It’s important to speak to your CF team well before you book a trip. They can advise you on whether you are well enough to travel. 

Your CF team can also help with planning your trip and provide any medical documents you may need for travel. 

It’s a good idea to choose a destination with a strong healthcare system, ideally one that has specialist CF centres. 

Before you travel, make sure you know where the nearest CF centres and hospitals are. 

You can find a full list of CF care centres around the Europe on the ECFS website and around the world on the Cystic Fibrosis Worldwide website.

It’s helpful to carry important health documents when you travel to avoid problems at the airport or border. 

You should bring: 

• A list of the medications needed (both brand and generic names) 

• A note explaining why you need each medication 

• A letter from the CF team or consultant explaining your condition, medicines, and any equipment you are carrying 

Having these documents ready can make travelling easier and less stressful. 

Medication and Equipment 

When preparing for your trip, it’s important to pack all the medications and equipment you will need, along with your prescriptions. 

It’s a good idea to bring extra medication in case of delays, lost luggage, or changes to your plans. Some medicines, such as newer CF treatments, are often given monthly, so you may need to order extra in advance from your pharmacist. 

You should also: 

• Bring extra enzymes, in case you eat richer or fattier meals while away 

• Carry a back-up antibiotic in case you become unwell 

• Be aware that some antibiotics can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so use high-factor sunscreen and protect your skin 

You may be able to claim back the cost of high-factor sunscreen through the HSE if you have a letter from your consultant. 

Keep all medications in their original, clearly labelled packaging. Store liquid medications in clear zip-lock bags. If any liquids are over 100ml, you will need a doctor’s letter. 

Always keep your medications and equipment in your carry-on (hand luggage), not in checked baggage, so they are with you at all times. 

Some airlines allow medical items in addition to your normal cabin baggage, but you should check their policy in advance. Be aware that arranging this can take time and may require extra documents, so it’s best to plan ahead. 

Before you travel, let airport staff know about any medications or medical equipment you are carrying. This can help things go more smoothly when going through security. It’s also a good idea to allow extra time at the airport in case there are any delays. 

Make sure you have arranged storage for medicines that need to be kept cool, both with the airline and at your accommodation. 

Bring the right plug adaptors and extension leads so you can use your medical equipment while abroad. 

Also, check the electricity voltage in your destination country. It may be different from Ireland, which could affect how your equipment works. 

When you are on a flight, the air has less oxygen, which can make it harder to breathe, especially if your lungs are not working well. 

If you need oxygen during a flight, contact your airline well in advance. Each airline has its own rules about carrying and using oxygen. 

You will usually need: 

• A prescription for oxygen 

• A medical form completed by your doctor or consultant 

This form may include details about your fitness to travel, how you use your oxygen equipment, and when you will need oxygen during the flight (such as take-off, cruising, or landing). These forms are often valid for up to one year. 

Some airlines provide oxygen for free or allow you to bring your own equipment, while others charge a fee. Because of this, it’s important to check with both your airline and your travel insurance provider in advance. 

You should also arrange oxygen supply for any stopovers and for your destination before you travel. 

Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently and bring alcohol based waterless hand sanitiser.

Make sure to keep cleaning and sterilising your nebs.

Dry and cover your nebs with paper towels. Some people bring a small baby bottle steriliser to clean and store nebs.

Beware of showerheads! Reports have found that cepacia and other bad bacteria tend to grow inside the warm moist environment of a showerhead.

Avoid food from unreliable sources such as street stalls and unpasteurised products.

Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption as PWCF are more susceptible to dehydration.

Bring a CF ID card in your wallet. These can be obtained from CF Ireland.

Ensure your have travel insurance and your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in place before travelling abroad.

Bring a copy of your travel insurance policy with you to ensure you have access to contact details and the policy number should any emergencies arise.

Put a small First Aid Bag Together. This could include;

• Motilium
• Imodium
• Pain killers
• Antiseptic cream
• Insect bite cream
• Plasters
• Dioralyte (hydration)
• Salt tablets (if going somewhere very hot)
• A thermometer strip for your forehead.