I have been diagnosed with lung issues that will require the use of a portable oxygen unit.
For those of you who may have similar needs, what have you done when you have flown to Europe from the United States?
I have checked out some of the small portable units but there may be issues with the airplanes and once I get to Europe.
What suggestions might you have? I want to keep traveling but it seems as if it will be more difficult!
I assume you mean by Oxygen Unit, you mean a small Portable Oxygen Concentrator, not tanks or a large unit?
If so, then talk to the Airline first and see what their rules are for use on the plane and if some type of power will be available for recharge (maybe you would need to upgrade to a premium seat to get something other than USB charging). Also if you do not have the unit, insist that it can be recharged using either 110V or 240V, a dual voltage unit, so all you need in Europe is an adapter, not a converter. Other than that, should not be too much different than a CPAP unit or other portable medical device.
Addition: While a new unit would be dependable, not sure how critical it is for you of course, but at least have some type of plan as to what would happen if the unit broke, you dropped it, stolen? Can you get by without it, is a similar unit available there? Not sure, I just tend to think of contingencies for critical needs (eyeglasses, dentures, medication)
Bev this is not the place to get advice for this very complex problem. First, speak to your doctor to be sure you are cleared for travel and long distance flight. Next, contact your oxygen vendor (DME) who can usually arrange what needs to be done for transport. Each airline has it’s own rules regarding allowed equipment so it helps your vendor to know which ones you are looking at. (Your choices of airlines may be dictated by who can best service you, not price). Your vendor can usually link up with overseas DME vendors to take care of your needs there. It’s complicated and takes planning in advance.
