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• // Traveling With Oxygen on Airplanes: Can You Fly with Portable Oxygen?
• How Many Hours Do Portable Oxygen Concentrators Last?
• Traveling by Plane: Can You Fly with Portable Oxygen?
• Traveling by Plane: FAA Guidelines & Portable Oxygen Concentrators
• Traveling by Car with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator
• Traveling by Train with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator
• Traveling by Cruise Ship with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator
• Traveling with Oxygen Resources

Traveling With Oxygen on Airplanes: Can You Fly with Portable Oxygen?

UPDATED MARCH 2023

Before considering air travel, talk to your doctor to make sure that your lungs are healthy enough for flying and ask about how to manage air travel with oxygen therapy.   The lower air pressure and lower than normal oxygen levels that come with increased altitude can cause the expansion of gasses in your body, which is what causes your ears to pop during take-off. For people with lung disease, this combination of lower oxygen levels and air pressure can be problematic. [1]

So you may be wondering, “Can I bring oxygen on a plane?” The answer is yes, you can travel with an FAA-compliant portable oxygen concentrator (POC) on an airplane! [1] Inogen portable oxygen concentrators meet FAA acceptance criteria for POCs used onboard aircraf t*. Read on to learn more about air travel with oxygen therapy products.

Supplemental Oxygen on Airplanes

If you have wondered, “Can you take oxygen on an airplane?” the answer is: it depends on the kind of oxygen you use. Airline travel used to be a hassle for people who require medical oxygen. Compressed oxygen and liquid oxygen tanks are not allowed on airplanes, [2] so flying often meant arranging for delivery of oxygen supplies at your destination. And, of course, if the flight was too long to be managed without oxygen, the person was simply unable to fly.  This made traveling with oxygen either completely impossible or much more cumbersome, and the oxygen-airplane conundrum was frustrating for those with on-the-go lifestyles and travel needs.

Inogen saw a need for better technology—more compact, more convenient—that could keep pace with the active lifestyles of patients. We believed air travel with oxygen had to be easier. As a result, we developed FAA-compliant portable oxygen concentrators that are compact and lightweight, allowing you to bring and use them onboard an approved airplane.

Steps Before You Board

So, can you take oxygen on an airplane without planning ahead?  Probably not. While traveling with oxygen is much easier than it used to be with the help of FAA-compliant portable oxygen concentrators, you will need to take care of some things to make sure the process is free of complications or delays. Take these steps to prepare for flying with oxygen. [1]

First, if you know you will be traveling with oxygen soon, make an appointment to see your doctor to get a physical copy of your oxygen prescription and ensure that you are healthy enough for air travel with oxygen. This doctor’s appointment will also allow you to discuss any changes to your supplemental oxygen therapy prescription that might be necessary either during your flight, or once you arrive at your destination. You should ask your doctor what adjustments, if any, will need to be made to your flow rate or to the amount of time oxygen is needed while flying. If you are traveling to high altitudes, ask about adjusting for that as well. Make sure your doctor notes any necessary adjustments, and the reasoning for them, on your prescription before flying with oxygen. As soon as you know which airline you will be taking, find out if the airline

requires any paperwork to be completed by your doctor. If so, get that completed as soon as possible so that paperwork does not delay your plans.

You should carry your prescription with you at all times during travel and make sure it is accessible during your flights so that you can show it to the flight attendant if needed. This is important for travel safety and helps ensure you will always have a record of your need for in-flight oxygen, your required flow rate and the length of time oxygen will be needed, as well as a record of your medical condition.

At least 48 hours before your trip, check in with the airline to get permission for your oxygen use on the airplane. If you are traveling internationally, it is best to give as much notice as possible as international airlines may have different requirements than domestic flights. If you do not currently use an Inogen FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrator, make sure that your oxygen delivery system meets the FAA acceptance criteria for POCs used onboard aircraft.  If it is not, look into renting an approved oxygen delivery system. Portable oxygen concentrators require power to function, so make sure that you have sufficient battery life, plus a spare charged battery in case of delays. The FAA requires that you bring enough batteries to cover the duration of the flight, and many airlines require that you bring enough batteries to cover 150% of your expected flight duration. [3]

Make sure you account for any layovers when packing your batteries for flying with oxygen, and ask for a seat on the plane with a power port, just in case. Ask your airline about any specific battery requirements when traveling with oxygen, and check in with your insurance company to see if you need extra insurance coverage when traveling with oxygen. You should also check in with your airline about any requirements for nasal cannula and tubing. You will always need at least 7 feet of tubing to ensure that you can use your portable oxygen concentrator even while it is safely stored under your seat or the seat in front of you. [3]

Whenever possible, traveling with portable oxygen should involve booking a flight without layovers to minimize the complications of moving from gate to gate. However, if you must make a connecting flight, talk to your airline about getting assistance in moving through the airport so you do not become unnecessarily winded and require more oxygen than planned.

Flying with Inogen One

Inogen POCs provide travel portability for a patient’s active lifestyle.  They offer a lightweight and portable oxygen therapy solution.  The Inogen One oxygen concentrators meet FAA acceptance criteria on airlines whose commercial flights start or stop within the United States.   Inogen’s oxygen concentrators are compact, designed for travel portability and fit comfortably under your seat or under the seat in front of you.  Our lightweight portable oxygen concentrators are an option for patients navigating busy airports.  Accessories like carry straps and bags, backpacks and collapsible carts made especially for Inogen portable oxygen concentrators are also available.

Read on to discover how Inogen enables real people like you to travel while continuing the oxygen therapy they need:

“All the airlines are now familiar with your product and allow them to be carried on their planes.  Again, thanks for helping me enjoy the quality of life I could not have had without the Inogen oxygen concentrator.” – Dr. Michael J. C.

“I found the Inogen to be easy to use, easy to care for and able to get me from coast to coast in an airplane without the need of changing batteries!” – Sarah G.

“My wife and I have recently returned from a holiday in New Zealand traveling at various times by plane, bus, train, boat and motor car.   I consider the Inogen much easier to handle than bottled oxygen, which I had to use previously when away from home.” – Brian B.

“Taking it on an airplane was easy – fit under the seat perfectly.” – Bill F.

These are just a few of many positive personal experiences of traveling with supplemental oxygen therapy products on planes.  Our Inogen One POCs are designed for the travel needs of our active patients and their lifestyle.

Tips for Traveling with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Traveling with your portable oxygen concentrator may require a few extra steps, but it might be easier than you think. Here are some quick tips to help you prepare for flying with your portable oxygen concentrator.

• Call the airline well ahead of your scheduled travel date to ensure that they allow use of your portable oxygen concentrator on board and check battery requirements.
• See your doctor to complete any paperwork required by the airline and get a physical copy of your prescription, along with any changes to your regular oxygen needs required for air travel or your travel destination.
• If you don’t already own one, purchase a bag or strap made to hold your portable oxygen concentrator to make it as easy to carry as possible.
• Bring extra batteries with you in case of delays.
• Ask to be seated in a seat on the airplane with an accessible power port.
• Allow extra time to make your way through security and the airport, and ask for assistance whenever you need it while traveling with portable oxygen.
• Keep your portable oxygen concentrator with you, even when it is not in use.

Traveling with an Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrator

If you require oxygen therapy and will be flying, it is necessary to have an FAA-compliant portable oxygen concentrator. All of Inogen’s portable oxygen concentrators meet the required guidelines from the FAA, which should make flying with oxygen and bringing Inogen portable oxygen concentrators on airplanes a seamless process.   With your Inogen POC you should be able to enjoy your trip without worrying about breathing comfortably during your flight or storing or receiving delivery of oxygen tanks in an unfamiliar location.  Unless otherwise directed, you will be able to use your Inogen One at any time during takeoff or landing, or throughout the duration of your flight. Just store your Inogen One safely under your seat or the seat in front of you during takeoff and landing, or feel free to move about the cabin with it when the seatbelt sign is turned off. Find out how Inogen can change traveling with portable oxygen for you or a loved one.

Our Inogen One portable oxygen concentrators are designed for the travel needs of our active patients and their lifestyle, whether by airplane, boat , train or car . No matter how you need to travel, Inogen allows you to keep your oxygen with you from the start of your trip to the moment you walk back through your own front door (provided you have a fully charged battery or are connected to an AC or DC power source). Traveling with oxygen does not need to hold you back from exploring the places you want to go. Find out how Inogen gives patients peace of mind to leave the home by contacting us today.

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Travel With Oxygen

Can you fly with oxygen.

When you first become accustomed to an oxygen therapy prescription and the changes that come with it, you may wonder, “Can you take oxygen on an airplane?” While you cannot use your compressed or liquid oxygen tanks on board, there are many FAA-compliant portable oxygen concentrators that can be used for air travel with oxygen. [3]   All of our Inogen portable oxygen concentrators meet the required guidelines from the FAA, so you can have peace of mind traveling with oxygen concentrators from Inogen.

What Airlines Allow Oxygen Tanks?

The FAA does not allow full, or partially full, compressed or liquid oxygen tanks to be carried on board. While these are considered hazardous materials, many airlines allow portable oxygen concentrators on board. Airline rules can change, however, so it is recommended that you check with any airline you fly with about whether they allow you to fly with a portable oxygen concentrator. Additionally, you can find more information from Inogen about flying with oxygen here . [3]

Is Air Travel with Oxygen Safe?

Flying with oxygen tanks poses safety concerns, which is why flying with your full, or partially full, compressed and liquid oxygen tanks is prohibited. Air travel with oxygen is permitted when you use a portable oxygen concentrator that meets the FAA acceptance criteria for POCs used onboard aircraft . POCs must be approved by SFAR 106 or have a label indicating that they meet FAA regulations.   Check with your physician to make sure you are cleared for air travel, that flying is safe for you and that you know how to adjust your supplemental oxygen use in flight and while traveling. [3]

What if my POC is not on the Approved List? [3]

On May 24, 2016 the FAA issued a final rule on FAA acceptance criteria for POCs, replacing the existing FAA case-by-case approval process for each make and model of POC in Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) No. 106. This final rule allows passengers to use a POC on board an aircraft if the POC satisfies certain acceptance criteria and bears a label indicating conformance with the acceptance criteria. The labeling requirement only affects POCs intended for use on board aircraft that were not previously approved for use on aircraft by the FAA. Additionally, this rulemaking will eliminate redundant operational requirements and paperwork requirements related to the physician’s statement. Any POC model that was not previously identified in SFAR No. 106 as approved for use on aircraft must also bear a label indicating conformance with the acceptance criteria before it may be used on board an aircraft. This label will facilitate passenger and crew recognition of POCs that may be used in the cabin during all phases of flight.

Can You Travel Abroad with Oxygen on a Plane?

Many people wonder, “Can you fly with oxygen internationally?” As long as you are healthy enough to fly and your airline allows the use of an FAA-compliant portable oxygen concentrator on board, you can travel. Whether you are visiting one of our continental neighbors, or finally taking your dream trip across the globe, you can enjoy peace of mind and mobility of traveling with your portable oxygen concentrator. Oxygen therapy does not need to hold you back from traveling abroad. If your healthcare providers and travel companies allow your oxygen delivery device on board, you should be good to go!

*Based on Technical Performance Data. Check with carrier for local regulations.

• Stoller, James K. “Patient Education: Supplemental Oxygen on Commercial Airlines (Beyond the Basics).” UpToDate , UpToDate Inc., 23 Apr. 2020, www.uptodate.com/contents/supplemental-oxygen-on-commercial-airlines-beyond-the-basics .
• “Portable Oxygen Concentrators.” United Airlines , United Airlines Inc., 21 Jan. 2021, www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/special-needs/disabilities/customer-oxygen.html .
• “Acceptance Criteria for Portable Oxygen Concentrators Used On Board Aircraft.” Federal Register , FederalRegister.gov, 24 May 2016, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/05/24/2016-11918/acceptance-criteria-for-portable-oxygen-concentrators-used-on-board-aircraft

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Specifications apply to all new retail units sold after December 7th 2015.

Please note that the health related information contained on this website is provided for general information purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or for the care that patients receive from their healthcare professionals. For information about Inogen products you should consult the Instructions For Use (IFU). References to products, services, or health care providers on this website are not a recommendation or endorsement of products, services or providers. PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR, OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL, BEFORE USING ANY PRODUCT REFERRED TO ON THIS WEBSITE.

The testimonials and opinions presented on our website are applicable to the individuals depicted. Results will vary and may not be representative of the experience of others.

* Rental availability is based on insurance reimbursement from private medical insurance or Medicare. Individual benefits and eligibility will vary.

† Return within 30 days of purchase for a full refund of purchase price. Terms and conditions apply.

Inogen ® Portable Oxygen Concentrators USES: Inogen ® Portable Oxygen Concentrators provide a high concentration of supplemental oxygen to patients requiring respiratory therapy on a prescriptive basis. It may be used in home, institution, vehicle and various mobile environments.

DO NOT USE IF: This device is not intended to be used in any way other than described in the indications for use. Do not use in parallel or series with other oxygen concentrators or oxygen therapy devices. This device is to be used as an oxygen supplement and is not intended to be life sustaining or life supporting. ONLY use this product if the patient is capable of spontaneous breath, able to inhale and exhale without the use of a machine. The conserving, or pulse dose, oxygen delivery technique used by this device is contraindicated in persons whose breathing during normal resting would be unable to trigger the device. Proper device triggering, set up and operation must be confirmed by an experienced clinician or other respiratory professional. Not for use by tracheotomized patients. Use of this device has not been studied in pediatric populations. Consult your physician before using the product for pediatric patients.

WARNINGS: The device produces enriched oxygen gas, which accelerates combustion. Do not allow smoking or open flames within 2m (6.56ft) of this device while in use. If you feel ill or uncomfortable, or if the concentrator does not signal an oxygen pulse and you are unable to hear and/or feel the oxygen pulse, consult your equipment provider and/or your physician immediately. If you are unable to communicate discomfort, you may require additional monitoring and or a distributed alarm system to convey the information about the discomfort and or the medical urgency to your responsible caregiver to avoid harm. Use only spare parts recommended by the manufacturer to ensure proper function and to avoid the risk of fire and burns. To avoid danger of choking or strangulation hazard, keep cords away from children and pets.

TALK TO YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: The oxygen flow setting must be determined and recorded for each patient individually by the prescriber, including the configuration of the device, its parts and the accessories. It is the responsibility of the patient to periodically reassess the setting(s) of the therapy for effectiveness. The proper placement and positioning of the prongs of the nasal cannula in the nose is critical for oxygen to be delivered.

Inogen At Home ® Stationary Oxygen Concentrator USES: The Inogen At Home ® Oxygen Concentrator is used on a prescriptive basis by patients requiring supplemental oxygen. It supplies a high concentration of oxygen and is used with a nasal cannula to channel oxygen from the concentrator to the patient. The Inogen At Home ® Oxygen Concentrator may be used in a home or institution.

DO NOT USE IF: This device is not intended to be used in any way other than described in the indications for use. This device is to be used as an oxygen supplement and is not intended to be life sustaining or life supporting. ONLY use this product if the patient is capable of spontaneous breath, able to inhale and exhale without the use of a machine. Not for pediatric use. Not for use by tracheotomized patients.

WARNINGS: The device produces enriched oxygen gas, which accelerates combustion. Do not use the device when smoking or near open flame, matches, petroleum, oil, grease, solvents, radiant heaters, aerosols, etc. If you feel ill or uncomfortable, consult your equipment provider and/or your physician immediately. If you are unable to communicate discomfort, you may require additional monitoring and or a distributed alarm system to convey the information about the discomfort and or the medical urgency to your responsible caregiver to avoid harm. Use only spare parts recommended by the manufacturer to ensure proper function and to avoid the risk of fire and burns. To avoid danger of choking or strangulation hazard, keep cords away from children and pets.

Rove 6, G3, G4, G5, Inogen, Inogen At Home, and Inogen One are trademarks of Inogen, Inc. The usage of any Inogen, Inc. trademarks is strictly forbidden without the prior consent of Inogen, Inc. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners or holders.

The Inogen ® portable oxygen concentrators are available by prescription only. For safe and proper use of the Inogen ® devices, please refer to https://www.inogen.com/support/inogen-manuals/

Inogen, Inc. 859 Ward Drive, Suite 200, Goleta, CA 93111

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Oxygen Therapy: Traveling with Oxygen

It may take more planning, but many people successfully travel while using oxygen therapy. Learn some key points to consider before you travel with oxygen.

• A compressed oxygen tank is oxygen gas stored in a tank under pressure. Small tanks can be carried.
• A liquid oxygen unit contains oxygen gas cooled to a very low temperature. Most tanks come with a portable unit that you can carry or pull on a cart.
• A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) takes in the air around you to concentrate oxygen and give you more of it. It uses electricity from a battery or by plugging into an outlet.
• You can use an FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrator (POC). Some airlines offer in-flight oxygen for a fee.
• You can’t use compressed gas or liquid oxygen on the plane.
• When you make your reservation, tell the airline that you’ll be using oxygen during the flight. You may need to send paperwork from your doctor or fill out the airline’s medical form.
• Bring extra POC batteries and your own nasal prongs.
• If you will be using the airline’s oxygen system, keep in mind that it’s only on the plane, not throughout the airport.
• Arrange for oxygen supplies during layovers and at your destination.
• Call the local bus or train office at least three days before you depart. Tell them that you’re traveling with oxygen. Ask about their policies. Most bus or train companies allow personal oxygen devices onboard.
• Bring extra oxygen units as baggage, if allowed.
• Carry your oxygen prescription with you.
• Place the oxygen unit upright. Put it on the floor or on the seat beside you. Secure the unit with a seat belt.
• Don’t smoke or let anyone else smoke in the car.
• Keep the windows open at least a crack so air can circulate.
• Don’t leave oxygen units in a hot car.
• When you book your cruise, tell the cruise company that you’ll be traveling with oxygen. Most cruise lines require a four- to six-week notice to travel with oxygen.
• Ask your healthcare provider to give the cruise company a letter that includes a brief health history and your oxygen prescription.
• Work with your oxygen supplier to have oxygen units sent to the cruise ship before you depart. Ask the supplier to tell you how many tanks you’ll need at ports of call. The supplier may be able to arrange those for you.
• Search online for special cruises for people on oxygen.
• Being around crowds can increase your risk of getting sick. Consider wearing a mask when you’re not using your oxygen. Wash your hands often. Don’t use alcohol-based hand sanitizers because they are flammable.
• If you are traveling out of the country, take extra precautions to understand airline policies. If you use a POC, make sure you have the right electrical adapter so you can plug it in.
• Work with a travel agent to help make plans for any travel abroad.
• If you have trouble breathing, appear pale or blue or have chest pain, seek medical attention right away.

If you use oxygen, make sure you know where you are getting oxygen during each leg of your trip.

You are not alone.

Many people with lung disease use oxygen. There are several ways you can connect with other people and lung disease experts to help you get started with oxygen:

• Call our free Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit  Lung.org/helpline  to talk with a medical professional.
• Get started with a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Trained respiratory therapists can help answer your questions about oxygen and teach you how to stay active. 
• Better Breathers Club . In-person or virtual meetings led by trained facilitators that offer educational and supportive connections.
• Patient & Caregiver Network . Nationwide, online patient support program providing direct access to education, support and connection to others also living with lung disease.
• Connect with other patients facing lung disease in one of our free online support communities .

Page last updated: November 17, 2022

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O2 roaming explained for international & EU countries

You can roam and use O2 within most countries around the world.

You can use your regular allowance for free within 48 European countries, with a data fair usage policy of 25GB per month.

With selected O2 Refresh, O2 SIM only plans and Volt plans, you also get the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On for free, which allows you to use unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts in 27 international destinations outside the EU.

Alternatively, all O2 mobile customers can get the O2 Travel Bolt On for £6 per day, which gives you unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts in 63 international destinations outside the EU.

What's the best O2 SIM for roaming?

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You can use your allowance for free within the EU with all O2 SIMs .

You can find the cheapest O2 SIM Only deals by using our comparison tools. O2 SIMs will work with all phones, including the latest Samsung Galaxy S24 and Apple iPhone 15 .

With O2 Europe Zone, you can continue to roam for free and use your allowance within the EU.

O2 Europe Zone is included with all plans at no additional cost.

O2 are one of the few networks which will not introduce charges for roaming within the EU after Brexit .

In accordance with the fair usage policy, if your regular allowance is greater than 25GB, you cannot exceed 25GB per month when roaming in the EU.

If you go over your regular allowance, or you exceed the fair usage policy of 25GB per month, you will be charged £3.50 for each additional GB you use when roaming in the EU.

You must also be considered a permanent UK resident. You cannot roam within qualifying European countries for excessive or consecutive periods at a time.

You can use your allowance for free within 48 European destinations:

• Canary Islands
• Czech Republic
• French Guiana
• Isle of Man
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Martin
• Switzerland
• Vatican City

With the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, you will get unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts within 27 international countries.

The O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On is included at no additional cost with selected O2 Refresh, O2 SIM only plans and Volt plans. It is not included with any 30 day SIM only plans or pay as you go plans.

If your plan doesn't include the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On for free, you can choose it as your O2 Extra with the following plans:

There is no fair usage policy on the amount of data you can use - you get unlimited data. However, excessive usage may see your data speeds temporarily restricted.

The following 27 international countries are covered by the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On:

• El Salvador
• New Zealand
• United States

If you’re not eligible for the free O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, you cannot pay for it. However, you can purchase the similar O2 Travel Bolt On, which covers 63 international destinations for £6 per day. See below for more information.

The O2 Travel Bolt On is available for £6 per day, and covers 63 international destinations.

Similar to the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, you get unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts. However, there is a 2Mbps speed limit in place.

You can get the O2 Travel Bolt On by texting TRAVEL to 23336 or by enabling it via your O2 account.

The £6 daily fee will automatically be charged when you use mobile data, make a call or send a text message. Using Wi-Fi or receiving calls and texts will not trigger the charge.

The moment the charge is triggered, you'll have access for 24 hours, until the trigger resets. There are no limits on the amount of consecutive days you can trigger the Bolt On.

It is important to note you must enable the O2 Travel Bolt On before you use data, make a call or send a text. If you don't enable the Bolt On, you won't be charged the £6 daily fee - instead, you will be charged at a standard roaming rate, which can be expensive.

There is no fair usage policy on the amount of data you can use - you get unlimited data. However, there is a 2Mbps speed limit in place.

The O2 Travel Bolt On works in the following 63 destinations:

• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic
• Netherlands Antilles
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• South Africa
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks & Caicos
• United Arab Emirates

The O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On is free with selected O2 Refresh, O2 SIM only plans and Volt plans. It works in 27 international countries. You cannot buy the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On if you are not eligible for free, however you can choose it as an O2 Extra with select tariffs.

On the other hand, the O2 Travel Bolt On is available to all pay monthly customers for £6 per day and works in 63 international destinations.

Both Bolt Ons give you unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts. However, the O2 Travel Bolt On comes with a 2Mbps speed limit.

If you’re using your allowance for free within O2’s Europe Zone, you cannot exceed 25GB data per month if your regular allowance is greater than this amount. If you go over this limit, you will be charged £3.50 per GB until your allowance resets during the next month.

In addition, you cannot roam within the O2 Europe Zone for more than 63 days within a 4 month period - the offer is not intended for extended holidays. If O2 thinks you are abusing the free EU roaming policy, you will be given a 2 week notice, before a surcharge is applied:

The surcharge will be dropped when you return and stay in the UK for a reasonable time.

For the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, there is no fair usage policy on the amount of data you can use, however O2 states they may implement a temporary speed limit if your usage is deemed excessive. The O2 Travel Bolt On does not have a fair usage policy, however there is a permanent 2Mbps speed limit in place at all times.

If you exceed your data allowance or go over the 25GB limit when roaming for free in the Europe Zone, you will be charged £3.50 per GB, until your plan resets during the next month.

If you don't have an roaming Bolt On when travelling outside of Europe, or you're not in an eligible country, you will charged at a standard out of plan rate.

The out of plan rate is typically expensive, and varies between countries. For full charges, see O2 roaming rates

The following shows the O2 out of plan rates within a few international destinations.

No, 5G is only available within the UK with O2 . The maximum signal you can get when roaming with O2 is 4G.

Yes, all O2 customers can use their regular allowance for free with O2 Europe Zone, covering 48 European destinations.

Before roaming with O2 , you must enable roaming in your phone’s settings.

For Android users:

• Go to Settings
• Go to Connections -> Mobile networks -> Roaming
• Enable Data roaming

For iPhone users:

• Go to Mobile data -> Mobile Data Options
• Enable Data Roaming

If you're roaming in the EU and go over your data allowance or the 25GB limit, you will be charged £3.50 per GB until your plan resets at the next month.

Yes, you can tether to as many devices as you like when roaming with O2 . Any regular data limitations that apply when roaming will also apply when tethering while roaming.

The O2 Travel Bolt On is available with all pay monthly plans for £6 per day. You can get the O2 Travel Bolt On by texting TRAVEL to 23336 . Alternatively, you can purchase the Bolt On through your O2 account.

The O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On is available for free on selected O2 Refresh, O2 SIM only contracts and Volt plans. You may also choose it for free as an O2 Extra, with eligible plans.

Both Bolt Ons come with unlimited data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts. However, they each cover different destinations.

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How does roaming work on O2?

Before you jump on a plane or a ferry, it pays to know exactly what the score is when you use your O2 (or Virgin Mobile) SIM in a country other than the UK. Do calls, text and data come out of your allowances or will you be slapped with a hefty bill just for checking Facebook?

We’ve got all the answers you need.

Can I roam on my O2 SIM?

Yes. But whether or not you’ll be charged depends upon where you’re going, how you pay and also which tariff you’re on.

O2 Travel is what you need to use your calls, text and data abroad, and you can log into your O2 account to see whether you have it as part of your package. Alternatively, dial 202 on your phone and just ask the customer service team.

To opt into O2 Travel, sign in to My O2 and then add the O2 Travel Bolt On. It doesn’t cost anything to do this: you will only be charged if you trigger the Bolt On by making a call, sending a text or using data in a country that’s outside of the Europe Zone .

Despite having removed them in 2017, following Brexit, three of the big four UK carriers reintroduced roaming charges across the EU. However, on 10 January 2022, Virgin Media O2 ‘s Chief Commercial Officer for Mobile, Gareth Turpin, confirmed that “we [Virgin Media O2] will not be reintroducing roaming fees in Europe for customers on O2 or Virgin Mobile.”

This means O2 (and Virgin Mobile) customers are in the best position, in terms of European roaming charges are concerned, as they don’t have really worry about them.

Note: Don’t forget to enable data roaming in your phone’s settings, otherwise, your apps and browsers will tell you there’s no internet connection.

Roaming in Europe

If you’re heading to Europe, great news. You don’t need to worry as your phone will work just like it does in the UK. Any calls or texts you make will come out of your normal allowance, and the same goes for data from your bundle.

Just check O2’s Europe Zone to make sure your destination country is included.

If you’re on a pay-as-you-go bundle, check out the included countries here (the list is different to the Pay Monthly list). Note that Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Monaco and Switzerland are excluded for PAYG customers. You can get 100MB of data for these destinations for £1.99 per day.

Also, note that using mobile data on a cruise ship isn’t covered, but you should be able to use the ship’s own Wi-Fi. Making and receiving calls on a ship costs £2 a minute, and sending each text costs 50p.

Roaming outside Europe

If you have a tariff that gives you free O2 Travel in the Inclusive Zone, the following countries are included and you won’t be charged for calls, texts or data as long as you don’t go over your usual allowance:

• El Salvador
• New Zealand
• United States

If you don’t have free O2 Travel on your tariff, then you’ll need to opt into O2 Travel (you can also do this by texting O2TRAVEL to 23336) before you head abroad.

You’ll be charged £4.99 per day, but only on the days that you ‘trigger’ the Bolt On. That means the first call you make, text you send or data you use will start O2 Travel for that day, which runs from midnight to midnight based on the capital city of the country you’re in.

What does O2 Travel include?

For your £4.99 per day, which you’ll be billed if you’re not eligible for the ‘Inclusive Zone’ or Europe, you get 120 minutes, 120 text and unlimited data.

O2 says there’s no cap on data at all, but that “speeds may vary” which, reading between the lines, means you’ll see a slow-down in your connection speed if you’re using more than the amount in O2’s fair use policy.

Is O2 good value for roaming?

Considering EE, Three and Vodafone have all reintroduced roaming charges – even within Europe – since Brexit went into effect, Virgin Media O2’s decision to abstain from reintroducing them is a huge win for customers; especially those who like to travel and are likely to find themselves hopping around Europe.

If you’re off to a destination where you can’t use your allowances, you might be able to get a better deal than the £4.99 per day charge for O2 Travel.

Pop into a phone shop – or pre-book online – and pick up a local pre-pay SIM when you arrive at your destination. This is often a way to use your phone – especially mobile data – for a much-reduced cost. Some operators even sell ‘tourist SIMs’ for exactly this reason. Do your research before you go and you could save a lot.

There are disadvantages of doing this, including the fact that people won’t be able to call you on your normal number while you’re using a different SIM. Of course, if you have a dual-SIM phone, then that’s not an issue, but do watch out if you intend to keep your O2 SIM in a phone, so people can contact you, as you might be charged for receiving calls and texts if you’re outside of the inclusive zones.

If you have SIMs with other operators, check out our other guides:

• What you need to know about roaming on EE
• What you need to know about roaming on Vodafone
• What you need to know about roaming on Three

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Traveling with Supplemental Oxygen

Planning ahead when you need to take oxygen on a trip

Before Your Trip

Altitude and oxygen needs.

• Regulations on Airplanes

If you have a condition such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and are planning to travel, you may need to take supplemental oxygen with you. When you are traveling on an airplane, by train, or on a bus, or staying in a hotel, you need to be aware of considerations and possible restrictions.

As you prepare for a trip with supplemental oxygen, check that your equipment and devices are permitted for use during your travel and at your destination. Be sure to ask whether you will have space and be afforded accommodations to use your device.

Prepare for your travels by bringing batteries or chargers to power your equipment. Keep in mind that international destinations and cruise ships may have power outlet configurations that do not match the ones you are used to.

When you are traveling with oxygen , it is important to plan ahead. It is a good idea to schedule a pre-trip medical examination, especially if you will be traveling on an airplane, hiking, staying at a high elevation (such as on a mountain), leaving the country, or going away for a long period of time.

Obtain a letter of medical necessity from your healthcare provider during your pre-trip medical exam. Most airlines require that this letter include your healthcare provider's contact information, a statement about your specific condition, healthcare provider approval for air travel, and confirmation that you require supplemental oxygen, as well as the flow rate and duration of use. You may need to present it when you go through airport security, board your plane, go through customs, and/or at your hotel if you need to stay in a specially accommodated room.

Don't forget to pack all of your regular medications in your carry-on luggage and, if needed, to bring an adequate supply of COPD rescue inhalers with you throughout your trip.

It's always a good idea to keep any medications in their original containers so that you will get the right treatment in case of an emergency.

A high altitude may change the oxygen pressure around you—essentially increasing your oxygen requirement. This doesn't have a significant effect on most people, but if you have a pulmonary disease, a slight change in oxygen pressure can make you feel short of breath.

Your healthcare provider may change your prescription for oxygen supplementation if you are staying at a high elevation or flying during your travels. In fact, some people who do not regularly need to use supplemental oxygen might need to use it only in these circumstances.

Supplemental Oxygen on Airplanes: Regulations

When making an airline reservation, be sure to ask about specific regulations and restrictions that may apply when carrying oxygen onboard your flight. 

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel Act, oxygen-dependent passengers may now carry their own Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved, battery-powered portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) onboard U.S. domestic and international flights with 19 or more passenger seats, beginning or ending in the United States.

The policy states that:

• Airlines must permit a passenger to use his/her POC during the flight if it is labeled as FAA-approved.
• Airlines may not charge for providing accommodations required by the rule, such as hazardous materials packaging for batteries.
• Airlines may charge for optional services such as providing oxygen.

Assistive devices do not count against any limit on the number of pieces of carry-on baggage, and they have priority over other items for storage in the baggage compartment.

In addition to POCs, respiratory assistive devices also include nebulizers, respirators, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. Liquids associated with a nebulizer are exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Compressed oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen are not allowed on airplanes.

FAA-Approved POCs

POCs are permitted on flights only if they are approved by the FAA. Consider renting your POC from an oxygen supply company if you don't typically need oxygen, or if the device you regularly use is not FAA-approved.

According to the FAA, the following devices are approved to carry on board your flight:

• AirSep FreeStyle  
• AirSep LifeStyle 
• AirSep Focus  
• AirSep Freestyle 5 
• (Caire) SeQual eQuinox Oxygen System (model 4000)  
• Delphi RS-00400 / Oxus RS-00400  
• DeVilbiss Healthcare iGo  
• Inogen One G2  
• lnogen One G3 
• lnova Labs LifeChoice Activox 
• International Biophysics LifeChoice / lnova Labs LifeChoice  
• Invacare XPO2 / XPO 100
• Invacare Solo2  
• Oxylife Independence Oxygen Concentrator 
• Precision Medical EasyPulse 
• Respironics EverGo  
• Respironics SimplyGo  
• SeQual Eclipse  
• SeQual SAROS  
• VBox (3B Medical) Trooper (Aer X) Oxygen Concentrator

For more information about FAA requirements for traveling with oxygen by airplane, visit the FAA website . 

World Standards. Plug and socket types .

European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients Associations. Enabling air travel with oxygen in Europe: an EFA booklet for patients with chronic respiratory disease .

Federal Aviation Administration. Acceptance criteria for portable oxygen concentrators .

Stoller JK.  Patient education: supplemental oxygen on commercial airlines (Beyond the Basics) .

Transporation Security Administration. Disabilities and medical conditions: respiratory equipment . 

US Department of Transportation. Passengers with disabilities: about the Air Carrier Access Act .

By Deborah Leader, RN  Deborah Leader RN, PHN, is a registered nurse and medical writer who focuses on COPD.

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O2 Travel International Roaming Review: Countries, Speeds & Fair Usage

On O2, you can use your mobile phone abroad at no extra cost in up to 75 destinations, depending on your price plan.

The countries in which you’re able to use the O2 Travel offer depends on the price plan you have. On O2’s Pay As You Go plans, you’ll have access to international roaming at no extra cost in 43 European destinations. This increases to 48 destinations on Pay Monthly plans, and to 75 destinations on Pay Monthly Plus (and on regular Pay Monthly plans if you’re living in a Virgin Media household ).

In this article, we’ll review the O2 Travel offer including the countries where you’re able to use it and how much it will cost. We’ll also look at data speeds when abroad, the fair usage policy on O2 Travel and alternative roaming offers from other networks. Finally, we’ll look at how you can keep your current phone number if you’re moving to O2 to take advantage of their O2 Travel offer.

• 1.1 O2 Europe Zone Countries
• 1.2 O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Countries
• 1.3 O2 Travel Countries
• 2 Roaming Speeds
• 3.1 Within Europe
• 3.2 Outside Europe
• 4 Keeping Your Phone Number
• 5 More Information

What is O2 Travel?

On most O2 price plans, it’s possible to use your mobile phone abroad when travelling to other countries. The destinations that are included within the O2 Travel offer depend on the type of price plan you have:

For customers with an O2 mobile broadband plan , the O2 Travel offer isn’t currently available. This is because international roaming is not available on O2’s mobile broadband service.

O2 Europe Zone Countries

The following destinations are part of O2’s European roaming zone (locations marked with a † are only available on Pay Monthly plans) :

• Canary Islands
• Czech Republic
• French Guiana
• Isle of Man†
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Martin
• Switzerland†
• Vatican City

† If you’re an O2 Pay As You Go customer, inclusive roaming is not available in 5 European destinations (Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Monaco and Switzerland). Instead, you’ll need to pay £1.99/day for up to 100MB of data in these countries.

Within Europe, you’re able to use your inclusive minutes and texts to contact any other number within O2’s Europe Zone. Your usage of European roaming is subject to the fair usage policy described here : the most important being that it should only be used “for periodic travel, like holidays or short breaks”. If you use your mobile phone abroad for 63 days or more in any four-month period, O2 reserves the right to apply a regulated surcharge to your usage (currently 3.3p/minute, 1p/text and £3.50/GB).

You’ll be able to use up to 25GB data per month when abroad (or less if your normal UK data allowance is less than 25GB).

On O2’s Pay As You Go plans including Big Bundles , roaming is not included in Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Monaco or Switzerland. In these places, you can pay £1.99/day for 100MB of data.

O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Countries

Within O2’s Travel Inclusive Zone countries, you’ll get unlimited minutes, texts and data when abroad in the following destinations:

• El Salvador
• New Zealand
• United States

There’s traffic management applied when you’re abroad, so your download speeds could be slowed down, depending on your usage.

O2 Travel Countries

You can use the £6 per day O2 Travel offer in all of the following destinations:

• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Costa Rica*
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador*
• Madagascar*
• Netherlands Antilles
• New Zealand*
• Saint Lucia
• South Africa
• St Kitts & Nevis
• St Vincent & the Grenadines
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Turks & Caicos islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United States*

* This country is also part of the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone offer. If your tariff includes this offer, you won’t need to pay the £4.99/day charge.

To opt-in to the O2 Travel offer, text TRAVEL to 23336. It can take up to 24 hours for O2 Travel to be enabled on your account so it’s best to opt-in before departing on your trip. To opt-out of the offer and to pay O2’s standard international roaming rates instead, text NOTRAVEL to 23336.

The £6 per day O2 Travel offer isn’t available to customers on O2 Pay As You Go .

Roaming Speeds

According to their terms and conditions , there’s now a download speed limit of 2Mbps when you’re travelling abroad in other countries. This has applied from June 2022.

The 2Mbps speed limit should be enough for most day-to-day use such as browsing the web, sending messages and using social media. It’s also enough for things like maps and for listening to music. If you’re streaming online video, it should be possible to stream in standard-definition. However, it won’t be possible to stream in HD quality.

Fair Usage Policy

O2 has a fair usage policy for their O2 Travel international roaming service. The fair usage policy depends on whether you’re travelling to another European country or to a country outside of Europe.

Within Europe

According to O2’s terms and conditions , a surcharge may be applied for your usage if you spend more 63 days abroad in Europe over a rolling 4-month period. If you exceed the 63-day limit, O2 should give you the opportunity to demonstrate prevailing use in the UK. They should also give you two weeks notice before a surcharge is applied at a rate of 3.3p/minute, 1p/text and £4.50/GB of data.

Outside Europe

• The download speeds available for file transfer, online gaming, peer-to-peer downloads and network backup services is restricted. According to O2, these services “may not work with O2 Travel”.
• Audio and video streaming optimisation are in use. This may reduce the quality of your streaming content when abroad.
• The use of tethering and personal hotspot is not permitted in O2 Travel countries. This means you’re unable to share your data connection with other devices.
• When using O2 Travel outside Europe, your SIM card can only be used inside a smartphone.

Keeping Your Phone Number

If you’re joining O2 to take advantage of their O2 Travel offer, it’s a straightforward process to keep your current phone number .

To do so, ask your current mobile network to provide you with a PAC Code . You can get this through your mobile network’s website or app, or by texting PAC to 65075.

Once you’ve received the PAC Code from your old network, order your new mobile phone or SIM card from the O2 website. When it arrives, you can provide the PAC Code to O2 by submitting it through this online form . Your phone number transfer will then be scheduled by O2, normally for the next working day.

For a step-by-step guide on moving your phone number to O2 , please select your current mobile network from the drop down menu below:

Select your current mobile network:

Your current mobile network... BT Mobile EE giffgaff O2 Sky Mobile Three Virgin Mobile Vodafone 1pMobile ASDA Mobile Honest Mobile iD Mobile Lebara Mobile Lycamobile Orange Plusnet Mobile Smarty Superdrug Mobile Talk Home Talkmobile TalkTalk Mobile Tesco Mobile T-Mobile Vectone Mobile VOXI

   More Options

More Information

For more information about O2 Travel, please see O2’s official website .

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TRAV E LO2    is not an internet based business.   We are a worldwide oxygen provider with agents already in place in over 215 countries so you can travel safely and with confidence.   Our website is designed as an information and training tool to provide oxygen dependent travelers, travel agents and other interested parties with up-to-date and reliable information to make informed decisions about Oxygen and Durable Medical Equipment needs away from home.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Where is the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone? Phone provider’s data policy explained

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We’ve all been there – the plane lands, you whip out your phone and then feel a moment of panic over whether to turn on data roaming.

Let alone agonising over how much it will cost to call home.

Depending on your contract, and your network, using your phone on holiday can be just the same as at home – or very pricey.

It’s all got so much more complicated since Brexit , as some companies reintroduced roaming charges .

The trick is to get clued up and sorted before you go, so there are no unexpected surprises.

Because when you’re hitting the beach for some much-needed R&R , fretting about your phone bill will just pile on the stress.

So if you’re on the O2 network, what’s included – and what isn’t?

Here’s what you need to know.

Is O2 free in Europe?

In its Europe Zone, O2 contracts work as they do in the UK – so you’ll get the same number of minutes, texts and the same data allowance (up to a limit of 25GB). You can use this for up to 63 days in any four-month period – more than this will trigger a ‘fair usage’ text and after that you could be charged £3.50 per GB for data, 3.3p per minute for calls and 1p per text.

If your data allowance is more than 25GB in the UK, it will be capped at that level in Europe – you can use more, but you’ll have to pay for it.

The Europe Zone also applies to pay-as-you-go – data will come out of your allowance or be charged as it would in the UK.

Note that a handful of Europe Zone destinations on pay-as-you-go are slightly different: in Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Monaco or Switzerland, you can buy a travel bolt-on £1.99 for 100MB of data, texts are 1p and calls within these countries or back to the UK for 4p a minute.

Countries in the O2 Europe roaming zone are:

• Canary Islands
• Cyprus* (excluding Northern Cyprus)
• Czech Republic
• French Guiana
• Isle of Man
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Martin
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City  

What’s the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone?

The ‘Travel Inclusive Zone’ is a list of 27 countries outside of the Europe Zone.

Countries in the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone are:

• El Salvador
• New Zealand
• United States

Who can get the Travel Inclusive zone?

It’s offered as a bolt-on on certain O2 Selected Plus Plans (including pay monthly and 12 and 24-month sim-only) to cover unlimited minutes, texts and data roaming in these areas (with no cap on the data).

It’s not available on 30-day sim-only tariffs or on pay-as-you-go.

What about outside the Travel Inclusive zone?

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If you’re travelling outside of the Europe Zone and do not have the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On, then if you’re on pay monthly you can buy the the O2 Travel Bolt On for £6 a day which gives unlimited minutes, texts and data in selected destinations.

O2 has a dedicated page where you can check to see if the country you’re visiting is covered. You can add the bolt-on by texting TRAVELON to 21300.

For pay as you go, it’s not offered, so you’ll be charged international roaming rates outside of the Europe Zone.

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You can check international roaming rates on O2’s dedicated page – in the US, for example, data is a whopping £7.20 per MB on pay-as-you-go, and calls cost £2 a minute to make and receive.

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O2 international roaming FAQ

Staying connected while travelling abroad can be tricky and often costly. However, O2 has one of the most extensive international roaming policies of the UK's major networks – helping them to make the most of their mobile services while overseas.

EU roaming without charges

One of the standout features of O2's international roaming policy is its commitment to providing EU roaming without additional charges. Currently, O2 is the only major network operator that has continued to offer EU roaming without fees for data, calls, and texts up to 25GB. This means customers can use their mobile phones just like they would in the UK when travelling to any of the 48 destinations within O2's Europe Zone.

Those 48 destinations are:

Canary Islands

Czech Republic

French Guiana

Isle of Man

Liechtenstein

Netherlands

Saint Barthelemy

Saint Martin

Switzerland

United Kingdom

Vatican City

O2 Fair Usage Limit

To ensure international roaming remains fair for all users, O2 has implemented a Fair Usage Limit (FUP). This limit is designed to prevent continuous and excessive use of services outside the UK in its Europe Zone. 

Customers can use O2's services for periodic travel, such as holidays or short breaks. However, if you use O2’s services outside the UK in the Europe Zone for 63 or more days within any four-month period – and cannot demonstrate significant use or presence in the UK – charges may apply after two weeks. The charges for Pay Monthly customers include £3.50/GB for data, 3.3p/minute for calls, and 1p/text.

Roaming limits for O2 tariffs

The roaming limits differ based on the customer's monthly data allowance:

Tariffs with more than 25GB of monthly data: Customers with a UK monthly data allowance exceeding 25GB will have a roaming limit of 25GB within the Europe Zone. Once the limit is reached, customers can still use data, but they will be charged £3.50 per additional gigabyte until they return to the UK, use up their UK data allowance, or reach their next bill cycle.

Tariffs with 25GB or less of monthly data: These tariffs are not subject to the 25GB roaming limit within the Europe Zone. However, customers who exhaust their UK data allowance while roaming abroad will need to purchase a data Bolt On to continue using data. 

What's included and not included

O2's international roaming policy includes making calls and sending texts within the Europe Zone (excluding the UK), receiving calls and texts in the Europe Zone, and using your monthly data allowance while in the Europe Zone. 

However, it does not include making calls or sending texts from the UK to countries outside of the UK, making calls or sending texts to premium rate numbers, directory service numbers, and some non-geographic numbers. 

Additionally, mobile broadband tariffs are only valid for use within the UK, and mobile data usage while on a cruise ship is subject to separate charges.

O2 Travel Inclusive Zone and O2 Travel Bolt On

For travellers seeking even more extensive coverage and flexibility, O2 offers a couple of options:

1. O2 Travel Inclusive Zone

If you have a O2 Travel Inclusive Zone included in your tariff, you're in luck. This feature provides you with unlimited minutes, texts, and data roaming privileges in 27 destinations worldwide. Among the covered locations are popular destinations like the USA, Australia, and New Zealand, ensuring that you stay connected without worry during your international adventures. The full list of destinations included in the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone can be found here.  

2. O2 Travel Bolt On

If O2 Travel Inclusive Zone isn't part of your current plan you can still enjoy communication while abroad by adding the O2 Travel Bolt On to your account. For £6 per day Bolt On grants you unlimited minutes, texts, and data roaming access in 63 destinations worldwide. To explore the full list of destinations covered by the O2 Travel Bolt On, follow this link .

3. Virgin Media O2’s Volt

If you have a Virgin Media broadband connection and an O2 mobile contract, you can access the Inclusive Zone at no extra cost in all Plus Plans and Volt bundles which allows you unlimited data, texts and calls in 27 international destinations as well as in Europe. 

In the event that you're not eligible for O2 Travel Inclusive Zone and haven't opted for the O2 Travel Bolt On, or you find yourself roaming in a destination not encompassed by these services, O2's standard roaming rates will apply.

Read more...

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Condé Nast Traveler

9 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Barbados

Posted: August 7, 2023 | Last updated: August 7, 2023

Barbados has a wealth of culture and is known for having some of the most unspoiled beaches in the world, balmy weather year-round, and an outstanding culinary scene that celebrates its people’s heritage. The best all-inclusive resorts in Barbados provide an ideal home base for accessing all of this—plus a relaxing beach vacation . Picture filling up on fish cakes and breadfruit, posting up by the pool, and overlooking the Caribbean Sea, rum punch in hand—Barbados is the birthplace of the spirit, after all.

An all-inclusive option provides comparable amenities to the island’s best luxury hotels —such as the secluded beach access and top-notch service at Condé Nast Traveler favorites like Sandy Lane and Cobblers Cove . The all-inclusive point of difference, though, is its clear-cut, up-front price tag. And although all-inclusives sometimes get a bad rap, many are just as luxurious as their resort-style sisters. Take the fall 2023 opening of Sam Lord’s Castle : The upscale Wyndham Grand Resort, with an eco-luxury focus, will offer each of its 422 guest rooms and suites as all-inclusive packages only.

The best all-inclusive resorts in Barbados offer something for everyone, from photo-worthy Crane Resort , with its cascading cliff-top pools, to family-friendly Sugar Bay Barbados , a short walk from Bridgetown’s iconic boardwalk. Read on to discover your next all-inclusive getaway.

Top amenities included: Rooftop restaurant, saltwater pool, non-motorized water sports What’s nearby: Walkable to lively Worthing and Rockley beaches

The most modern spot on this list, the Sands’ 87 rooms are housed in white-and-blue-glass structures with spacious patios and a sleek saltwater rectangle pool running the length of the property, pointing toward the ocean. The on-site spa is spectacular with a variety of treatments for the whole family, including special pampering options for the kiddos. While the resort only has two restaurants, both offer elevated takes on Caribbean dishes. The rooftop Restaurant Noir takes things into the fine-dining territory with options like the sous vide rack of lamb and six-hour roasted sweet potato with confit carrots.

Book now at Expedia

Book now at Hotels.com

Coconut Court Beach Hotel

Top amenities included: On-property white sand beach, snorkeling What’s nearby: Tour of the historic horse racing establishment Garrison Savannah

Newly offering all-inclusive packages as of last May, this second generation, family-operated hotel is located on the lively south coast of Barbados. Since 1975 the Blades family has created a proudly “island time” environment for those seeking to escape to a quintessential tropical getaway. The property is located on a protected lagoon which offers safe swimming and snorkeling conditions, full of sea turtles and colorful coral reefs. There are three dining options: Cocos, which serves up Caribbean favorites; a dive-y bar and grill called Jake’s; and Captain Charlie’s, which guests call “the friendliest beach bar in Barbados.”

Book now at Booking.com

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The O2 Beach Club & Spa

Top amenities included: Chef-driven dining, mixologist-prepared cocktails, modern design What’s nearby: The O2 Beach Club & Spa is in St. Lawrence Gap, a popular area for shopping, dining, nightlife—don't miss the rotis as Lisa's Doubles

This chic all-inclusive resort made its debut in 2021, showing off pops of vibrant colors in the modern lobby and room designs. The O2 Beach Club & Spa is a food lover’s paradise with five chef-driven dining options, along with a “culinary concierge,” whose entire job is to provide and recommend the best dining experiences in Barbados. Cool off in one of the property’s three pools: an adults-only lazy river, the main pool with its two swim-up bars, or the rooftop splash pool where you can grab a drink while you watch the sunset.

The Crane Resort

Top amenities included: Private entrance to property’s exclusive beach, access to five distinct pools What’s nearby: Lush landscape and rugged coastlines just steps away from the resort

This resort, founded in 1887, is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the entire Caribbean. There are several pools that cascade along the cliff top overlooking the ocean, and down below, Crane Resort guests have a private entrance to the powdery pink sand and the beach club. On the historic grounds are six restaurants ranging from contemporary Caribbean to southern Italian. Bar 1887 stands out for its homey environment with a wraparound veranda serving up nightly live entertainment and signature cocktails, including the infamous Crane Rum Punch. Between dips at the pool and exploring the island, the Serenity Spa offers a large range of treatments to kick back while the kids meet new friends at their own club.

Top amenities included: Wedding and honeymoon packages, sailing, daily yoga What’s nearby: Paynes Bay Beach, the best sunset in town

Those looking for an idyllic romantic hideaway should opt for this St. James all-inclusive. The relatively small 34-room property specializes in honeymoon and wedding packages and has a stunning beachfront location and lots of private areas to sneak away to. The wedding experts at The House make it incredibly easy to plan any type of wedding, from an elopement to a full buy-out of the resort. There are many venue options, packages, and communication channels for couples to use from planning stages to the big day—an ideal way to create a seamless destination wedding . For those not celebrating milestone romantic moments, The House is still a great option with a spa, water sports, and a great dining program which allows guests to go to any restaurant at Elegant Hotels around the island as part of the all-inclusive offering.

Book now at Marriott

Tamarind by Elegant Hotels

Top amenities included: Horseback riding on the beach, tailored food excursions What’s nearby: Folkestone Marine Park & Visitors' Center, featuring an artificial reef for snorkeling and a small aquarium

Located on the island’s west coast, the look of the rooms and lobby at Tamarind by Elegant Hotels feels more like a hotel in the Mediterranean than in the Caribbean. But where the Bajan spirit really comes alive is in this property’s programming—ranging from private tours of the island and horseback riding on the beach to tailored food excursions. There’s also an array of water sports, three dining venues, and a large wellness program.

The Club Barbados

Top amenities included: Water sports, rum tastings, on-site piano bar What’s nearby: Sandy Lane’s three golf courses, all bookable in advance

You won’t get bored at this adults-only paradise on Barbados’ west coast. Included in the all-inclusive package is kayaking, paddle boarding, Hobie catamaran sailing, dance classes, rum tastings, and cooking classes—and that’s just scratching the surface. When you want a break, lounge at the spa, beach bar, or central pool, which will always have a good vibe without cannonballing children. Each of the 160 guest rooms offers spacious accommodations with garden or ocean views, and don’t miss the lively piano bar where guests sing along to classic oldies.

Sandals Royal Barbados

Top amenities included: 10 restaurants, butler service, romance packages What’s nearby: Maxwell Beach—try the PADI certified scuba diving lessons

The Sandals Royal Barbados is an all-suite resort with over-the-top amenities that include butler service and chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce transfers. In addition to an extensive list of restaurants (there are 10, not including the nearby Sandals Barbados’ other 11 dining venues which are also included in the package) and excursion opportunities, the resort is doing its part to give back to the community. Partnering with the non-profit Pack for a Purpose , the Sandals Royal Barbados collaborates with local schools to bring supplies to children as well as training to the teachers. Guests can get in on the action by donating items, such as book bags, colored pencils, solar lantern lights, flash cards, and books.

Book now at Sandals

Sugar Bay Barbados

Top amenities included: Kids’ and teens’ clubs, on-site natural lagoon What’s nearby: Bridgetown’s south coast boardwalk, UNESCO Historic Garrison

The all-inclusive Sugar Bay Barbados is designed for families and multi-generational travel. Located a sandal-toss from the beach, as well as a short walk from Bridgetown’s South Coast Boardwalk, there are plenty of things to do for the whole family. The resort offers children under three a free stay, along with the first child from age four to 16. If parents want to explore on their own, a kids club, teen clubhouse, nursery, and babysitting services are all available.

For more ideas, take a look at our readers' favorite Caribbean resorts .

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At 93, he’s as fit as a 40-year-old. His body offers lessons on aging.

I've stayed in Airbnbs around the world by myself. My top tip for solo travelers is to book for 2 people — even if it costs more.

• I'm a frequent solo traveler who prefers to stay in Airbnbs over hotels. 
• When I book an Airbnb for a solo trip, I say it's for two people, so hosts don't know I'm alone. 
• Sometimes booking for two costs extra, but I'm willing to pay it because it makes me feel safer. 

Cozy cabins , unique tiny homes , luxury apartments — I've booked them all through Airbnb. 

As a travel reporter, I've stayed in accommodations around the world, from the US and Canada to Western Europe. I prefer staying in Airbnbs over hotels because they often bring me more unique experiences, such as sleeping in a treehouse in Canada and a livable barrel in Switzerland.

Usually, I travel solo . I've taken overnight trains in the US and Europe, spent seven nights on one of the world's largest cruise ships sailing the Caribbean Sea, and traveled by rail to Niagara Falls, Montréal, and Quebec City . On these trips, I explored new cities and unique accommodations — all by myself.

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Now that I'm a seasoned solo traveler , I have a lot of practices in place to ensure I feel as safe as possible when I'm traveling alone — especially in other countries.

When it comes to staying in Airbnbs solo, my best tip is to book accommodation for two people

When I make the reservation, I simply change the number of guests from one to two. Then, In my message to the host, I always say that I may have a friend joining me for my trip.

This way, my host doesn't think I'm traveling all by myself. Creating the illusion that I have someone else with me makes me feel more comfortable falling asleep at night in a stranger's place.

Booking for two sometimes comes with an additional fee, depending on the Airbnb.

For example, when I traveled to Rome and booked two nights in a livable art sculpture Airbnb , the price was $102 a night for one person and $145 a night for two people. In this case, my partner did end up joining me for the stay. But even if he hadn't, I would have been fine paying the additional fee to feel more secure about staying there alone. 

Solo travel can be daunting, especially when you're booking accommodation with an individual rather than directly through a company like you would at a hotel.

But after all my unique Airbnb experiences, I think it's worth booking them even when I'm alone. And booking for two makes me feel a little safer.  

Axel Springer, Insider Inc.'s parent company, is an investor in Airbnb.

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