Travelling with Oxygen: A Complete Guide to Holiday Planning on LTOT
- Matthew Hellyar
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Because breathing should never hold you back from living.
The holidays are a time to reconnect, to explore, and to restore. Yet for many patients on Long-Term Oxygen Therapy (LTOT), the idea of travelling can bring as much anxiety as excitement. Packing an oxygen concentrator, navigating airline policies, or simply wondering whether it’s safe to be far from home can feel overwhelming.
At Respocare, we believe oxygen should restore your freedom, not limit it. With careful preparation and the right equipment, you can travel safely, confidently, and comfortably — whether you are visiting family, taking a coastal road trip, or boarding a long-awaited flight.
This guide is designed to help you plan every step of your journey, from your first checklist to your final destination. Think of it as your travel companion — written by those who understand what it means to live fully while breathing with support.
1. Start with Your Medical Team
Before you pack, begin by speaking with your doctor or respiratory specialist. A short appointment can make all the difference.
Discuss the following:
Your current flow rate: Confirm that it meets your needs during travel, especially if you will be at higher altitudes.
Medical certificate: Ask your doctor to issue a signed letter stating your oxygen prescription, device type, and flow setting. Airlines and cruise companies often require this.
Travel duration: Your clinician may recommend small adjustments or additional oxygen support depending on how long you’ll be in transit.
Backup plan: Request advice on what to do if your oxygen device malfunctions or if you experience increased shortness of breath while away.
Informing your oxygen provider early is equally important. At least two weeks before departure, let Respocare know your travel dates and destination. We can assist with portable concentrator rentals, battery extensions, and backup cylinders, ensuring you have complete peace of mind before leaving home.
2. Choosing the Right System for Your Trip
The right equipment is what transforms travel from stressful to seamless. Different journeys call for different oxygen setups.
Respocare offers both Inogen G5 and DeVilbiss iGo2 concentrators — two of the most trusted portable oxygen systems globally.
The Inogen G5 provides up to 6 flow settings and double-battery endurance for long trips.
The iGo2 offers a strong continuous flow capacity up to 5 L/min with intelligent delivery technology.
Selecting the right device is more than convenience; it ensures safety, continuity of therapy, and true independence during your travels.
3. Flying with Oxygen: What to Expect
Flying is entirely possible for most LTOT patients, provided you plan carefully. Airlines have clear medical guidelines designed to keep you safe.
Here’s what to do:
Notify the airline at least 7–10 days before your flight. Request their medical clearance forms or oxygen policy.
Provide your doctor’s letter. It should confirm your oxygen prescription, flow rate, and device model.
Confirm your device is approved. Only specific FAA-certified portable concentrators are allowed in the cabin.
Plan for battery life. Most airlines require you to carry enough charged batteries to cover at least 150% of your total flight time.
Example: For a 3-hour flight, you must have a minimum of 4.5 hours of battery life. This accounts for boarding, taxi time, possible delays, and emergencies.
Before departure, charge all batteries fully and pack your charger in your carry-on. Keep your concentrator accessible throughout the flight — not in overhead storage. Flight attendants may ask you to demonstrate that the unit works before take-off.
Flying checklist:
Contact airline’s medical desk
Carry your approval letter and spare tubing
Test the concentrator the day before travel
Keep batteries and cords in hand luggage
Avoid blocking vents or resting the unit under seats
With preparation, flying on oxygen is safe, straightforward, and increasingly common.
4. Road Trips with Confidence
Travelling by road offers flexibility, scenic routes, and the comfort of controlling your schedule. But oxygen users should still follow a few key precautions.
Power supply: Always bring your car charger or inverter. Check that your concentrator can operate while the vehicle is running.
Safety first: Never smoke or allow open flames near oxygen. Store tubing carefully to prevent tangling around seats or pedals.
Temperature: Oxygen concentrators must stay cool and ventilated. Avoid leaving them in parked cars or direct sunlight.
Planning rest stops: Pause every few hours to stretch, check your flow rate, and recharge if needed.
Patients often find that alternating between stationary and portable systems during long road trips gives them more flexibility — using the home unit overnight and the portable during travel days.
5. Cruising and Coastal Escapes
Cruise holidays are increasingly oxygen-friendly. Most major cruise lines accommodate medical devices as long as you notify them well in advance — ideally 30 days before sailing.
Provide your medical certificate and details of your oxygen equipment. Ask whether your cabin offers compatible power outlets and enough space for charging. Pack two full sets of cannulas, filters, and cleaning supplies, as replacement parts may be limited on board.
For excursions, a portable concentrator with spare batteries is ideal. Cruise ships have trained medical staff on duty, but it’s wise to carry your doctor’s contact information and your oxygen provider’s emergency number.
6. The Oxygen Travel Checklist
A structured checklist prevents last-minute panic and ensures you never forget essentials.
Before You Leave:
Confirm your oxygen prescription and travel clearance with your doctor
Notify airline, cruise line, or transport service
Arrange rental equipment or extra batteries with Respocare
Test all devices 24 hours before departure
Pack a medical certificate, charger, tubing, spare cannulas, and cleaning wipes
Label all equipment with your name and contact details
During the Trip:
Keep the concentrator upright and well-ventilated
Recharge batteries overnight
Store spare tubing and accessories in a dry place
Monitor for alarms or flow interruptions
Stay hydrated and rest when needed
These simple routines allow you to focus on your journey, not your equipment.
7. Respocare Travel Support: Freedom You Can Breathe
Travelling with oxygen is not a privilege reserved for the few — it is a right that modern technology now makes possible for everyone on LTOT.
At Respocare, we provide complete support to make every journey safe and effortless:
Portable concentrator rentals and purchase options
Battery extension packs for long travel days
Courier delivery and pickup anywhere in South Africa
24-hour technical assistance and clinical advice
We understand that behind every machine is a person eager to live, laugh, and explore. Our mission is to remove the uncertainty, so that oxygen becomes invisible — a quiet companion rather than a restriction.
Final Reflection
Oxygen therapy is not the end of independence; it is the beginning of renewed life. Each breath you take is a reminder that with preparation and support, the world remains open to you.
So as the holidays approach, plan with confidence, travel wisely, and remember that your care team travels with you in spirit. At Respocare, we are always just a call away — ready to help you breathe freely, wherever the road or sky may lead.
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