If you have a lung condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma and are worried about how your condition might affect your travel plans, don’t worry: travel is still possible. With some planning and preparation, you can travel safely — whether by airplane, car, cruise ship, or other means — to visit friends and family, take vacations, and see the world.

While traveling long distances can be challenging for people with COPD, it’s possible to make it work. You’ll need to ensure that your oxygen levels are maintained and that you have access to medical care if needed. As a lung disease, COPD can decrease airflow and result in trouble in breathing and fatigue, but by taking the right steps, you can enjoy your trip safely and stay healthy. Here are some tips for traveling with COPD and advice for different types of travel.

Travel Tips for COPD

Planning is key to having a safe and enjoyable trip when you live with COPD. By preparing in advance, you can relax and focus on having fun.

Consult Your Doctor

Before you travel, be sure to talk to your health care provider. There are several things to consider when traveling with COPD, and your doctor can help guide you. While you may need supplemental oxygen or adjustments to your activities, you can still travel safely and enjoy the experience with certain modifications.

Your doctor can explain the safety concerns for someone with your condition and the type of travel you would like to take. They may also help you understand how different types of weather and climate might affect your COPD. Your doctor can advise you on what to do if you get sick during your trip and what medical supplies or medications to bring.

Create a COPD Action Plan

If you have COPD, it’s important to talk to your doctor about creating a COPD action plan. This is a written list of what you can do if your COPD symptoms suddenly worsen or if you have a flare-up.

One MyCOPDTeam member shared, “I have what’s called an ‘action plan.’ It is a 10-day supply of antibiotics and steroids. I can make the decision to start them based on how I feel. I take them with me when we travel as well. It’s a great idea, and it’s reassuring to have them with me to start at any time.” Be sure to discuss your treatment plan with your doctor.

Consider Taking a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

If you need continuous oxygen due to your COPD, consider bringing a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) with you on your trip. This portable device gives you supplemental oxygen wherever you go.

One MyCOPDTeam member recommends talking to your pulmonologist about using a portable oxygen concentrator while traveling. “Talk to your pulmonologist and get an Inogen One. You can take them with you everywhere. I have the G5 model and take it wherever I go,” they shared.

What To Bring

Here are some items you may want to bring with you to ensure a smooth and safe trip:

• Medications — Ask your health care provider what medications to bring. This may include corticosteroids, antibiotics for an emergency, and any over-the-counter medications you may need.
• Informational folder — Carry a folder with important medical papers, such as a list of your medications, your oxygen prescription (if you are on supplemental oxygen), your insurance card and information, a letter from your doctor outlining your condition and fitness to travel, and the name of a health care provider or hospital at your destination. While you can also keep this information on your phone, having a physical copy can be helpful in case your phone battery dies or you have trouble accessing your device.
• Contact information — In addition to having emergency contact details on your phone, bring a printed list as well. This may include important numbers, such as your doctor’s or pulmonologist’s phone number.
• A travel partner — It’s important to have a travel partner who understands your condition and treatment plan. They can help you with medications and tasks like using and charging your oxygen devices.

How To Prepare for Travel

Different types of travel require different preparations.

Air Travel

Before you fly, speak with your doctor about whether you’ll need oxygen on the plane. Pressurized airplane cabins have lower oxygen levels, which can affect people with COPD, so planning is crucial. Your health care provider may recommend a high-altitude simulation test to see if you will need supplemental oxygen while traveling.

If your doctor says you need to bring oxygen on the plane, you’ll need to bring your own. Portable oxygen concentrators provide a continuous supply of oxygen. Be sure to contact the airline in advance and let them know you will be traveling on a commercial flight with a POC. Tell them the brand of the POC you will be using, the liter flow you will use and, if necessary, also ask about wheelchair assistance.

Traveling by Car

When traveling by car, map out your travel route and consider your oxygen needs. For example, high altitudes can create breathing difficulties, so talk to your doctor if you will be driving through or to high-altitude areas.

If you are on oxygen therapy, make sure you have enough oxygen tanks to last for your trip. Find out in advance where you can stop to replace oxygen tanks. Also bring along your stationary concentrator for night use. Remember, never leave oxygen tanks in a car or trunk, especially in hot weather, as this can be dangerous.

Traveling by Train

Oxygen equipment can be taken on the train at no extra charge. Just be sure that your equipment meets the train company’s requirements. Make sure to bring extra oxygen in case of emergency — at least 20 percent more than you think you’ll need for the trip.

One MyCOPDTeam member traveled by train for eight hours. They shared, “There are plugs on the train, so I didn’t have to worry about running out of battery. I was apprehensive about going, but once I got on the train, I was OK. It was my first trip since being on oxygen. You just have to find the courage to do it. Breathe happy,” they said.

Traveling on a Cruise

About four to six weeks before your cruise, contact the cruise line’s special services department to discuss your oxygen needs. Most cruise lines will approve oxygen delivery to the ship, but they may require a letter from your doctor saying you are fit to travel. The letter should include a list of your current medications and oxygen needs.

Preparing for COPD Emergencies

An important part of your travel plan is preparing for emergencies. You can address this by packing a preparedness kit: a small bag with essential items that can be accessed quickly in an emergency. Your kit should include:

• Your medications (prescribed and over-the-counter)
• Extra medications
• Medication delivery devices (like nebulizers or spacers)
• Your COPD action plan
• Insurance cards
• Emergency contact information

If you already have a kit, check that none of the medications are expired and that all supplies are still there. Be sure to discuss emergency preparation with your doctor.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyCOPDTeam is the social network for people with COPD and their loved ones. On MyCOPDTeam, more than 120,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with COPD.

What has your experience with travel been like? Do you have any travel tips to share? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.