Is it safe to fly with COPD.

Hi. Thank you for your post and for your question -- it is a good one. We have lots of articles on the topic of "tips for traveling in airplanes with COPD" -- such as this one (https://copd.net/living/tips-managing) and this one (https://copd.net/living/travel-essentials). Although, you mention pressures inside the plane. Although, your specific concern is about the effect of cabin pressures on
COPD. I know we have an article on this somewhere. I'm going to take some time to find it and get back to you. If not, I will find somethink that I think you will find helpful. Or perhaps one of my colleagues or community members will chime in with their advice. When are you going on this trip? John. community moderator.

Hi. again I could not find a specific article in our community on this topic. However, I did a little research for you. And based on the studies that I have found there seems to be no problem with cabin pressures for the COPD community. Here is one such study (https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/5/1216). And here is another ((https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9489124/)). If I learn otherwise I will be sure to get back with you. Also, this may be a good topic to discuss with your COPD doctor, who knows you best. Your doctor (or a nurse in the office) should be able to provide helpful information for you regarding traveling with COPD. What do you think? John. community moderator.

Being in a plane is like being on a mountain, as far as oxygen is concerned. It's not the pressure at issue, it's the low oxygen levels.

I bring a concentrator when I fly now, and I'm not currently on oxygen during the day. I'm young and fit but it makes no difference if there isn't enough O2, so you may need it for the plane.

Yes, you are correct, It's very smart of you to bring your oxygen concentrator with you on the plan. Good luck on your flight. Enjoy your trip. Keep us posted @how it goes for you. John. community moderator.