two 50 lb. tanks, six 20 lb. tanks, or any number of tanks that weigh less than 20 lbs. each up to 120 lbs.
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Mobility assistance devices brought onboard must not exceed 600 lbs. to include the passenger.
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Items that are not required onboard may be checked if accompanied by a ticket issued at a mobility-impaired fare. For items over 50 lbs., call 1-800-USA-RAIL to make shipping arrangements.
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Passenger assistance at stations or on trains may require a Special Service Request
For more questions call 1-800-872-7245.
Traveling With Oxygen On A Cruise Line
If you’re feeling adventurous enough to try a cruise, you might be surprised to find how easy most cruise lines make traveling with oxygen. Many cruise lines will provide oxygen while others will allow you to bring your own. If you're bringing your own, you’ll want to work with your oxygen supply company to calculate how much backup oxygen you’ll need to bring.
Work with the travel agent who is helping you plan your cruise to arrange your oxygen needs. She can help you arrange for oxygen pick up at various ports if you can’t bring enough on the cruise line with you to last the duration of the trip.
Once you’ve done your homework and advance planning, you can feel confident that your oxygen needs will be met. Now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor and have a great vacation!
