Let’s be honest: traveling with medical oxygen isn’t something most people plan for. Holidays are supposed to be about spontaneity, lazy lunches, and maybe a little sunburn—not equipment checklists and backup batteries. And yet, for thousands of travellers each year, oxygen is just part of the luggage. If that’s you, or someone you care about, welcome. You’re not alone—and yes, you absolutely can still travel well.
Here’s what many people won’t tell you. Or at least, not upfront.
Start with the destination, not the device Too many people plan their trip around their oxygen, not their joy. Don’t fall into that trap. Think first about where you want to go. What would make the effort worth it? The Algarve? Bavaria in spring? A terrace in Tuscany?
Once you know what lights you up, that’s when the logistics come in. Will the place be accessible? Is it at altitude? Will there be air conditioning? WiFi? Yes, even WiFi—because if your concentrator app stops syncing and you’re in the hills of Crete, you’ll want a plan.
This is exactly the moment where a service like OxygenWorldwide becomes more than helpful—it becomes essential. They can check local suppliers, sort your equipment in advance, and coordinate delivery. That leaves you to focus on what actually matters: where to get the best croissants in Aix, or whether the hotel pool has stairs or a ladder.
Never assume the accommodation understands “We’re fully accessible.” Those three words have created more problems than you’d believe.
Accessible to whom? A manual wheelchair? Someone with portable oxygen? A person who doesn’t mind climbing three marble steps because “the lift starts from the first floor”? Always, always ask specifics.
Here are a few things you might need to ask for:
- Is the room near reception?
- Are there any steps into the building or bathrooms?
- Is there a mini-fridge (for certain medications)?
- Can they accept oxygen equipment delivery before you arrive?
Many oxygen users find that it’s easier to call than email. That way, you can get a feel for whether the staff actually understand what you’re asking—or just want to tick a box. And once again, this is where OxygenWorldwide can help. If you’re feeling awkward about explaining your needs, let their multilingual team do the legwork. They’ve been there.
Don’t expect airport staff to be experts Even before COVID changed everything, airports were rarely easy for oxygen users. Since 2020, things have become more limited. OxygenWorldwide can’t deliver services inside airports anymore, and most commercial airlines only allow portable concentrators—no cylinders, no LOX. But here’s the part that catches people off guard: even if you’ve done everything right, airport staff might not have.
Gate agents may have the wrong note in your file. Cabin crew might not recognise your device. Security might ask questions they’re not qualified to ask. That’s why having a printed copy of your oxygen documentation—and a backup copy on your phone—isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a necessity.
And speak up. If something doesn’t feel right, say so. You have the right to safe travel. You’ve prepared. That deserves respect.
The heat makes everything harder Hot climates mean more water loss, more fatigue, and more strain on your breathing. But heat can also affect your equipment.
Oxygen concentrators don’t love being left in a car boot while you visit a museum. Batteries drain faster in warm temperatures. And if your room’s air-con goes on the blink, you may find yourself needing a portable unit indoors.
Planning a warm-weather holiday? Here’s what savvy travellers recommend:
- Bring a backup battery even for short excursions
- Keep your nasal cannula away from sun cream or oils (some are flammable)
- Have a hotel contact who can help if your main device fails
Again, this is where OxygenWorldwide steps in. Their emergency support in places like Spain, Portugal, France and many other countries means that if something goes wrong, you’re not stuck translating “oxygen concentrator malfunction” into Catalan on Google Translate.
Multi-stop travel is absolutely doable—with help River cruises, motorhome adventures, cross-border rail trips. All still possible. But not if you try to juggle logistics in four countries on your own.
That’s where an international network really matters. If you’re using OxygenWorldwide, they’ll liaise with local suppliers in each destination. You’ll arrive to find your equipment already there—or swap it for a fresh setup at a planned handover point.
It takes planning, yes. But it can be done. And it can be joyful.
One more thing: trust your instincts If something feels off—if the hotel seems confused, or the supplier is vague, or you just have a gut feeling something’s not going to work—listen to that.
Travelling with oxygen isn’t about pushing through discomfort. It’s about making the right adjustments so you can experience the world fully, safely, and on your terms.
Sometimes that means switching hotels. Sometimes it means changing destination. Sometimes it just means making a phone call to OxygenWorldwide and saying, “I need a bit of help.”
That’s not a failure. That’s wisdom.
So what’s the takeaway? Travelling with medical oxygen isn’t just possible—it can be empowering. But it’s also full of small, unspoken lessons that only emerge once you’re on the move.
Pack light. Ask questions. Don’t apologise for your needs. And surround yourself with people (and companies) who actually get it.
As one oxygen user put it: “I didn’t want to be a traveller with oxygen. I just wanted to be a traveller. Now I am.”
Ask us for support in making your travel with medical oxygen easier.
