Travelling with Oxygen
Planning Your Trip
If you use home oxygen and are planning to travel, it’s important to prepare in advance.
Planning ahead helps ensure you’ll have enough oxygen for your journey and your stay, allowing you to travel safely and with confidence.
Before travelling, make sure you:
- Plan your journey carefully.
- Check you have enough oxygen for your journey, including possible delays.
- Tell your transport provider you’ll be travelling with oxygen.
- Contact your accommodation to check they can safely receive and store oxygen equipment if required.
Travelling Within the UK
If you’re travelling anywhere within the UK, your oxygen supplier can usually arrange oxygen to be delivered to your holiday accommodation.
If you’re using the same oxygen as at home
You do not need a new prescription.
Simply contact Air Liquide Healthcare at least three working days before you travel to arrange delivery.
Telephone: 0808 143 9999
If you need different oxygen equipment
Please contact the Community Respiratory Specialist Team at least 10 days before you travel.
Telephone: 0300 124 5909
Air Liquide will also arrange collection of any equipment from your holiday accommodation when you return home.
Travelling Abroad
Travelling overseas often requires additional planning.
Before you travel:
- Check with your healthcare professional that you’re well enough to travel.
- If you’re flying, you may need a Fitness to Fly assessment. Please speak to your GP about a referral if needed.
- Contact your airline before booking to discuss their oxygen requirements and policies.
Please note:
- UK oxygen providers cannot supply oxygen outside the UK.
- You cannot normally take UK home oxygen equipment overseas or on cruise ships.
- Oxygen must be arranged with a provider in the country you’re visiting.
Flying with Oxygen
Every airline has its own policy for passengers who use oxygen.
Most airlines accept approved portable oxygen concentrators, but you must always check with your airline before travelling.
Your airline will explain:
- Which equipment is permitted
- Any medical forms that may be required
- Whether additional arrangements are needed before your flight
Travel Insurance
Before travelling, make sure your travel insurance:
- Covers your lung condition
- Covers pre-existing medical conditions
- Includes oxygen therapy where appropriate
- Covers emergency medical treatment abroad
Without suitable insurance, medical treatment overseas can be very expensive.
Helpful Resources
You may find the following organisations helpful when planning your trip:
- Air Liquide Healthcare – Oxygen supplies and equipment
- Asthma + Lung UK – Advice on travelling with oxygen
- European Lung Foundation – Information about air travel and lung conditions
- NHS Overseas Healthcare Services – Information about the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card)
- NHS Healthcare Abroad – Healthcare information for travelling overseas
- GOV.UK Foreign Travel Advice – Country-specific travel advice
Further Information
If you have any questions about travelling with oxygen, please contact the Community Respiratory Specialist Team.
Telephone: 0300 124 5909
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
