It’s that time of year when many Americans travel to be with family and loved ones. For cancer patients, these journeys may sometimes be fraught with challenges. Cancer and its treatments may leave some patients with symptoms or side effects that make traveling difficult. And many patients may have damaged or suppressed immune systems that make them more susceptible to infections.
For some, cancer may even require them to be on oxygen. Tumors in the lungs—from lung cancer or metastatic cancer that has traveled to the lungs—or fluid buildup may block airways and make it difficult for patients to breathe and get enough oxygen, requiring them to be on oxygen all or most of the time.
Whether the oxygen comes from a compressed tank, liquid oxygen units or a portable oxygen concentrator, requiring an oxygen supply may make travel a challenge.
When patients require oxygen, they have many considerations to make to reduce their travel-related stress. Whether traveling by plane, train or automobile (or cruise ship), you can find helpful tips in this article for making travel easier.
Topics include:
- Traveling by air
- Traveling by car
- Traveling by bus or train
- Traveling on a cruise
- Special considerations
- How long will your oxygen tank last?
If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of lung cancer and want to schedule a consultation, or if you’re interested in a second opinion on your diagnosis and treatment plan, call us or chat online with a member of our team.
Traveling by air
- Notify your airline that you need oxygen during the flight. Most airlines allow passengers to use a government-approved portable oxygen concentrator (POC). Liquid oxygen or compressed oxygen (from an oxygen tank) cannot be used on airplanes. Some airlines have in-flight oxygen available for a fee, but that won’t be help you when you’re in the airport. A portable oxygen concentrator, on the other hand, provides oxygen while you’re traveling to the airport, while you’re in the airport and while you’re in flight. A POC may be rented or purchased through your home oxygen company, and most insurance policies cover some of those costs for patients who meet certain conditions.
- Some airlines may require paperwork from your doctor and/or completion of a medical form.
- Bring extra batteries for your POC and extra nasal prongs or cannulas.
- Carry your oxygen prescription with you.
The air we breathe typically contains 21 percent oxygen, but some cancer patients need more than that, and the air in pressurized airplane cabins has even less—15 percent to 18 percent. So, even though you may be sitting, it’s even more important that you wear your oxygen to prevent excess strain on your heart and lungs.
Traveling by car
- If you’re using an oxygen tank, keep the tank upright. Place it on the floor of the car or on the seat beside you.
- If you’re placing the tank on an empty seat, secure the tank with a seat belt.
- Don’t smoke or allow others to smoke in the car.
- Keep at least two windows open a crack to allow the air to circulate.
- Don’t leave oxygen tanks in a hot car.
- If you’re traveling a long distance, consider weather, traffic delays, construction delays and accidents, and consider bringing extra oxygen with you.
- If you’ll be gone for several days, contact your home oxygen company to set up delivery at your destination.
- Let your doctor or home oxygen provider know whether your destination is at an altitude of 6,000 feet or higher to ensure you’ll have an adequate supply.
Traveling by bus or train
- Inform the bus or train station at least three days before you depart that you’re traveling with oxygen and ask about its policies. Most bus or train companies allow personal oxygen devices onboard.
- Bring extra oxygen units as baggage, if allowed.
- Carry your oxygen prescription with you.
Traveling on a cruise
- When you book your trip, tell the cruise company that you’ll be traveling with oxygen. Most cruise lines require a four- to six-week notice to travel with oxygen.
- Ask your health care provider to send the cruise company a letter that includes a brief health history and your oxygen prescription.
- Coordinate with your oxygen supplier to have oxygen units sent to the cruise ship before you depart. Ask the supplier how many tanks you’ll need at ports of call. The supplier may be able to arrange deliveries for you.
Special considerations
- Being around crowds may increase your risk of getting sick. Consider wearing a mask when you’re not using your oxygen. Wash your hands often. Don’t use alcohol-based hand sanitizers because they’re flammable.
- If you’re traveling abroad, take extra precautions to understand airline policies regarding oxygen. If you use a POC, make sure you have the right electrical adapter so you can plug it in.
- If you have trouble breathing, appear pale or blue or have chest pain, seek medical attention right away.
- Consider purchasing a pulse oximeter to help monitor your oxygen levels.
How long will your oxygen tank last?
If you’re using an oxygen tank, the chart below indicates how long a standard tank may last under certain conditions. A standard tank, called an e-cylinder, is about 30 inches high. It’s considered full at 2,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) and very low or empty in the red zone, or at 500 PSI or less. These measurements are displayed on the gauge (also called a regulator) attached to the tank.
Experts recommend that patients change their oxygen tanks when they hit 500 PSI. Make sure to monitor your levels closely.
The times in the chart are approximate and tanks may last longer or shorter than indicated.
If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of lung cancer and want to schedule a consultation, or if you’re interested in a second opinion on your diagnosis and treatment plan, call us or chat online with a member of our team.
