Hi all, I’m new here so forgive me if this is the wrong place to post, I have copd and I’m on oxygen 15 hrs a day plus bipap overnight for sleep apnea.
My dad passed a few weeks ago so has made me think and I want to go abroad with my grown up children, and make memories. My consultant advised against flying and said go on a cruise, trouble is I booked one and then had to cancel as they don’t allow oxygen on board (p&o)
Has anyone traveled abroad with oxygen since Covid please? Can they give me some advice please. Never been abroad as a family before so desperate to find a solution
Thank you in advance xx
Written by
Madpinkburd
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi I think the issue is in the uk when oxygen is prescribed it's only for inside uk so you have to organise your own oxygen for airport, flights and accommodation etc also insurance as it's not covered if that makes sense. Then unfortunately you have the added of bipap and infection control terrified of cpap/bipap/NIV as risk of respiratory droplets contamination to others for 1 hour after and PPE so people will just say no also insurance 😬. But where there is a will there is a way speak with your team again and please make sure your covered by insurance. Good luck.
Condolences on your dad’s passing don’t know if this is any help but last winter I was traveling to Portugal and a lady couldn’t keep her oxygen with her and had to leave the flight but I heard her say she had traveled on a different airline and had no problem so I think you should check with the airline I think I was on an easyJet flight but not sure if not it was Ryanair. Have your family holiday even if it had to be here be mindful of insurance as well best wishes
Could I just add my condolences to you and your family. Hope you find a way of going abroad. Have you tried Euro Tunnel it's just a thought. Have a good evening and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx 🌻🌻
Hi Madpinburd, my condolances on the passing of your father, I haven't flown abroad since being on oxygen and BiPAP, but I have flown within the UK to Cornawall, to do this I had to get written permisson off my Respiratory Specialist, I didn't actually need to do a Fit to Fly test I was just tested at home by my Respiratory Nurse on air only, then at varying levels of oxygen and was told I would be safe fly using between 1 or 2 Litres of oxygen.
Your problem may be your consultant has advised not to fly, because you can't fly in your condition without your consultants written permission, which may involve taking a Fit to Fly test which your consultant would have to arrange.
If you can get through all that, you would then need to arrange oxygen hire (at your own expense) for taking abroad with you, because you can't take your NHS oxygen abroad, but confusingly you can take your NHS BiPAP anywhere in the world.
Hi, so sorry to hear about your Dad passing. Like you I wanted to travel aboard again and got some great advice from other users of this site. I just need ambulatory oxygen at the moment for copd/emphysema but had to jump through a lot of hoops to be able to travel abroad. Firstly finding an insurance company, after many many quotations I finally got one that said yes! AllClear Insurance. Then I had to arrange the rental of a POC (personal oxygen concentrator) I used a company called The Oxygen Store (BarO2), then I had to check with the airline which POC’s they allowed onboard (TUI accept a wide range). Finally and most importantly I had to get a fit to fly note from my GP - which I needed to show the airline staff. Phew! Here I am in sunny Majorca at this very moment, so go for it- where there’s a will there’s a way! If it’s not flying it’s cruising (I believe tui also allow POC’s on their ships). Also you’re probably aware you can have oxygen equipment delivered anywhere in the UK for free. I’d love to hear how you get on, making more memories with your lovely family. Much love ❤️
My heart goes out to you both regarding your bereavement and your struggle to get a holiday with family . Unfortunately I’m afraid I can’t give you any good news , we travelled to the canaries two or three times per year ( we have family there) until my husband was prescribed oxygen . The cost and rigmarole of organising oxygen in flight and at your destination was too much for us and insurance cost more than the flights ! But as someone has already said where there’s a will …,.. If you’re determined to go and can afford it you can do it 😃. If you decide against it please do go ahead with a family holiday in the uk , there are some stunning places and you never know you may get great weather and if not I’m sure you’ll still have a great time with your children 😊
I use oxygen and will be going on a cruise with the Royal Caribbean cruise line tomorrow with my husband and two sons. I had to fill in a form and they know about the oxygen. I have my own Portable Concentrator which I will be using. I will be going to join the ship at Southampton.
I don't need a fit to fly test, which you will need if You want to travel by air. If you haven't got your own Portable Concentrator you can pay for oxygen which will be delivered to the ship in cylinders at Southamptom.
Hope this is helpful but remember there are other cruise lines, your travel agent should be able to tell you which ones will accept you with oxygen.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
cruising with oxygen 
Oxygen concentrator twisty tubing !
Home oxygen advice needed!
Oxygen and100 yard challenge
