I also have COPD and recently flew for a 5-hour trip to California and back. Did just fine. It is important to get up and move around at least every hour while you are flying. Hope this helps. Check with your doctor. Mine said I would be fine. I took my oxygen with me but never used it until I was at my destination. Good luck.

I’ve had COPD for a few years now relatively mild and I have no problem flying...so far. I keep my puffer handy just in case. Sometimes I can make myself anxious just thinking about it on the plane but I deep breathe and settle myself down.

@A MyCOPDTeam Member, whether you need O2 has absolutely nothing to do with what stage you're at in the disease. There are people who have mild disease (stage 1) who need O2 24/7 and people with very severe disease (stage 4) who don't use it at all. It has to do with your O2 sats and what happens to them during exertion and at altitude. Do you carry your oximeter and check your sats in flight?

CDgranville, I would definitely have your doc order the High Altitude Simulation Test for you. That will certainly let you know how you will do at altitude and give you some idea of whether you could even attempt the climb.

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A MyCOPDT...

Depends on how high you go and how you react to altitude. Some normal people get altitude sickness and if you're one of them, you could have problems. Best thing to do is ask your doc for a High Altitude Simulation Test. They can simulate the atmosphere at various altitudes and you'll know how you react. The worst thing, I think, is that you may ne supplemental O2 for altitude, and if you do, you'll probably need it to fly as well.

I fly to Europe every year. I get wheelchair assistance in airports. I preselect seats near test rooms. I’m not dependent on oxygen so that’s lucky. The layover and long trip tire me out but I’m happy to still do it every summer.