Living with COPD doesn’t mean you have to stop traveling. With some preparation, you can visit loved ones, explore new places, and enjoy the world with confidence. Travel does bring challenges like new environments, different altitudes, and changing schedules, but a few smart steps can help you have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Whether you’re flying to see family or taking a quiet road trip, the key to traveling with COPD is planning ahead. From packing your oxygen supplies to knowing what to expect at the airport, here’s how to stay healthy on the go and breathe easier wherever life takes you.

Talk to Your Doctor Before You Go

Before making any travel plans, schedule a quick check-in with your doctor or respiratory specialist. This step is essential because everyone’s COPD is different, and your oxygen or medication needs might change depending on your destination.

If you’re flying, ask your doctor to check how altitude could affect your oxygen levels. Airplane cabins are pressurized, but not to sea level, so oxygen levels are a bit lower. Your provider can do a simple test to see if you’ll need extra oxygen during your flight.

Also, make sure your prescriptions are up to date and ask for refills if you’ll be away for a while. It’s smart to have extra medication in case of delays, lost luggage, or unexpected changes. Your doctor can also give you a letter about your oxygen or medical devices for airport security or travel staff, which can save you time and stress at check-in.

Bring the Right Oxygen Equipment

If you rely on supplemental oxygen, traveling with a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) can make the entire process much easier. Today’s models are lightweight, quiet, and FAA-approved for airline use. Unlike old-style oxygen tanks, POCs never run out of oxygen — they pull in air and filter it to provide a continuous supply.

At 1st Class Medical, we specialize in helping people with COPD find the right POC for their lifestyle. Some of our most popular models for travel include:

• ARYA Mini – An ultra-compact concentrator perfect for air travel and short trips. It fits easily under an airplane seat or in a small travel bag.
• ARYA Airtivo Max – Ideal for long days out or vacations where you need extended battery life and reliable performance.
• ARYA Go – Designed for ergonomic comfort and whisper-quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for all-day use.

If you plan to fly, contact your airline before booking to check their rules for portable oxygen concentrators. Most airlines require your POC to be FAA-approved and want you to bring enough batteries to last 150% of your total flight time, including layovers and possible delays. Always keep your POC and batteries in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage.

For long road trips, POCs make travel much more flexible. You can plug them into your car’s power outlet and stay comfortable the whole way.

Pack Smart and Stay Organized

Traveling with COPD means packing carefully, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep everything you’ll need for breathing, comfort, and health easily accessible. A small carry-on or backpack with your essentials is usually best.

Your travel health kit should include:

• All your medications, including any inhalers, in their original labeled containers
• A copy of your prescriptions and your doctor’s contact information
• Extra batteries, chargers, and power cords for your portable oxygen concentrator
• A lightweight blanket or jacket in case you get cold (cool air can sometimes tighten airways)
• Healthy snacks and bottled water to stay hydrated
• Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes for shared surfaces

If you use humidification with your oxygen, bring a small humidifier bottle and check if you can get distilled water at your destination. It’s also smart to pack a small pulse oximeter. These devices are affordable and help you monitor your oxygen levels while traveling.

Pace Yourself and Rest Often

When you’re away from home, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new places and activities. But remember to listen to your body. Fatigue is one of the most common triggers for shortness of breath in people with COPD, and pacing yourself can make all the difference.

Plan your days with regular rest periods. Try not to schedule too many activities in a row. Use mobility services at airports or big attractions if you need them. Many airports, museums, and theme parks offer free wheelchair or cart assistance to help you get around more easily.

If you’re walking or sightseeing, take short breaks in shaded or cool areas. Slow, steady breathing and gentle stretching can help you recover faster between activities. Remember, travel is not a race. The goal is to enjoy each moment while keeping your energy steady and your breathing calm.

Watch the Air Quality and Weather

Different climates and environments can affect how well you breathe. Hot, humid air, cold dry air, or areas with high pollution levels can make COPD symptoms flare up. Before heading out each day, check the local air quality index (AQI).

If the air quality is poor, try to stay indoors during peak hours or plan light indoor activities. When the air is dry, especially on airplanes or in desert areas, drink plenty of water to keep your airways moist. In cold places, wrap a soft scarf loosely around your mouth and nose to warm the air before you breathe it in. This can make it easier on your lungs.

If you’re traveling to higher altitudes, such as the mountains, remember that the air contains less oxygen. Take time to adjust gradually and avoid strenuous activity until you know how your body responds.

Eat and Drink for Better Breathing

The food and drinks you choose can really affect how you feel. While traveling, it’s tempting to have rich meals, alcohol, or extra caffeine, but moderation is important for people with COPD.

Alcohol and caffeinated beverages can dehydrate you, making mucus thicker and harder to clear. Fizzy or heavy foods can cause bloating, which pushes up on the diaphragm and makes it harder to breathe. Salty snacks can lead to water retention and swelling, which may make breathing feel more difficult.

Stick to smaller, balanced meals throughout the day. Choose lean proteins, fresh fruits, and vegetables that are high in nutrients but easy to digest. Hydration is especially important, so keep a water bottle with you and sip often.

If you have specific dietary restrictions or need to take medication with food, plan your meals ahead of time. Many hotels and airlines can accommodate special requests if you let them know in advance.

Sleep and Relaxation Matter

Getting enough rest while traveling is just as important as sightseeing or meeting loved ones. Disrupted sleep can lower your energy and increase breathlessness during the day. Try to maintain a regular bedtime and waking time, even when crossing time zones.

If you use a CPAP or BiPAP machine, make sure it’s packed in your carry-on and that you have the correct power adapters for your destination. Most airlines allow these devices to be brought onboard at no extra cost.

A few minutes of relaxation or slow breathing exercises before bed can help your body wind down. Deep, gentle breaths improve oxygen exchange and calm your mind, which is a great way to end a full day of travel.

Keep Stress Levels Low

Travel can sometimes be unpredictable, with delayed flights, crowded spaces, or last-minute changes. Stress can make breathing harder, so it helps to have a few calming strategies ready.

Practice slow, pursed-lip breathing when you start to feel anxious. Inhale gently through your nose and exhale slowly through pursed lips, as if blowing out a candle. This technique helps control breathlessness and gives you a sense of control in the moment.

Allow extra time for transitions between flights or stops so you don’t feel rushed. Listening to calming music, audiobooks, or guided meditations can also help you relax and focus on enjoying the trip.

Enjoy the Journey

The most important part of traveling with COPD is remembering that it’s possible to do — and it can be deeply rewarding. Many people with chronic lung conditions successfully travel every year, visiting family, exploring new destinations, and creating lasting memories.

With the right portable oxygen concentrator, thoughtful planning, and a willingness to take things at your own pace, you can feel confident wherever you go.

At 1st Class Medical, our team is here to help make travel easier for anyone living with COPD. We offer expert guidance on choosing the best portable oxygen concentrator for your needs, whether it’s for a weekend trip or a longer international journey. Our goal is simple: to help you breathe better and live life fully, wherever your travels take you.

Ready to Travel Again?

If you’re planning a trip and want to make sure you’re fully prepared, let’s talk. Our respiratory specialists at 1st Class Medical can help you find the right equipment and travel accessories so you can explore with confidence.

Call us today or visit 1stclassmedical.com to learn more about our selection of FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrators. Start planning your next adventure with peace of mind.