Tips for Planning Air Travel

Once you have your visa (if required) and passport, you will need to address the following travel considerations:

Special Needs
Before traveling, let the airline know of any special requirements you may have (e.g. a wheelchair for boarding and deplaning and/or traveling through the airport). View a full report on travel rights for persons with disabilities

Traveling with Oxygen

• Start by checking with your physician to make sure it is safe for you to travel.
• Contact the airline you want to use as far in advance as possible. 
• Arrangements are best made through the airline’s special services or medical department. Tell them you require in-flight oxygen and ask about their requirements. 
• Find out what flow the airline can deliver and if it provides a mask or nasal cannula.  Some airlines only provide a mask, but will allow you to provide your own cannula. 
• Confirm the arrangements 48 hours prior to your flight. 
• It is recommended that you arrive at least two hours early for international flights.

Additional information on travel with oxygen and oxygen providers is available at the following links:

• www.airlineoxygencouncil.org/
• www.breathineasy.com/ (resource guide of oxygen providers around the world available for purchased on this site)
• www.medicaltravel.org/oxygen/oxygentravel.html (travel agency that will make all arrangements for people needing oxygen)
• http://hme-provider.com/states/texas.asp (listing of medical equipment providers in Texas)

Travel with Medications
More information on traveling into the U.S. with medication

Security Screening

• Every policy is subject to change, therefore, the most important step you can take is to check for the latest information on U.S. security screening regulations at the Transportation Security Administration website.
• You may also want to check the regulations of the transportation agency in your home country prior to departure as they may be different.