For most passengers, even those with respiratory disease, air travel is safe and comfortable. Some patients with COPD may be at risk but, with screening, these patients can be identified and most can travel safely with supplemental oxygen.
People Also Ask
The air on a plane contains less oxygen than the air we normally breathe in.This leads to lower levels of oxygen in the blood. If you do not have a lung condition, the drop in oxygen is not enough that you would feel the difference.
Others will allow you to bring your own Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved portable oxygen concentrator (POC) onto the flight, but will often specify the type of device you can use. You should speak to your airline as early as possible to make sure that they are able to accommodate your needs.
The air is 'thinner' because the pressure is less and, as a result, there is less oxygen. In fact, the concentration of oxygen falls from 21% at sea level, to about 15%. Most people will tolerate this, but, if you already have problems breathing, this will become worse.
Most people with a lung condition can travel safely on planes, but you should talk to your doctor before you make any plans. You may need a fitness-to-fly (hypoxic challenge) test to confirm whether you need in-flight oxygen.
Values >95% on room air suggest that inflight hypoxemia is unlikely and that further evaluation is likely not necessary. Patients with saturations <92% on room air at rest should receive supplemental oxygen inflight, because they are at high risk of hypoxemia at altitude.
angina or chest pain at rest. an infectious disease (e.g. chickenpox, flu), including COVID-19. decompression sickness after diving (sometimes called 'the bends') increased pressure in the brain (due to bleeding, injury or infection)
Keep your coughs at minimum by either popping cough drops as needed or taking cough medicine before you take off. Decongestants are also a good idea for that runny nose. Little Kleenex packets are available at most airports and could save your nose as well.