Top Tips for Travelling with COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a long-term condition of the lungs where the flow of air to the lungs is restricted. It's often, but not always, related to smoking. COPD used to be called emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

There’s no reason you should miss out on holidays because you have COPD. But you may need extra equipment, such as oxygen. And you definitely want to minimise the risk of a flare-up while you’re away. A little forward planning will put you in the best position to enjoy your holiday.

Before You Go

You may have been getting repeat prescriptions for your COPD medications without seeing your GP or practice nurse. However, you must have an up-to-date assessment of your lung function before you travel. If you’re going by plane, this is particularly important.

Oxygen pressure in an aircraft cabin is lower at high altitudes than it is on the ground. If you’re not short of breath when you exercise (for instance, when you walk fast or when you go uphill) this shouldn’t affect you.

However,  even for healthy people, the difference in oxygen levels at about 8000 feet means the average oxygen saturation in your blood could drop to about 90%. If you already suffer from shortness of breath due to your COPD, likely, your oxygen levels aren’t as high as they could be. And if these drop further at altitude, you could run into real problems.

By ensuring that your treatment is optimised before you go, you can minimise the chance of running into problems while you’re travelling. Get your symptoms as well controlled as possible in advance. Having a review with your nurse or doctor to adjust your medication can reduce the chance of a flare-up while you're away.

To help avoid problems while you’re away, have a self-management plan. This is a plan agreed with your doctor or nurse about what action to take if your symptoms get worse. This might include increasing the dose of your regular ('preventer') inhaler, keeping a course of antibiotic or steroid tablets to take in case of worsening breathing or when to seek emergency help.

Your doctor may also recommend that you avoid certain types of travel or destinations. For instance, you may struggle more with your breathing if you’re going to a high-altitude destination or if the atmosphere is very humid.

Check with your doctor in advance. They may recommend that you avoid certain types of travel or destinations.

Get your symptoms as well controlled as possible in advance. Having a review with your nurse or doctor to adjust your medication can reduce the chance of a flare-up while you're away.

Have a self-management plan. This is a plan agreed with your doctor or nurse about what action to take if your symptoms get worse. This might include increasing the dose of your regular ('preventer') inhaler, keeping a course of antibiotic or steroid tablets to take in case of worsening breathing or when to seek emergency help.

If You're Travelling by Air

If you're planning to fly, speak to your GP about whether you need a fitness-to-fly spirometry check. This can help determine whether it's safe for you to fly and whether you would need oxygen on board the aircraft.

If you need assistance at the airport, let the airline know well in advance. This includes a wheelchair or other help to get you through the airport and on and off the plane. Most airlines will let you carry two items of mobility equipment free, in addition to your baggage allowance. Your wheelchair will be stored in the hold during the flight. However, it should be waiting for you at the arrival gate if you’ve booked assistance.

If you do need oxygen on board, contact your airline well in advance. Every airline has its own rules about supplying oxygen – while some provide it free of charge, others may charge.

Your Oxygen Therapy

If you use long-term oxygen therapy, you can arrange this through your oxygen supplier if you're holidaying in the UK. It makes sense to contact your destination and explain your needs too (check your accommodation is suitable for your needs at the same time). When you speak to your oxygen supplier, they'll need to know the dates and destination of your holiday and ideally six weeks' notice. They can deliver your oxygen -whether you use cylinders or an oxygen concentrator – free of charge.

If you use long-term oxygen therapy and are travelling abroad, you'll need to arrange a supply at your destination, because oxygen suppliers don’t allow you to take your equipment abroad. However, your specialist nurse and supplier can usually give you advice on how to source your oxygen supply when you’re away.

Your oxygen supplier or nurse will give you contact details to get in touch with an oxygen supplier at your destination to provide the oxygen supply. It will be the authorised oxygen company for the health authority of the country you’re visiting.  In addition, you’ll usually need to get permission from your hotel or accommodation owner for your equipment to be delivered and installed. 

Oxygen supply used to be possible in Europe through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) scheme. The EHIC scheme is now being phased out, but you can access oxygen through a UK GHIC or EHIC card. Don’t forget to check the expiry date on your card and take your card with you.

READ MORE: EHIC, GHIC and Travel Insurance

However, do remember that you’ll need to use the authorised oxygen company for the country you’re visiting – this won’t be the same as the company you’re using in the UK. If your oxygen supplier or specialist team can’t help, you can look on the database for national contacts for EU countries. The European Lung Foundation also has a database of suppliers.

If you’re still struggling, contact the British Lung Foundation helpline online or on 0300 222 5800.

If you're using a portable oxygen concentrator, make sure you have international plug adaptors (including a spare!).

Remember Your Medication

Request your repeat prescription well in advance and make sure you have enough medication to last for the whole of your holiday and ideally a couple of weeks more. Do be aware of any restrictions on your medication, which will vary between countries.

Take your medication in your hand luggage in case your hold luggage is delayed or lost. Check with your pharmacist if you need a letter from your doctor detailing your medication; take a copy of your repeat prescription; and carry your medication in its original packaging. Do read our article on taking medication abroad for full details.

READ MORE: Travelling with Medication

Other Top Tips

High-altitude destinations often involve thinner air with lower levels of oxygen. This can make breathing harder if you have lung problems.

You must declare COPD as a pre-existing condition. Always get specialist travel insurance if you have COPD – the wrong insurance could mean any claims are invalid, leading to potentially astronomical costs and a huge amount of worry.

Travelling with a lung condition such as COPD requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. By consulting with your healthcare provider and taking necessary precautions, including arranging for oxygen therapy and having the correct documentation, you can manage your condition effectively while travelling.

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