sandyblue029

Be sure to pack a power strip. That way you have plenty of outlets.

Joy, I have really been thinking about this and you are required to have a form filled out from the doctor to take the oxygen on board (or I was) now if the doctor states that you need oxygen only at night (sleeping) I cannot see why they would give you any heartburn about taking the unit aboard with you. I would talk to a supervisor or top management at Southwest and get their answer in writing. I had a problem with US Air, wrote a letter no reply, then sent my letter to the Department of Transportation with a copy to US Air and had a phone call with 24 hours from the Assistant to the President of the airlines.

Just a thought.....Could you take it as carryon and not tell anyone what it is?

My problem is COPD and I don't wake up gasping for air during the night, but I do wake up if the oxygen falls off.

Believe me nothing was lost or overlooked when your sister took delivery of the oxygen equipment unless your company is very different from those around here they just don't tell people anything and I think the same is true of the doctors. I have started a Better Breathers support group and I am so amazed at how little people are told about this disease and how little they are told on how to take care of themselves and the small things they can do to save energy. Oh, enought of my soap box. Again, I wish I could come up with a magical answer for you.

I wish I had an answer for you. I know when I rented the unit(s) they came with at least two batteries. Perhaps as you said at your next doctor visit the sats will be acceptable and you will not need the oxygen any longer. Maybe someone else will have another idea or suggestion.

Since most rentals come with a couple of batteries why not just get the info from the doctor and play the airlines game? You might find that you will feel just a little more secure with the O2 at your side if needed at the altitude. I am on O2 24/7 and when I flew last I made the error of taking my oxygen off for a quick trip to the restroom and had a lot of trouble getting back to my seat (about 6 feet distance). Airplanes are pressurized (sp?) at about 8,000 feet so you maybe a little uncomfortable. Double check all of this with your doctor. Good luck.

As long as the airline accepts POC's there is little problem. If you take it with you on board it does not count toward your carryons but you will need a doctors note. Yes different airlines have different policies and some will not allow POC's on board.

If you are flying out a day early could you rent one and have it sent to the hotel that you will be staying at? But then you have have to have it ready to be shipped back to where you a renting it from. I personally have used Oxygen to Go and American Medical Sales and Repair for renting oxygen equipment for traveling. There is also a group called Sea Puffers that plans cruises.

Enjoy your cruise it will be wonderful.