TY - JOUR T1 - Air travel in patients on long term oxygen therapy: Lying low or flying high? JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J DO - 10.1183/13993003.congress-2016.PA3732 VL - 48 IS - suppl 60 SP - PA3732 AU - Christina Campbell AU - Matthew W Smyth AU - Lindsay Brown AU - Emer Kelly Y1 - 2016/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/48/suppl_60/PA3732.abstract N2 - Introduction: Ambulatory oxygen (O2) is recommended treatment for hypoxaemia at rest or induced by exercise. Commercial aircraft cabins are pressurized to altitudes of 6,000-8,000 feet, with an equivalent FiO2 of 15%. O2 supplementation, for those on baseline ambulatory O2, is paramount.Aims and Objectives: To gather information on patients' experience travelling with supplementary oxygen and on reasons patients on O2 do not travel.Methods: Patients were identified using a home oxygen database. Data were gathered by postal questionnaire. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed.Results: Between 2013 and 2015, 512 patients were entered on the database: 277 were excluded (269 had died, 34 had incomplete records). Two hundred and thirty five questionnaires were sent and 50 responses were received (21% response rate). Of these: 11 (22%) were returned as the patient had died, 20 (40%) had not travelled by air, 11 (22%) had flown with O2, 4 (8%) no longer used O2, 4 (8%) forms incomplete.Of those who travelled with O2: 54% found it complicated to organise, 72% found it complicated to access information, 63% felt the airlines where competent at managing ambulatory oxygen, 81% would fly again. Regarding those who had never flown with O2: 35% were unaware O2 was available on commercial aircraft, 30% had no wish to travel, 30% had worries regarding their health.Conclusions: Air travel is challenging for patients requiring O2 however those who do travel report a mainly positive experience. Increasing available information on options for travel on supplemental O2 should help patients make an informed decision. ER -