Tips for Traveling with Asthma

I have traveled a lot and learned a few things. For plane travel with asthma, I pack all of my medical needs in one separate bag and a single change of clothes for an emergency. I pack meds for the length of stay, plus an extra 10-day supply because flights can be canceled, and trips can change. I pack inhalers, meds, a portable jet nebulizer, a CPAP machine, a pulse oximeter (if you use one), and Albuterol for the nebulizer. I always carry prednisone for an emergency, but I have severe asthma.

Talk to a doctor about your upcoming trip

You can discuss your upcoming trip with your doctor. For example, my daughter just moved from Georgia to Utah. I am keeping my 16-year-old granddaughter for the summer. We fly back in August for school. I have already seen my pulmonologist to let him know. Basically, I need a different method of portable oxygen that is FFA approved, because like I told him, I am going to see her on a regular basis. So, we need to fix this. He checked and I am due for my 5-year recertification for oxygen this summer and he can change it then. You don't have to wing it. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

Traveling with asthma

I take photos of all my prescriptions in case I am unable to communicate with them about what prescriptions I'm bringing. This bag stays with you at all times - do not check it into luggage. It is mandatory by law that they can not charge you an extra fee for an extra bag, because it's medical supplies. It does not count as your carry-on. If your luggage is lost, you at least have your most important items with you.

Allow at least an hour between flights because it will take longer to transfer between flights than you think. If you can't walk in such a large airport, call or note you will need assistance to or from the gate when you make your flight arrangements. Notify stewardesses you will need gate assistance upon exiting the plane, they will call ahead to make sure they are there. In this case, you are first to board the plane and last to deplane so people are not in your way. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Arrive at least two hours early at the airport, you'll need extra time without rushing.

Preparing for a flight with asthma

On days that I fly, I don't plan anything else except flights, transportation to hotels, and check-ins. If at all possible, I try to do a single flight so I don't have to change planes and pray I get everything. But sometimes, that is not possible. That is a long day and your body will need extra rest when you get there. As I said, I am a severe asthmatic, so I pay attention during the flight to my oxygen levels because you fly about 30,000 to 35,000 feet above sea level, which is about 5 miles up. My oxygen has dropped, so be careful moving around. If you need oxygen, do not rely on the airplane's oxygen, it is made for short-term emergencies. You can not bring portable oxygen tanks, you must rent or own a portable, battery-operated, FAA-approved oxygen machine. You can rent them from your regular oxygen company, which can put you in contact with the right people to rent from.

If you use a power wheelchair with solid tires, make sure you get dry cell batteries for your wheelchair. Wet cell batteries have to be removed from the wheelchair and packaged separately in case you run into delays and people don't know what to do. I once drew a map of the batteries to connect them and taped it to the inside lid of the battery box, because they didn't want to listen to me, but would follow the map all day long.

Car trips with asthma

Most of these tips, I do the same for car trips. I also carry an emergency car kit (containing fix a flat because I am not walking), a power bank fully charged for emergencies, jumper cables, a couple of gallons of water, a small tool kit, separate wheelchair tools, a hand pump for air cushions on wheelchairs, and a bike-tire repair kit for repairing wheelchair cushions. I keep these in my van at all times.

Asthma travel takeaways

Photos of prescriptions. Meds plus a 10-day extra supply. Extra time added in. Accessible accommodations are made in advance, especially if you can not function without them. Last-minute accommodations are always inaccessible. Hope these tips help as you plan for your next trip.