June 1, 2007
If you are an oxygen patient or know someone who is, you understand the problems people face when trying to travel with oxygen.

Now a new website set up by the Airline Oxygen Council of America (AOCA) has the resources you need to plan your next trip by air.

The site includes a comprehensive list of the portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) approved for use on airlines, plus a list of airlines and their rules and regulations concerning the use of these devices on board their flights.

Established late last year by a coalition of groups, including the American Association for Respiratory Care, the AOCA is dedicated to improving access to travel for oxygen patients. Top goals include:

1. Make travel with supplemental oxygen an individual’s right - with enforceability;
2. Allow oxygen needs to be successfully met during air travel as well as in all phases of life;
3. Establish a strategy to promote access to current and new technology to be allowed as carry-on, and;
4. Have oxygen accessible, consistently delivered, and implemented under the same guidelines by all air carriers.

 

The site features a quick and easy way for everyone to write their elected officials in support of these measures, so take a few minutes to review the talking points and then throw your support behind these important issues!