Traveling Long Distance With Oxygen

[Tuckamore]

I know that there are ppl that require oxygen that still travel. That said this is my dilemma.  

In several months we are planning to spend at least the winter in another state approximately a 26 hour drive from where we currently reside. We are taking my father who is in the end stages of lung disease and requires continuous oxygen. Dad is refusing to fly. Even if he would fly I have been told that the airlines will not allow oxygen on the plane.  

We can not possibly take enough oxygen containers in our vehicle to last the at least 3 day drive. We could make the trip faster but he can not tolerate more than six maybe seven hours of travel a day.  

His oxygen supply company claims he is not a candidate for their small travel concentrators. They refuse to allow us to take the large rental one out of state which would not be feasible as we traveled anyway but would offer night time oxygen as well as oxygen upon our arrival. So than what, once we arrive at our destination we must urgently find a physician that will prescribe oxygen for him....or make a trip to ER?

What am I not getting? This can't be an impossibility in this day and age. I have asked these questions of his Home Health Care Providers and his rural Physician, no one can come up with a solution. Can anyone direct me or provide me with some ideas?

Thank You,
Tuck

[caregiver222]

First of all, there is no valid reason that an airline will not allow, with previous arrangements, an E cylinder on board an aircraft.

Al alternative is an oxygen concentrator, which generally runs on 115 V AC. You then need an accessory to the car battery that will convert the 12 volts to 115 volts. They atren't too expensive.

Remember when handling oxygen it is hypergolic, which means it bursts into flame when in contact with oil or grease.

You also might consider AMTRAK.

[caregiver222]

The airlines generally do not allow you to bring your own oxygen, but, with prior arrangements, and extra charge, they will provide oxygen. Recently the FAA approved use of personal onboard oxygen with equipment manufactured by Airsep Corp and a company called Inogen.

[Tuckamore]

Thank you for your response. I was FINALLY able to locate an agency that can help us with a small portable canister. Previously I was told my father was a candidate for one.

Canister's cost about 5k to purchase and are not covered by medicare, even for rental. I've checked four different places. If you know this information to be incorrect please let me know where I can purchase them for less.

Thanks Again,
Tuck