Portable Oxygen Concentrator

[SandyMc]

Traveling with my Mom on Princess the end of this month. She only uses oxygen to sleep. She is getting a small concentrator from her health care provider (it looks like the size of a small suitcase on wheels and weighs about 15 lbs). Here is my question - Can this be checked thru on the airlines or must we carry it?? :eek: I worry about checking it because the controls are on the front of the unit but she will not need it during the flights.

[Moz]

Traveling with my Mom on Princess the end of this month. She only uses oxygen to sleep. She is getting a small concentrator from her health care provider (it looks like the size of a small suitcase on wheels and weighs about 15 lbs). Here is my question - Can this be checked thru on the airlines or must we carry it?? :eek: I worry about checking it because the controls are on the front of the unit but she will not need it during the flights.

 

We have traveled with the small concentrator and we always carry it on the plane I would never check it. Fits under the seat and should come with wheels that you can pull. My husband only uses it at night too but sometimes due to pressure and altitude on plane he may need to use it. It's better to be prepared.

[Joy2Day]

Moz, Can you share your experiences with traveling (but not using) the POC? Each airline has a separate policy for POC's. Per airline policy, do you carry a medical release? (The DOT guidelines say that is only needed when USING it onboard.)

 

Does it count as one of your allowed carryons?

 

How is TSA?

[Moz]

Moz, Can you share your experiences with traveling (but not using) the POC? Each airline has a separate policy for POC's. Per airline policy, do you carry a medical release? (The DOT guidelines say that is only needed when USING it onboard.)

 

Does it count as one of your allowed carryons?

 

How is TSA?

 

We have traveled about three times with POC. We fly Delta from ND. They require a form filled out by the doctor (it's on their website) filled out shortly before we go the doctor faxed it to them. It indicates the liter flow too. It has to be carried on and they open every thing up at security and look it over good. I think you need the release even if you don't use it on the flight. They are fussy. It's good to have it though as my husband used it for about an hour (3 hr flight) as the air is different on the plane and the concentrator runs on batteries. The airlines want you to have enough batteries for the flight if need be. The POC has always sort of fit under the seat. Don't plan on using it unless there is a little problem better to be safe than sorry. Security is very fussy as I said and take the whole unit apart before they let you aboard that's what they do in fargo anyway they weren't as fussy in FLL when we went back home. Hope this helps don't hesitate to ask more if need be.

[Joy2Day]

I've flown many times without O2. In fact, doctor says that 1-2 nights without it is okay. My case is rather odd because I have low sat levels while sleeping, but the sleep study didn't pinpoint why. (The sleep study was ordered by my cardio based on the fact that my condition is often accompanied by sleep apnea.)

 

In the past, we've just arranged delivery of a full-size unit in a hotel or onboard. However the rental quote for 5 days in Copenhagen plus a 10-day cruise was over $600.

 

For nighttime, continuous flow is needed because shallow breathing patterns don't trigger the pulse. And those POCs are pricier.

 

So far, I'm looking at a rental next weekend on Frontier. As long as I don't use it on the plane, they are not requiring a certification. This is directly in line with some Dept of Transportation guidelines I found online. However, there is some question about counting it as one of my carryon items. I'm fine with that as long as other devices (like CPAPs) are treated the same.

 

For our cruise, our 1st leg is United. Although they state the need for certificate within 10 days of travel, they only need that if I'm using it onboard. The 2nd leg on SAS is unknown.

 

And all of this is complicated by the fact that my doctor is on hiatus right now. She is changing clinics ... and taking 2 months off in between. She'll be back in early July in time for the cruise, but not for my trip next week.

[Mindy97]

They can't count your POC as one of your carry on bags. I'd have a carry letter from the doctor, which I'd keep on me and only show to the ticket agent. That's good enough for them.

 

You have to check in with a human at a ticket counter...no kiosk, no curbside...if you have a POC. Also, FAA states that you have to sit in a seat on the outer edge (ie, by a window) of the plane.

 

I don't always use oxygen during the day, but on a trip to Alaska I definitely found I needed it. I sat in the middle of the plane, and didn't take the POC when I went to the restroom...there isn't room for it in there anyway. On the way back I almost collapsed in three different laps. Next time I'll sit nearer to the back.

 

When you get to your cabin, ask the room steward for a heavy duty long extension cord. He'll get it for you and that way you will charge the POC as you sleep each night.

 

Hope this helps.

M.

[Moz]

We always get a POC from our oxygen supplier they just provide it to us and I think that is a norm. You can get a POC that is not pulse. We use the pulse machine as the non-pulse is heavier and larger. Get a doctors form to be safe and they are not considered carry on they have to allow them. You may find out you need it on the plane you never know. Other advice from Mindy97 was right on.

[Mindy97]

I see I wasn't clear about one thing. I meant that you should get a letter from your doctor TO CARRY WITH YOU. The letter should include your oxygen prescription, the name of the portable machine you are bringing along (if your oxygen company will be loaning you one, call them and ask the name...also make sure that it has an FAA sticker on the inside), and your setting/dosage.

 

The reason I mentioned this is because somebody mentioned that their doctor faxed the letter to the airline. I don't think they need it until boarding day, when you must show it to the ticket agent. But if they do, I'd still want a copy to carry, just in case.

 

And yes, they must allow you to bring the machine on board without charging you extra to do so or counting it against your carry on allotment.

 

Be careful of Spirit Airlines. They want to charge you for a seat assignment made at the time of booking. I tried to explain to the reservationist that The FAA required me to sit in a window seat, so I needed her to assign me one. She said she couldn't do that unless I wanted to pay. I told her that I didn't want to pay, that since it was an FAA requirement she should assign me one for free. She said she couldn't/wouldn't do that, if I didn't want to pay I'd have to get a seat assignment at the airport and sit wherever they randomly assigned me. I told her that if I did that, I might end up with a paid ticket yet be denied boarding since there might not be a window seat for me. She didn't seem to care.

 

Alaska Airlines, on the other hand, couldn't have been nicer. In Seattle, there were a bazillion people waiting for the plane. I went up to the podium so the gate agent would know I was there. He smiled when I walked up, and asked me if I was (my name). I said yes, and he said he'd been looking for me. He said he would come and escort me to the plane before anybody else. He was good to his word, and took me to the ramp about five minutes before preboarding so I wouldn't be anxious or feel I was in people's way.

 

M.

[Joy2Day]

I know they can't count it ..... esp when their own policy exempts CPAPs and boxes of medical supplies from carry-on and checked bag fees. As of right now, the res number said it would be counted. We will see how the counter handles it.

 

My company does not provide any travel assistance -- except to check their network for rental source at my destination. Furthermore, I own my machine, so they aren't too interested.

 

I'm really not in favor of this portable unit, but my husband wants to explore this. We are going to rent for the trip next week and the cruise, then see if we want to pursue.

[Roe-Z]

I've only flown once with my portable and it was no problem once on the plane. Be sure to get your doctor form and have it with you. Check the date!.My doctor signed the wrong date and I didn't know this until it was time to register at the airport. I was by myself (with a porter pushing a wheelchair) and though the lady was nice enough to put a call through to my doctor for a fax, it was getting close to boarding!

 

The company who supplies your oxygen needs to get your request early enough to put you down for delivery. There is no charge to me for this machine. You can not use the portable upon take off or landing, but should you need it while flying it will be there for you. I paid extra and sat first class so the stewards handled the machine for me.

 

As for the cruise, I have used it for quit a few now. I will be sailing with Carnival in Novermer and was told to bring my own extension. Also, most cruiselines have a link to download what you need to get filled out. Always touch base with the Special Needs department. They will note on your information what you are bringing and of course will answser any questions you have. I also received an email with the documents I needed to fill out including that which is needed from the doctor.

 

Since I also use a scooter on the ship, I get a handicap room. You must have that room since scooters/wheelchairs are not to be in the hallway.

 

The only problem I had at an airport with my portable was the porter expecting me to put it on my lap while he pushed me!..I actually said to him.."you have got to be kidding''. Needless to say, I did not put it on my lap since he already had my suitcase on my lap! He came real close to not getting a tip...lol..

[Mindy97]

Reply/Answers in below in Blue.

 

You *can* use a portable oxygen concentrator during takeoff and landing. I did so, and in fact the prescription my doctor wrote for the airline said I would need to do that.

 

In general, flight attendants do not handle/manage personal medical equipment for passengers, so do not expect it regardless of what class seat you have purchased. If you need help, the airlines require you to have an attendant with you (and your doctor should state that)

You can not use the portable upon take off or landing, but should you need it while flying it will be there for you. I paid extra and sat first class so the stewards handled the machine for me.

 

I am pushed by a wheelchair attendant at the airport (not a porter!). It works best if I balance the oxygen concentrator (which I generally have on its metal carrier) on my feet and the footrests of the wheelchair. I don't/can't put it in my lap, because my purse is there. If there is a suitcase to be picked up at arrival, my suitcase has wheels, and the pusher always pushes me with one hand and pulls the suitcase with the other. How they can do that amazes me, but they do. They have always been very kind to me, and in turn I am happy to be very kind to them (ie, generous with a good tip).

 

The pushers also help facilitate a taxi without waiting in the taxi queue, which is a tremendous help if you are using oxygen.

 

The only problem I had at an airport with my portable was the porter expecting me to put it on my lap while he pushed me!..I actually said to him.."you have got to be kidding''. Needless to say, I did not put it on my lap since he already had my suitcase on my lap! He came real close to not getting a tip...lol..

 

Fern

[Joy2Day]

Update on my experience flying with a portable concentrator ... not for use on the plane.

 

I rented one of the Sequel units as a trial. I was traveling alone. In my research, I knew that Frontier Airlines website specifically lists medical equipment, POCs and CPAP machines as being exempt from any fees. However, the 800 number had said it would be considered a checked bag since it was not for use onboard.

 

Since I would not need it onboard, the renting company just kept the battery with them.

 

When I checked in at my departure airport, I was explicitly and firmly told that it was not considered an assistive device (since I wouldn't use it), so I would have to check either it or my roller bag. As I started to question her, she quickly offered the waive the checked bag fee "since the plane was so crowded". Funny that there was TONS of overhead bin space available ... and plenty of seats too.

 

Coming back home, the agent assured me there was no problem with taking both the machine and the bag. Then he offered to check my bag for my convenience (no fee charged). The flight home was full (and 4 hours late), no bin space, so the machine took up ALL the room under the seat in front of me ... which was not pleasant.

 

As for traveling alone with the concentrator, that was difficult as I had a briefcase, the concentrator on wheels and a roller bag. It was fine as long as I had wide doorways, etc... I took the Metro from Reagan Airport into Washington DC, and I had to stand the entire time.

 

We will be trying this again when we head to Copenhagen for our Baltics cruise. I'll have my husband's help this time, but we will be traveling with 2 carry-ons, 2 large suitcases, my concentrator and his CPAP bag.

[Mindy97]

Make sure that you have batteries for the POC even if you don't plan to use it on the plane. If you get stressed you might need to use it (make sure they are charge!). Also, if you lose power in your cabin for awhile for some reason, it is a good idea to have batteries.

 

M.