How do I know if I can travel?
Where can I holiday?
Holiday tips
Holidaying in the UK
Getting oxygen in the UK
Holidays abroad
Getting oxygen abroad
What if I get a chest infection or fall ill abroad?
Useful contacts
How do I know if I can travel?
First, ask your doctor whether you are fit enough to travel, especially if you want to fly or travel abroad. You may be asked to take some tests.
If you can travel, your doctor should give you written consent to do so as this will save time later. If you will need oxygen, your doctor will inform you of your requirements.
If you are on oxygen therapy already, you need to make arrangements with your oxygen supplier.
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Where can I holiday?
The world is your oyster. However, you may need to consider the following factors before traveling:
- Climate - Many people with lung conditions prefer warm climates that are not too hot and do have salty air. Lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes can make breathing difficulties worse.
- Terrain - Whether your destination is flat or on a hill could affect your ability to get around comfortably.
- Wheelchair access.
- Transport availability.
Your doctor, travel agent or holiday company can provide more details.
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Holiday tips
- Plan in advance - If you leave things to the last minute, you could forget something crucial. Think about how far you can walk, how many stairs you can manage, access to toilets and what transport you can use. You must arrange full travel insurance for you and any companion before you go.
- Be realistic - Places you liked in the past may not be suitable now. Pick something you can cope with physically.
- Shop around - Everybody has different policies for people with lung disease, so find the best deal for you. Many travel agents offer holidays for people with special requirements.
- Ask questions - Travel companies are used to dealing with special requirements. Be tough in asking what you can reasonably expect from them.
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Holidaying in the UK
How do I choose my accommodation?
The Tourism for All National Accessible Accommodation Standard assesses accessibility of all accommodation, including self-catering.
It puts it into three categories:
Category One – accessible to a wheelchair user travelling independently.
Category Two – accessible to a wheelchair user travelling with assistance.
Category Three – accessible to someone of limited mobility but able to walk a few paces and up to a maximum of three steps.
The Holiday Care company (now part of Tourism For All) and local Tourist Boards inspect this standard, so contact them for suitable places to stay.
How do I get to my destination?
Coach
Several coach companies are working towards making their coaches accessible for people with disabilities.
Many National Express coaches now feature kneeling suspension, which makes boarding and alighting easier.
Most on-board toilet facilities are now level with the coach seating. If you give notice of your requirements when booking, you can get help with boarding and with folding wheelchairs. National Express does not carry battery-powered wheelchairs.
Smaller coach companies may not yet have the facilities you require. Telephone them in advance and ask about boarding and alighting, whether you can use on-board toilets and whether you will be able to take and use oxygen.
Trains
If you are thinking of travelling by train, get the leaflet Rail Travel for Disabled Passengers, available from most staffed railway stations, Citizens Advice Bureaux, some libraries, www.nationalrail.co.uk (go to passenger services) or telephone 08457 48 49 50. This tells you the minimum level of service you can expect throughout Britain’s rail network.
However, different companies have different policies towards people with disabilities, so plan your route in advance and find out which companies’ trains you need. If you do not know, call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50. All rail companies offer assistance to customers if pre-booked.
When contacting train companies, tell them where and when you want to travel, your disability, how you intend to get to and from the station, whether you are travelling alone or not and whether you need a wheelchair.
A Disabled Persons Railcard is valid for 12 months and offers up to a third off a range of train tickets. You may be eligible; ask your local station for a form, go to www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk or telephone 08457 48 49 50.
Ferries
If you are going to one of Britain’s islands or travelling to or from Northern Ireland, you may be going by ferry. Many ferry companies have lifts, toilets and wheelchair facilities; some can supply wheelchairs at terminals. A few have special cabins for disabled people and/or offer discounts. Check before and when you book, especially if you need oxygen. Don’t forget to ask for extra assistance from the crew before you travel.
How can I get around?
Disabled scooters let you cover more ground and you won’t have to worry about finding places to sit. You can hire them from various companies at a cost of around £50 per week, but make sure there is somewhere in your accommodation where they can be stored and recharged.
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Getting oxygen in the UK
Your oxygen supply company will make arrangements for you to receive oxygen if you are going on holiday in the UK. Call them well in advance to discuss how they will handle your needs.
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Holidays abroad
Many people with lung disease think they cannot travel abroad. This is not true! As in the UK, packages differ, so shop around. Consult your doctor before deciding where to travel and always check arrangements in advance.
How do I get there?
Ferries
Many ferry companies have lifts, toilets and other facilities accessible to people with disabilities. They can also give priority loading and special parking spaces to disabled vehicles.
Some companies make special provision for people with breathing difficulties. P&O Stena Line can help with oxygen if you tell them at least 48 hours in advance, while SeaFrance has a mobility bus which gives easier access to ferries if requested 24 hours in advance.
Trains
Eurostar trains have been designed to cater for passengers with special requirements. Some coaches have wheelchair access and permit oxygen containers. If travelling further afield in Europe, contact the appropriate European train company for its policy on travelling with oxygen.
Car
Before you travel, get the car checked and/or serviced. Plan ahead – check the accommodation is suitable for you and see if your insurance company requires a green card for car insurance.
Blue (formerly orange) badges are valid across Europe and in most of the rest of the world. Check with the country’s embassy before you travel and make a point of remembering to take them with you.
Case study
Susie is in her mid-fifties and has severe bronchiectasis. She takes three times the amount of drugs she used to, owing to complications with the condition. She prefers travelling by car.
“I love travelling to France and Italy with my husband. I find the roads are much more user friendly than Britain’s. A month before travelling, I made our plans. We wanted to travel through France, Switzerland and Italy by car.
“So I spoke with my lung specialist, who gave me a letter and materials to use if there was an emergency. We split the journey into manageable segments and planned our accommodation in advance. We found people to be very helpful.
“The AA planned our route around my condition. It was well worth it. We got a list of where to go, what to see and the amenities for people like me.
“We entered and left the UK by Le Shuttle. This is great. You do not have to leave your car. It is extremely quick – 40 minutes in total. The tunnel is not claustrophobic and, if you declare your disability, you are first on and first off.
“When we got to a villa in Tuscany, our host prepared a sumptuous meal. He also helped us if there were any problems. We met several wonderful people and had a fantastic time.
“With a bit of thought and careful planning most of us can break out of this straitjacket of lung disease, for a little while at least. So go for it!”
Flying with a lung condition
Many people feel their lung disease stops them flying. This is not necessarily true.
Where do I begin?
First, ask your doctor whether you can travel by plane. Most people with lung disease can go on planes, even if they need oxygen. Once your doctor gives you the OK, contact individual airlines. Many have a medical officer or dedicated unit for disabled passengers.
Airlines often need to know how much oxygen you need, whether you need it intermittently or continuously, the duration of your flight, your route and whether you are travelling alone or with a companion. Most airlines can make special provision for passengers with breathing difficulties. Some of the larger airlines have dedicated helplines. Websites will also provide company guidelines.
When you contact the airline, find out what is available at the airport as well as on the plane. Important things to know include:
- What the airline’s policy is on oxygen. Taking oxygen on a plane can be easy and free, or difficult and expensive. Some airlines will not allow oxygen on the plane at all. It depends on the airline. You must find out before you book a ticket. This may also affect your choice of destination.
- The exact length of the flight, and whether delays are likely.
- The facilities available in place at both airports. This includes assistance required with luggage, boarding the aircraft, wheelchair requirements and whether oxygen is available. If the holiday involves a long-haul flight, you should find out if time will be spent at a third airport for refuelling and how oxygen will be supplied there if required. With the exception of oxygen provision, these services will usually be free.
- How you confirm your fitness to fly. Some airlines let you travel without a letter from your doctor, while others ask you to fill in a special medical form, verified either by your own GP or by the airline’s medical staff. Most ask for a fitness to fly certificate, obtained from your doctor.
Some do’s and don’ts
- If you need an inhaler or other medication, take it in your carry-on bag. Don’t put it in the hold.
- On the aeroplane, move about every hour and exercise your legs
Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to combat dehydration, especially on long-haul flights.
- If you need a portable nebuliser, check if you can carry it into the cabin of the plane and whether it will cost extra.
Getting oxygen abroad
Your UK oxygen supplier will not be able to provide oxygen for use on holiday outside the UK. They may have details of companies that you can contact to arrange oxygen for your holiday. Speak to them well in advance for details, including how to get help should you need it while on holidays. Alternatively you can contact the BLF Helpline - 08458 50 50 20 - for advice.
If travelling by car ask about any special equipment you may need to equip your vehicle with.
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What if I get a chest infection or fall ill abroad?
Any chest infection should be completely treated before you fly home. You should have medical approval before flying home. Check whether your medical insurance covers you for any problems.
As of 1st of January 2006 the E111 form was replaced by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to reduced cost, sometimes free medical treatment if you fall ill when travelling in Europe. You can apply for the EHIC by picking up an application form at any Post Office.
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Useful Contacts
People living with a lung condition can have enjoyable holidays at home and abroad. Preparation is the key. Plan your trip in advance, think through everything you need, ask as many questions as you can, check with as many people as possible, then decide what is best for you. Always make a list before you travel and check it off as you go. Always tell a friend where you are.
Tourism For All
(A national registered charity providing information about accommodation/tourism services for older people and people with disabilities. ‘Holiday Care’ is part of Tourism For All)
Information Unit, 7th Floor,
Sunley House,
4 Bedford Road,
Croydon CR0 2AP
t: 0845 124 9971
e: w: www.tourismforall.org.uk
P&O Ferries
t: 08705 980 333 (local rates apply)
w: www.poferries.com
Sea France
t: 08705 711 711 (national rates apply)
w: www.seafrance.co.uk
Brittany Ferries
t: 08703 665 333
w: www.brittany-ferries.co.uk
Channel Tunnel
Eurostar
t: 08705 186 186
w: www.eurostar.com
Euro Tunnel
t: 08705 35 35 35
w: www.eurotunnel.com
National Express
t: 08705 80 80 80
w: www.nationalexpress.com
Getting oxygen in the US
For details about traveling in the US, contact www.breathineasy.com. This offers a guide to traveling, especially with oxygen.
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Page last medically reviewed: Aug '07
