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Travelling with oxygen
You can travel with oxygen – it just takes a little more active planning to ensure everything is well organised before you go. At VitalAire, we have affiliated companies we can put you in touch with in 35 countries around the world.
Planning is the key
Planning well in advance – at least 6-8 weeks – is the most important thing you can do to travel successfully with oxygen therapy.
Your travel plan should include contacting all the parties involved in your trip before booking your flight ticket or vacation – including your doctor, travel provider, airline, accommodation provider and VitalAire.
Talk to your doctor
Consult with your doctor or primary healthcare provider about your travel plans. If you’re flying, you may require extra medication since the reduced air pressure in an aircraft affects your blood oxygen levels.
You may also need additional oxygen for the trip.
Ask your doctor for a brief medical history document you can take with you, which lists your medications and oxygen therapy prescription. This will help if you lose your baggage or need medical attention.
Talk to your travel provider
Whether you plan to travel by car, bus, train, ship or plane - each type of transport may require a different approach to your oxygen therapy. For example, you will need to apply for special approval from some airlines.
As long as everyone is notified well in advance you should avoid unnecessary difficulties.
Every travel provider has different rules about the type of oxygen equipment you can use. Regulations will vary, but the key thing to remember is that it will take time to complete the paperwork which will make your travel possible.
Let VitalAire know you will be travelling
We can provide you oxygen therapy support for your travel to most popular destinations so that your hotel or other accommodation is prepared for your arrival.
For optimal support, we require a minimum of two weeks’ notice for domestic travel and four weeks for overseas travel. Ideally, try to plan it so you arrive at your destination on a weekday, when support is more readily available.
Use this handy checklist to help you plan your travel. Starting the process at least eight weeks before your trip will allow plenty of time for all the arrangements to be made.
PDF - 163.01 KB
Your pre-travel planning checklist
Use this handy checklist to help you plan your travel. Starting the process at least eight weeks before your trip will allow plenty of time for all the arrangements to be made.
- Obtain a copy of your oxygen therapy prescription
- Talk to your doctor about your plans and the use of mobility devices and portable oxygen concentrators
- Have a letter from your doctor stating you are fit to travel
- Talk to your travel provider about your needs
- Apply for special assistance from your airline
- Talk to VitalAire staff about your trip - applicable provincial funding rules will probably need to be reviewed
- Plan to take spare accessories
Why choose us
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01
Coast-to-coast support network
With presence all across Canada, we can support you locally and when you travel
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02
Individualized approach
We listen and observe to personalize your oxygen therapy and support you for better results
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03
Expertise
Our Respiratory therapists have access to the latest home oxygen equipment, and are trained to find the right choice for you
Travelling With Oxygen brochure
PDF - 534.08 KB
Are you a VitalAire patient? Please contact VitalAire to update your contact information and help us keep in touch.