ok now I have copd does this mean no ... - Lung Conditions C...
ok now I have copd does this mean no hoildays overseas, i mean short or long flights
I don't see why. Insurance costs may be higher but I have flown since being diagnosed as moderate.
It might depend upon how far along your COPD is, but when I flew last time, another passenger had oxygen on the plane (except when taking off and landing).
Lynne
Not necessarily redmod 
though you may be asked to have a flight assessment. I've had one and now have a letter, to give to the airline, which states that I need oxygen at 1litre/minute during the flight.
Living with COPD will also mean that your travel insurance premium will probably be much, much higher than you used to pay, but I think this depends on the number of medications you are taking and whether you are using oxygen at home.
If you have any more questions regarding this, then I understand that the staff at the British Lung Foundation Helpline can provide more information on this. Their telephone number is on their Homepage
Higher insurance premiums certainly but I still go abroad and I am classed as very severe. I use aviation oxygen on the aeroplane and take my portable oxygen concentrator with me for use whilst there. A friend is less able and also takes her wheelchair. Having COPD does not mean stay at home holidays are your only choice.
Forgot to say I have done short, and long haul.
I travel to Spain three times a year and bring an oxygen cylinder with me to use while I amm flying. A Spanish company leaves a concentrater and a portable one worth £3000 in my house. I ring them a week before I go and ring them when I am leaving and they collect it. All you provide is a prescription and a copy of your e111 card. Can provide number if wanted
Nezz
Hello can you give me details on using your E111 for oxygen. We are going to benejarafe in September and my husband needs oxygen, I have been quoted £360 for two weeks.
I don't have 'COPD' but my lungs are rubbish. I asked my consultant if I was fit to fly and he said yes as long as my SATs were over 95%. I can however walk a fair distance. I went to New York for a fortnight and the insurance cost was £160.
I'm not saying it is the same for everyone, you only need to look at the posts above but speak to your GP or consultant.
Marie x
I should just add that it's very confusing do make sure you speak to everyone you need to.
M
No that's 95% at normal room temperature so to speak. Mine were 98% so I just booked. They may have gone lower when I got to full cabin pressure but I wasn't measuring my SATs and I didn't notice any difference. I scared myself stupid reading stuff on the Internet about flying with damaged lungs but in the end my consultant said yes and off I went. I didn't have a flight assessment - maybe I should have. It's really complex and I'm not saying I'd do it again without a flight assessment. But there are guidelines and that's what my consultant followed. If my SATs had dropped then that would have been it - no oxygen for me...
I wish I could get travel insurance for £160 
I'm still struggling to get a quote below £2,000 !!
Elian
I think I was lucky that I am not on oxygen and had no unplanned hospital admissions. I even erred on the side of caution with regards to how far I could walk on the flat. I was surprised at the cost too - expected it to be much higher.
Good luck - I hope you manage to find something a wee bit cheaper.
Marie x
Me too,I can't get it any cheaper for my husband the insurance is dearer than a week away,still keep trying
Me too,any body who has found insurance cheaper for a week in Spain,I would be grateful yo know who with ??
WOW thats a lot of money. Why so high.
Sorry was referring to Elian
In short you don't need to stay a home. This year I went to Florida, and I've just returned from a Mediterranean cruise. For the Florida holiday I had a flight assessment. The result was that I was ok to fly without oxygen but I did need to hire an oxygen concentrator in Florida. This cost only $100/ week.
For the cruise I hired a portable concentrator here at home and took it with me on the flight
I had no problem taking it on board the aircraft or the ship (providing they are advised of the condition well in advance and their procedures are followed). I would encourage you to continue taking holidays. Insurance may be more expensive and hiring equipment may add some cost but there is an answer to many of the problems that we sometimes think are insurmountable. It can be frustrating but that is not a good reason for giving up.
Hi Boiler, i'm interested in this as my wife and I fancy a Norwegian cruise and I didn't think it practical. I've got med COPD and use home oxygen at 2lt/min 16 hours a day. Do you think I could do this? Where do you get the portable concentrator from and are they ok for ambulatory and overnight use? Many Thanks.
My prescription is exactly the same as yours, and it certainly is possible, but as JoNewton advises be sure to discuss your plans with your doctor and specialist nurse. You may want to ask for a flight assessment - this will clarify what you really need. You will also need to get authorisation from the airline to bring a concentrator on board. Cruise ships are used to having this sort of equipment on board. I recommend a portable concentrator called Sequal Eclipse 3. (Look it up on the internet for full details) If you are boarding in the UK there are a number of companies that will hire you a unit. If flying from Europe you may need to hire the unit here and take it with you. If I can be of help please let me know. I am delighted to pass on any information I can.
Many Thanks. My wife's delighted so we're investigating further. Won't be flying, just a cruise from either Harrow or Southampton. I'll contact you if I need further info.
Hi Redmod
As all the posts have said, generally speaking many people with lung conditions including COPD do fly short and long haul. The best thing to do would be to chat to your doctor about this. The official guidance from the British Thoracic Society can be found by clicking on the link below - please bear in mind this guidance is very technical - as always please speak to your own doctor regarding your own circumstances. All of that said have a great holiday and here is the link.
brit-thoracic.org.uk/Portal...
Best Wishes
Jo
to all that replied thanks for the up beat , what a great site this is, it's a pity that the government don't tap in to this positive attitude and help those with disabilities, instead of putting the blame where it's not warranted.
redmod
Hi Redmond,
You may have already had a look at this but just in case......
We can also post out a copy of the travel pack, including travel insurance, airline policy, air travel and going on holiday with a lung condition. Give us a call if you would like one, or any other advice!
03000 030 555
Regards,
Biddy
hello everyone
was just reading all the posts about flying with COPD in particular insurance I am not on oxygen so I can not say how that would affect the premium
I am going to spain for 5 days and found an travel insurance company called payingtoomuch.com after looking at other quotes of 150.00 160.00 I got this insurance for 64.50 for a 5 day holiday and I declared I had been hospitalised once and this was recently and that I have COPD hope this might help some one
I use an inhaler and have had a recent course of steroids I am seeing my gp Friday and I am going to ask for a standby course of steroids and an extra inhaler to take with me
my flight is 3 hours and I am a bit nervous as to how it will affect me but since ive not had or needed oxygen I hope I will be ok I have not told the airline either as I really need a break I think my copd is stage one whatever that means tilly
Hi l have bronchilitis and like last year flying away for a break. Hubby has diabetics, along with other ailments. A 10 day break only cost us £55, which was good compared to lots of travel health insurances. Check out Coverforyou.co UK. Hope it helps.
Thank you for the info, I will look into it.
Redmod
I still go as often as possible the lovely fresh air you breath when you get to your destination makes it all worth it. Might be worth avoiding cold swimming pools - keep to heated ones and avoid sitting for long periods in wet swimming cozzie.
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