oxygen

[thelandlady]

can you take a flight if you need to take your own oxygen

[Buenchico]

The government's Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) states this on its website:
"The use of medical oxygen on aircraft is complicated because airlines have individual policies. Some will provide emergency medical oxygen free of charge. Others make a charge that is based on a percentage of the cost of the flight, or a set fee per journey. A very small number of operators will allow users of medical oxygen equipment to take their own equipment on board".

That website provides links to further information which might prove useful:
http://www.dptac.gov.uk/door-to-door/06/12.htm

Chris

[NORMANTHEDOG]

my mother in law needs oxygen on a regular basis,due to ill health,we tried to get a airline to take her to the USA last year,but they all declined.

[Clanad]

The problem, here in the U.S. is that the cylinder in which the oxygen is carried is a pressure vessel and as such must be approved. That is, it must have had a pressure check from an approved facility within the past five years. This is an FAA rule for passenger safety to avoid the possibility of a cracked or leaking tank exploding and injuring passengers. Almost all airlines will, however, provide medical oxygen (for a charge, of course) in an approved cylinder for the duration of the flight. Prior arrangements are required. Additionally, the on-board oxygen isn't suitable for medical purposes since it doesn't contain any water vapor and is very drying to the nasal and throat if used for more than a few hours or so...