Traveling with Portable Oxygen
For oxygen patients who love to travel and don’t want to be tied down by conventional oxygen therapy, the EverGo portable oxygen concentrator from Respironics is the answer. EverGo weighs less than ten pounds, has an eight-hour battery life, and can deliver 1050 ml/min of oxygen, making it ideal for oxygen patients traveling by plane, train, bus or car.
With its impressive oxygen generating capacity and long battery life of eight hours (on a typical patient setting of 2), oxygen patients never have to worry about storing oxygen tanks, waiting for home deliveries, or most importantly, running out of oxygen. And the EverGo offers three power options - AC, DC, and two rechargeable batteries.
Travel tips for oxygen patients
Traveling can seem daunting for people who require supplemental oxygen. But you don’t have to give up the ability to travel. With proper planning and guidance, you can go on a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation without worry.
The following are tips that you can use to plan your next trip.
- Speak with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to travel.
- Obtain a current physician order (prescription) for your oxygen. Keep a copy with you at all times.
- Decide where, how and when you will travel.
- Contact your oxygen provider.
Air Travel with Evergo
United States
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the Respironics EverGo portable oxygen concentrator for use aboard commercial airline flights traveling within the United States as well as on international flights that begin or end in the United States. Because airline policies for traveling with an oxygen concentrator vary, patients need to check with their airlines before flying with EverGo.
The EverGo FAA label is located on the top of the unit above the touch screen. To view the label, unzip the EverGo case and open the top flap.
Helpful resources
Major United States commercial airlines
FAA Approved Portable Oxygen Concentrator Positive Testing Results
Safe Trip List
International
EverGo is approved for use by international airlines (see the listing below). Because airline policies for traveling with an oxygen concentrator vary, patients need to check with their airlines before flying with EverGo.
Check back on this web page as the list of commercial airlines permitting EverGo portable oxygen concentrator continues to grow.
Flying with Oxygen
Flying with supplemental oxygen equipment such as Respironics EverGo requires advance planning. You should check with your airline for their guidelines prior to your trip. For example, most airlines require patients to carry a prescription and a written statement from a physician allowing you to fly. Other guidelines may include:
- Confirming travel arrangements with the airline 48 hours in advance
- The ability to hear the portable oxygen concentrator alarms and see the alarm light indicators, to take the appropriate action in response to these warnings, or travel with a companion capable of doing so
- Notifying the airline upon check-in, and the flight attendant upon boarding, that you plan on using a portable oxygen concentrator onboard the airplane
Many airlines have special assistance coordinators to help you through the process.
Land Travel with Evergo
Travel by Land - Car, RV, Train or Bus
Traveling by car, recreational vehicle, bus or train typically presents fewer restrictions to travelers relying on oxygen therapy. If traveling by land via a commercial carrier, patients are typically required to contact their carrier in advance regarding their need to use portable oxygen equipment.
Land-travel Tips
- Always check with your physician before your trip to determine if a change in climate or altitude may have an effect on your breathing. Your doctor may need to adjust your oxygen flow rate accordingly.
- Keep the name and telephone number of your homecare equipment provider on hand in the event that you have a question or request while on the road.
- Never store oxygen tanks in the trunk or locked in a hot car.
- Always keep the oxygen container upright and secure.
- Always open a window slightly to prevent oxygen accumulation.
- Never smoke while using oxygen.
Car or Recreational Vehicle
EverGo’s long-battery life is ideal for both short and long car or recreational vehicle trips. While traveling, you can rely on the device’s two rechargeable batteries for complete freedom or you can plug into a car’s DC outlet. Connecting to the DC outlet allows you to operate the EverGo from a car or an RV battery at the same time the device is charging its internal batteries.
Note: As with any device utilizing an automobile's DC power port, the engine must be running - otherwise the automobile's battery will discharge.
Train Travel
Traveling by train with EverGo is also convenient with few restrictions or requirements. Americas national rail system, Amtrak, provides the following guidelines:
- You must notify Amtrak at least 12 hours in advance of boarding time of your need to bring oxygen on the train.
- Amtrak requires that oxygen equipment cannot rely solely on train-provided electrical power. Any device brought on a train must be able to operate a minimum of four hours without available onboard electrical power.
- If you would like to recharge your EverGo portable concentrator aboard the train, electrical outlets are available for Amtrak passengers traveling in a sleeping car.
For additional information on train travel with oxygen, you can contact Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (872-7245) or visit their website at http://www.Amtrak.com.
Bus Travel
oxygen devices like the EverGo. General guidelines suggest that oxygen therapy patients provide 48-hour advance notification before day of travel. According to Greyhound, advance notice is in accordance with federal guidelines and allows them to make the necessary arrangements to provide requested assistance. To arrange assistance for travel within the Greyhound system, call their Customers with Disabilities Travel Assistance Line at 1-800-752-4841.
SeaTravel with Evergo
Sea Travel
Most cruise lines allow passengers to bring their personal supply of oxygen, such as EverGo, aboard ship. Check with your cruise line well in advance to learn more about specific requirements, policies and procedures for bringing oxygen equipment onboard. For your convenience, we have provided contact information for the most popular cruise line companies.
Major Cruise Lines
Support Group
The American Lung Association may be able to provide you with additional support or specialized assistance for your cruise. Contact your local chapter of the American Lung Association (www.lungusa.org) for details.
Safe Trip Check List