Traveling with chILD: A Family Guide
A Guide for Families with Children’s Interstitial and Diffuse Lung Disease
Traveling with a child who has chILD takes extra planning, especially if your child uses oxygen or breathing treatments. But with the right preparation, you can travel safely and enjoy family trips, visits with relatives, and special vacations.
The key to successful travel with chILD is planning ahead. Give yourself at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to:
Health Summary Letter — Ask your child’s doctor to write a letter on official letterhead that includes: your child’s name and date of birth, a brief explanation of chILD, current health status, all medications with doses, daily treatments, known allergies, and care team contact information.
Oxygen Documentation (if your child needs oxygen):
Equipment Letters — For nebulizers, suction machines, or monitors: a letter stating the equipment belongs to your child, is medically necessary, and must travel as carry-on rather than checked luggage.
Each airline has different oxygen forms. Contact your airline at least 48 hours before your flight — preferably when you book — to find out exactly what they need.
TSA rules: You can bring medications in any amount needed. Liquid medications are allowed even if over 3.4 ounces. Medications do not count toward your carry-on bag limit — tell the TSA officer you have medications.
Airplane cabins are pressurized to about 6,000–8,000 feet altitude, meaning less oxygen is available than at sea level. Talk to your child’s pulmonologist before booking.
Questions to ask your pulmonologist:
Only FAA-approved POC models may be used during flights. Your POC must:
Most planes don’t have electrical outlets — bring enough charged batteries for the entire trip plus delays.
Some airlines provide oxygen tanks — but not all offer this service, there is usually a charge, and you cannot bring your own oxygen tanks on a plane (federal regulations prohibit this).
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) is a federal law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination when flying.
Accommodations airlines must provide free of charge:
If you have problems: Ask to speak with a Complaints Resolution Officer (CRO) — every airline must have one available. If unresolved, contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-778-4838.
4–6 Weeks Before:
2–3 Weeks Before:
1 Week Before:
Day of Travel:
Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) — A federal law protecting people with disabilities from discrimination by airlines.
Complaints Resolution Officer (CRO) — A trained airline employee responsible for resolving disability-related complaints. Every airline must have one available at each airport.
FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) — The U.S. agency that regulates commercial air travel and publishes the list of approved portable oxygen concentrator models.
High-Altitude Simulation Test (HAST) — A breathing test simulating lower oxygen levels found in airplane cabins. Helps determine whether a child needs supplemental oxygen during flight and the exact flow rate needed.
Nasal Cannula — A lightweight tube with two small prongs that rest just inside the nostrils to deliver supplemental oxygen.
POC (Portable Oxygen Concentrator) — A battery-powered device that concentrates oxygen from room air. Only FAA-approved models may be used during commercial flights.
TSA (Transportation Security Administration) — The U.S. agency responsible for airport security screening. Allows medications in any amount needed; medical equipment does not count toward carry-on limits.
This information is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for the medical advice of your child’s healthcare provider.
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The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
