Travelling with asthma, COPD, or other breathing difficulties can feel daunting—but with the right preparation, it is absolutely possible to travel safely and confidently. It’s completely normal to have concerns before you travel. Airports can be busy and stressful, flights involve changes in air pressure, and new climates or environments may trigger symptoms. You may also worry about access to medication or medical care if you need help while you’re away.
This guide is designed to help put your mind at ease. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including flying with inhalers or oxygen, pre-travel medical checks, what to pack, and choosing the right travel insurance, so you can focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about your breathing.
Choosing your Destination ¶
- Consider the weather and altitude at your chosen destination. Sometimes wheezing can be triggered by cold weather or by extreme humidity. It may be that the thinner air found in high altitude destinations makes you more breathless than usual, even at rest. Consider also the level of pollution you may come across, particularly in certain cities. Dusty environments or being around animals could also trigger flare-ups. Anticipate whether your destination is particularly hilly, and whether there is good provision of taxi services or other ways to get around.
- Make sure that you anticipate triggers like this and take time to acclimatise to your new environment. Ensure you have your rescue inhaler with you all the time (usually a blue one).
Can you fly with an inhaler? ¶
Yes, you can take an inhaler on a plane.
Here’s what to know:
- Inhalers are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags, but keep it in your carry-on so it’s accessible.
- Prescription label helps: Not required everywhere, but carrying it with the pharmacy label can make security smoother,
- Rules are similar worldwide, but keep medication in original packaging and bring a copy of your prescription if you can, especially internationally.
Tips for carrying inhalers & medication (spare inhalers, doctor’s note, original packaging). ¶
- Carry inhalers and other medications with you in your hand luggage, as well as a supply in your hold baggage, in case they get lost in transit. It is a good idea to have spare inhalers for your trip too, in case you need to use them more than usual.
- If you use a nebuliser, make sure you have an adaptor plug so you can use it at your destination. You can get battery-operated nebulisers if you need to take one on your flight. You should check with your airline if they will allow you to use this during the journey. Remember, using 10 puffs of salbutamol with a spacer device is equivalent to using a nebuliser, so if you are feeling wheezy and do not have a nebuliser, try this instead. Ask your GP or Asthma nurse to show you how to do this, and advise you about whether it may be right for you.
- Take a repeat prescription list and the original packaging with you on your flight, in case you are asked to prove what you are carrying. It is also useful in case medication needs replacing whilst you are away.
Preparing to Travel with Asthma or COPD ¶
- Before traveling with asthma or COPD, it’s important to plan ahead to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. Start by booking a pre-travel check-up with your healthcare provider. This visit should include a review of your lung function, a discussion of your current symptoms, and confirmation that your condition is well controlled. Ask your doctor for a travel letter outlining your diagnosis and medications, which can be helpful during airport security checks or in case you need medical care abroad.
- If your condition is moderate to severe, check whether you need a fit-to-fly certificate, as some airlines may require medical clearance before flying.
- Finally, review your vaccinations before you travel. Staying up to date with recommended vaccines, such as the influenza (flu) and pneumonia vaccines, can help reduce the risk of respiratory infections that may worsen asthma or COPD symptoms while you’re away.
Medication checklist before flying ¶
- If you have needed oral steroid tablets in the past for your asthma or COPD, your GP may be happy for you to take a short supply with you, in case you have a flare up whilst you are away. Similarly, if you have frequent chest infections, your GP may be able to supply you with some antibiotics to take with you just in case.
- Clues that you may need to start antibiotics and steroids might include increased cough, coughing up more sputum than usual, a high temperature, and increased breathlessness and wheeze. If you have a peak flow monitor, you could take this with you too. If your peak flow reading is lower than your personal best, it can be an early sign that your breathing is getting worse.
Planning ahead can ensure you have an enjoyable, comfortable and relaxing holiday. Simply thinking through the triggers to your breathlessness and preparing yourself to deal with any problems, will help to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Air Travel and Breathing Conditions ¶
- The reduced air pressure during a flight may make you feel more breathless than usual, even at rest. As a rough guide, if you can walk 50 metres without feeling short of breath, you should be able to comfortably manage on a flight, but you should always check with your own GP before flying.
- If you think you may need extra oxygen throughout your flight, speak to your GP and get assessed for this. Most airlines will allow you to use oxygen during the flight, but you will need to arrange this in advance and may have to pay a charge for it..
Tips for airport navigation (fast-track options, wheelchair assistance, avoiding long queues).
Give your airline 48 hours' notice if you think you may need help getting through the airport. They will arrange for assistance to help you from arrival at the plane, which can involve a lot of walking otherwise.
Managing Breathing Difficulties Abroad ¶
Depending on your fitness level and breathlessness, it may be worth checking that you do not have to climb lots of stairs or walk around a large complex where you are staying. Consider phoning ahead and requesting a ground-level room near the entrance if you think this will be easier.
What to do if you have an asthma attack/COPD flare-up abroad¶
- If you have needed oral steroid tablets in the past for your asthma or COPD, your GP may be happy for you to take a short supply with you, in case you have a flare-up whilst you are away. Similarly, if you have frequent chest infections, your GP may be able to supply you with some antibiotics to take with you just in case.
- Clues that you may need to start antibiotics and steroids might include increased cough, coughing up more sputum than usual, a high temperature, and increased breathlessness and wheeze. If you have a peak flow monitor, you could take this with you, too. If your peak flow reading is lower than your personal best, it can be an early sign that your breathing is getting worse.
Travel Insurance for Asthma & COPD ¶
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office recommend that you have travel insurance in place every time you travel abroad. Make sure that your travel insurance covers any medical conditions you may have.
Goodtogoinsurance.com is proud to be able to provide cover for all types of breathing difficulty, including asthma travel insurance, COPD travel insurance and emphysema.