Fit to Fly: After an unprecedented UK summer of sunshine and warm temperatures you might be dreading the short days, dark evenings and cold, wet weather of autumn and winter. Perhaps you are thinking about booking a winter break or even a trip over the Christmas period, but are you worried about being ‘fit to fly’? Over the years the experienced and friendly team at Pure O2 have helped many COPD sufferers to enjoy a holiday abroad once more. The biggest concern for our customers is usually about how they can take their oxygen concentrators on a flight or cruise ship and whether they are in fact ‘fit to fly’.

How do I know if I am fit to fly?

At Pure O2 we take our customers’ health and individual situation very seriously. Our team take the time to ask questions about particular health issues and we will ask you for your doctors report. In the first instance we suggest you talk to your doctor or consultant to ask their advice about whether or not you are fit to fly. They may recommend or arrange for you to take a Hypoxic Challenge Test or HCT, which simulates how you react in a reduced oxygen environment as you would experience in an aeroplane cabin. To find out more about this you can read our last months article where we talk in more detail about the HCT test and what it may involve.

Once I know I am fit to fly what else do I need to do?

Once you have the results from your HCT test or your consultant has advised you can travel if you have your oxygen concentrator with you, we will help you liaise with the airline or cruise operator. Our knowledge and experience of communicating with travel operators to organise taking oxygen concentrators onboard flights and cruises is unrivalled in our field. As soon as you have your flight or cruise details you can let us know and we will do the rest so you can focus on all the other aspects of your holiday arrangements.

Whilst Pure O2 are talking to the travel operator what do I need to do to ensure I am fit to fly?

There are a number of actions we suggest you take in preparation for your holiday as a COPD sufferer, which you may not usually do as part of your holiday organisation. Assuming we have already supplied you with an appropriate oxygen concentrator to take on your trip, you might want to look at these points to ensure you are well prepared:

• Make a list of your medication and dosage details
• Ensure you have enough medication for the duration of the trip
• Find out where the nearest hospital or walk in centre is to your accommodation
• Ensure you have spare batteries for your oxygen concentrator
• Buy adapter plugs suitable for your destination country to charge your batteries

Of course, you will need all the standard items you would normally pack to take on a trip too, but that is not our area of expertise! To find out more about how we can help you to feel reassured that you are fit to fly do give us a call. Our 24 hour helpline number is 0870 712 0202, or you can call us on our UK freephone number (9am – 5pm) on 0800 145 5902 or alternatively if you are calling from overseas you can use our international number +44 (0)161 747 2617.