Travelling requires planning and preparation ahead of time. We’ve created a guide to help you along with this process!
First of all, it is important to inform your CF care team if you are planning a trip so they can prepare a travel letter for you. This allows you to bring your medications and medical equipment onto the plane. All of this should be kept in your carry on. Your carry on should include your medications so they don’t get lost, and so you have access to them during your flight if you need it.
Once your tickets are booked, make sure that you contact the airline and let them know what equipment you’ll be bringing and/or what equipment you need (this will not count towards your carry on or personal item limit). You should also contact them 48 hours before your flight to ensure
everything will be ready for you. Many rental services are available for portable oxygen concentrators and other medical equipment. Your CF team can provide you with some recommendations.
Since air pressure is different at high altitudes, talk to your CF physician to see if you need oxygen to fly. They can also provide you with a “fitness to fly” letter for the airline. Along with this letter, you should make sure to bring all of the medications you need for the duration of your trip, along with a few days extra to account for any travel delays.
If you need urgent medical assistance while on vacation, ask the hotel staff to arrange transport to the nearest hospital for you, or consult your rental home’s information binder. Your CF team can also provide you with a list of the nearest CF centres from your destination(s) along with directions to them. If you do need to seek medical attention, bring your CF clinic’s emergency and general information, passport, “fitness to fly” letter, insurance, and any information about your medications and treatments.
For more information and tips, you can read the full page here: https://torontoadultcf.com/living-with-cf/travelling_with_cf/