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The decision to travel abroad when you or your child has respiratory or pulmonary conditions will naturally make you think twice; knowing that dependency on oxygen will present challenges. But, with some careful planning, it is certainly possible.

Firstly, pay a visit to your doctor to discuss your travel plans. It’s crucial at the time of making reservations, that you are considered fit to travel. When having to travel with oxygen, its policy with most air and cruise lines that passengers secure suitable travel insurance. Without doctor’s consent or if you are awaiting surgery, in-patient treatment or under medical investigation, it’s unlikely that cover will be issued and travel permitted.

Flying With Oxygen
Booking early is the key. Some airlines only allow one passenger requiring oxygen per flight with up to seven days notice. As a rule, oxygen will be supplied by the airline for a fee. Charges range from 30 – 100 per leg. This can get expensive if you have connecting flights. Direct flights, even though the same distance may be covered, can work out cheaper. Airlines do not provide oxygen for airport terminal use, so separate arrangements need to be made should your itinerary include any stops.

Make preparations to travel with oxygen via the airline’s Special Services or Medical Department. Check the flow they can deliver and whether a mask or nasal cannula is provided. Boarding with your own oxygen is not allowed, although the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have approved a select group of portable oxygen concentrators (POC) that can be used in-flight. Do check before purchasing or hiring a POC that the model has been approved and will be accepted by the airline. Empty canisters can be taken onboard for the purpose of filling and using once at your destination.

Cruising With Oxygen
Travel with oxygen is accepted by most cruise lines provided at least ten days notice is given along with a doctor’s letter. Some cruise lines offer oxygen, others require you to bring your own. Make your travel agent aware of your oxygen needs and they should be able to advise you. Work with your regular oxygen supply company to calculate how many tanks you require and to arrange to pick up tanks at ports of call.

Both forms of transport require a physician’s letter outlining diagnosis, prescription quantity of oxygen, flow rate and approval to travel as well as travel insurance. Travel insurance does not cover the cost of oxygen but will protect you, subject to policy terms and conditions, in the event of cancellation and emergency medical treatment.

As a nation full of travelers, we easily spend hours of our day dreaming about that next break, only to finally act on whatever special is going on at the time of booking, regardless if that’s where we intended to go or not. Why? Because we assume that the flashy deal is the only way to get the great price. Thankfully with the abundance of online booking services and great discount travel websites now scattered throughout the web, the competition is so fierce that someone is always offering a great deal – and finally, it’s to destinations you actually want to visit!

One of the quickest, easiest sources for comparing travel prices in flights, hotels, and car hire agencies across a multitude of travel providers, are the online discount travel sites. These guys really are invaluable when it comes to making your trip as cheap as possible. Most of these travel websites provide you with all the necessary resources and also allow you to choose your travel package by comparing them with other specials offered by airlines, hoteliers and car hire agencies. The online travel gurus help you understand the ins and outs of discount air travel, helping you find the lowest possible airfare. Sometimes all it requires from you is to be a bit more flexible with travel dates and airline preference.

Most of the travel websites are consolidators that bulk buy travel products – including flights, car hire space and hotel room – from some of the finest airlines and hoteliers in world, and then pass these wholesale savings on to you, the individual traveller.

These sites allow you to compare prices, choose your preferred airline and get the best deal on holiday packages. In addition, they will also arrange your accommodation as well as car hire, travel insurance, and destination activities.

All-in-all, reducing the stress of planning your next trip.