Overview of recommendations for patients
Stage | Recommendation |
Planning air travel | Start to plan as far in advance of travel as possible |
Discuss other travel-related concerns with your doctor at an early stage (including medical insurance, other medications, oxygen therapy at destination, vaccinations, etc.) | |
Research airlines to understand different travel policies and restrictions; use ELF's Airline Index to help you [13] | |
Arrange a fit-to-fly assessment | |
Ask the airline what information is required on the medical certificate and arrange for this to be produced | |
When booking flights, choose an aisle seat that is close to the airplane door and toilets | |
Share the travel itinerary with the oxygen provider | |
Arrange oxygen supply for travel and at the destination | |
Contact airport assistance services to plan travel through airports and avoid fatigue | |
At the airport | Take print outs of relevant paperwork with you, including medical certificate copies and instructions and warranty for oxygen equipment |
Use assistance services | |
Make yourself known to airline employees at the gate, and ask to board first or last to avoid having to rush or queue | |
During the flight | Try to relax as much as possible once on the plane |
Keep the oxygen equipment instructions accessible in case they are needed | |
Remind the flight attendant about disembarking first or last | |
At the destination | Use airport assistance services at the destination airport |
Make your way to the pre-arranged drop-off point for the destination oxygen equipment as soon as possible |