Well, if you put a seaworthy hull and a sail on it, it may just get you there! Just teasing! I know nothing about 02 yet, so, I won't be of much help, but, I'm sure you will get some really educated answers very soon, nice to meet you...and I'll bet that you'll be on that beach in no time at all.

You won't be able to board a plane with liquid oxygen. Contact the airline you intend to use for a list of approved POCs. I fly with an Inogen and three batteries (some airplanes have plug-ins available). You will need to carry a letter from your MD stating the medical necessity for oxygen, dated no sooner than thirty days before you leave.

The problem won't be sitting on the tropical beach.....it'll be getting there.The only time I had big time trouble was flying from sea level to 10,000 ft. altitude......took three days to stabilize, and had to crank up the 0 to 4.

You getting there by ship or plane? If it is plane - Nonan is right about the inogen. It would be the perfect one if you don't need continuous O2 at night. You can also for a hefty price and have the airline (not all) provide liquid o2 for you. I know most of them do, but some say you must have a travel concentrator.
By ship, you can work with most companies and they can fill your helios. for a price.
Again, if you need night time o2 you would have to work with them,
Talk to your provider FIRST - they may have suggestions.

thanks so much for all the replies - nothing booked yet just curious as to how do-able it is

my thanks to all

I have noticed a strange (?) thing about those of us who are qualified as "disabled" due to our illness. To me, it seems to be treated differently in different situations. Uplift ramps are provided for those in wheelchairs (as they should), without extra cost to the rider and the rider can get discounted tickets, but airlines charge when you must take oxygen, though they don't if you require a wheelchair to and from the gate. Handicap parking is available, but when I called our local trash collectors to see what could be done as I live on top of a long steep driveway (not paved), and it's really difficult to lug around 35 lb. bins, I was told my bill would be more.

Was interesting finding out there'd be added charges on cruise lines too.

If you go, roepete, hope you have a great time!

Forgot to add.........I always request a wheelchair curbside. They discoure you from traveling alone, but if you use their chair, they are REQUIRED to furnish a pusher, who will stay with you till you board. Most airlines will give you expedited service, if not............it's a lot easier to wait in those long lines in a chair. Try to get a bulkhead seat.....the FAs will allow you to use the first-class latrine.

Most airports have loooooooonnnggg distances between gates. If you walk, you'll be exhausted, or have to go so slow that you risk missing your flight. If you have to wait at the gate, be sure to plug in your POC to help top off the battery.

You'll pre-board, and be the last to exit when you arrive. Don't forget to remind the FAs that you need a chair on arrival. They'll make sure to remember, as they cannot deplane till all the passengers are gone. You'll appreciate that chair, as you will be whisked to the front of the customs line.

Now, sit back. close your eyes, feel the ocean spray on your cheeks and feel the sand between your toes. Bring me back a seashell.........................

P.S.

tip the pusher a few $$, depending on how much help is given. Most of them are low-wage employees with a cheerful nature.

Nonan, the wheelchair curbside is definitely helpful. First time I did it, I felt a little awkward, but then I discovered by doing so, I wasn't exhausted when I got to the gate, neither was I SOB. Plus, another great thing about it is you don't have to tote around or pull any carry on luggage. Something else I did was to request an aisle seat whenever possible - you may not get the view, but I found it so much easier than to try to move past others in your row to use the restroom. Oh, and not to forget to put your rescue inhaler in your purse or pocket and not your luggage!

I love how some of the new regulations have changed things- but be aware, many of the airlines have still failed to update or train their staff. Some airlines still say folks with O2 must sit next to the window verses aisle seats, etc. I have found both these sites good to review before travel and to have the basic info in case of hitting a snag with under trained airline staff.


http://www.disabilitytravel.com/airlines/air_carrier_act_details.htm

http://www.dotcr.ost.dot.gov/asp/airacc.asp

Also........

www.flyertalk.com/forum/index.php

Put ALL your meds in your carry-on, plus a change of clothes and a toothbrush.

Speaking of flying....I have this question....

As I've never had to fly with oxygen before and may possibly have to do so, I've been trying to figure out the new regs and I'm sooooo confused. I know there was previously an extra charge when the airlines supplied oxygen for each leg of the trip, but now if you bring your own, is there still extra charges involved? Say it's supplied by batteries and doesn't need to be plug in?

Sure would appreciate any help.

Thanks!

No, there is no charge by the airline if you bring your own POC, but it has to be one on the approved list. When I started flying with my own machine, Inogen was just about the only one. That list is considerably longer now. You must notify them when making reservations that you will be using 0, and the brand of your machine.

If you don't own the machine, I suggest you get with your supplier (if you have one) and arrange a 'dry run' with the machine you want to use, just to be certain it will fill your needs.

The airlines charge $100 PER LEG for their oxygen, so it could easily add $400 to $800 to your ticket $$----plus you have to have 0 at your destination. Having your own machine, rented or not just makes sense.

http://www.PortableOxygen.org


includes the 11 approved by the FAA for use while flying

The company I get my oxygen from claims that if you tell them in advance, they will have someone pick up your tank at the point of departure, you use the airline supplied oxygen during the flight and the company will meet you at your destination with more portable equipment. I don't know if tht includes anything off the continent. I am sure there are also companies which supply Oxyget at your destination, but I don't know how insurance and medicare would handle it.