Hiring Equipment for overseas

[lvd29]

Hello Everyone, My first time writing so hopefully I'm doing it right. I have pulmonary sarcoidossis and on oxygen 24 hours. I would like to take a short trip in August overseas but I haven't got a clue where to begin arranging for a concentrator to be at the hotel and a mini concentrator for me to take with on the plane and use everyday. I have so many questions but everywhere I phone keep transferring me to other people who in the end are not able to help.

[Patk1]

Hiya& welcome to the forum.i cany help but others will,I'm sure.U could ring special assistance of airline company + find out what documentation they'll require. The aluk helpline 0300 222 5800 may be able to advise you too x

[lvd29 in reply to Patk1]

Thanks that is something i never thought about.

[Patk1 in reply to lvd29]

They'll give u free additional half luggallowance + will at v least need drs letters.theyll let u know if any documentation is needed and if u need assistance x

[leo60]

Hello and welcome 😊 Sorry I can't help either, but enjoy your break xx

[Vespa1950]

Hi lvd29,

I went through what you are trying last year, started with a fit to fly test which I got though my oxygen nurse,then tried to arrange flights but found that by the time I was coming home the fit to fly test had ran out!! Next was the insurance,don’t get me started! It was gonna cost as much as the holiday,then the concentrator hire was same again.So alas ,I gave up!

I,m now in the process of trying to book a cruise from uk and back to uk. I’ll keep you posted.xx good luck.

[lvd29 in reply to Vespa1950]

We like crusing but we would still need to hire equipment. I didn't realise fit to fly had a time limit. Thanks for the information.

[PaulineHM]

Hi,

It’s a complex business to arrange this for outside of UK. Good luck.

You will need:

A hypoxic challenge test to check your 02 prescription for flying possible via your GP or consultant.

A fit to fly letter from your GP

A (non NHS) POC which complies with FAA protocol- the airlines have a list of those makes which are acceptable.

Spare batteries for the POC which last the flight and any overstays.

A company willing to fulfill your prescription at your destination.

Travel Insurance to give you cover your trip.

The finance to fund it all.

I hope all this information is helpful. Let us know how you get on won’t you?

Go well

Pauline

[lvd29 in reply to PaulineHM]

Thanks. I've got my fitness to fly certificate. But that's all at the moment. Thanks for the advice this is really a trial run to see costs etc.

[PaulineHM in reply to lvd29]

Hi, well that is good. Do you mean you have had a hypoxic challenge test or a fit to fly letter from your GP. They are two different things.

The last time I travelled/flew with a POC my fit to fly letter had to be renewed locally in Spain before I could fly back.

Go well.

Pauline

[Alberta56]

Just to say welcome to the forum.

[WeirdOxygenGirl]

I have travelled with EasyJet & Jet2, I had fit to fly test done in my outpatient clinic, with recommendations to fly using 4 litres per min (usually 2) my letter was valid for 6 months.

I initially hired an Inogen G3 (airline approved) POC and purchased a second hand Simply Go concentrator.

Travel insurance is very high but not impossible check the price for an annual policy against single trip.

Pricey layout but if you can afford 2 holidays a year, it’s worth the cost.

When booking contact the airline special assistance team as you will Oxygen nurse/consultant to complete the form.

Hope that helps, feel free to direct message me if you need anything else.

Jo

[lvd29 in reply to WeirdOxygenGirl]

Thank you so much. We are planning on flying easyjet. So it gives me some hope.

[lvd29 in reply to WeirdOxygenGirl]

Can I ask who you hired your inogen 3 from?

[WeirdOxygenGirl]

which part of the country are you?

[lvd29]

Scotland travelling to Geneva

[HeartMe]

I am in the U.S. so my tips may not apply. My company that provides my oxygen equipment also will ship a concentrator to my U.S. destination. I haven't tried to travel outside the U.S. since my diagnosis. I have an OxyGo that I use when not at home. I just check with the airline I am traveling on for their requirements to travel since it can vary. I hope you get everything sorted out and have a wonderful trip.

[lvd29 in reply to HeartMe]

Thanks for your reply. The US is my favourite holiday destination but may be a bit too far at the moment. I'm going to speak to my travel agent tomorrow.