Air travel with respiratory equipment factsheet
Introduction
If your child uses equipment to help them breathe, you will need to check that they can safely travel on an aeroplane before booking any flights.
Breathing or respiratory support equipment can include:
Things to consider
Flight assessments
Your child will need a flight assessment before flying with home oxygen therapy equipment. Airplane cabins are pressurised but have thinner air compared to ground level. This means there is less oxygen, which can cause problems for children with breathing conditions.
A flight assessment checks whether your child might have breathing problems during a flight. It can also be used to figure out whether they need to have oxygen therapy while flying and what level of oxygen is needed.
The assessment is done in a specialist respiratory unit and takes about 20 minutes. If your child uses respiratory equipment at home, they should wear it during the assessment.
During the assessment, your child will sit in a sealed room with air pressure levels similar to flying. They will wear a finger probe to monitor their oxygen levels and how their body reacts to the lower oxygen levels.
Your child's doctor will make the final decision on whether it is safe for them to fly. They can complete insurance paperwork and travel clearance forms for you if they are given enough time before travelling.
Airline rules and regulations
Airlines have different rules for travelling with home oxygen therapy equipment. Contact the airline before booking your tickets to get information, including:
- whether your child’s specific equipment is approved to be onboard the flight
- if you need pre-approval for your child's equipment
- whether you need to purchase oxygen canisters directly from the airline
- if there is an in-flight power supply available.
Power supply
Not all airlines have a direct power supply on their flights. If this is the case, you will need to make sure your child's equipment has enough battery power to last 150% of the flight time in case of any delays or cancellations.
For example, you should have a 15-hour battery supply for a 10-hour flight.
Paperwork
Most airlines will have their medical clearance form available to download from their website.
Print and have the form completed by your child's doctor well before your travel date. The airline might not allow your child to board the flight without an approved form.
Travel insurance and health care
Travel insurance is important for both domestic and international flights.
In case of emergency, you should check whether the country you are flying to has a shared health care arrangement with Australia.