OXYGEN AND FLIGHTS - what extra cost

[carolg1]

I am thinking of taking a holiday in a nice warm climate in May/June but I am currently on sats of 92 oxygen therefore I have home oxygen of 2L up to 15 hourse per day, my consultant said I would definitely need oxygen if I flew anywhere, has anyone any idea of extra costs etc or any experience in this, I havnt had a holiday in years and I feel I need some sunshine in warmer climates. thanks x

[Toci]

It depends who you fly with. There are several companies which do not charge at all for in-flight oxygen, I think Virgin and Thomson are two of them. Perhaps British Airways too? Try the search facility for more.

[carolg1 in reply to Toci]

Thanks I will xx

[Toci in reply to carolg1]

You should to book through a travel agent (easiest) and make them aware, so that the oxygen can be ordered for you and confirmed before the flight. They usually only allow 1 oxygen-using passenger per flight so the earlier it is booked the better. Good luck.

[stone-UK]

BLF do a travel pack, includes all the information on airlines and there policy's .

Also speak to your oxygen provider, they will also have information. On equipment that is suitable and available.

blf.org.uk/Search?query=Tra...

[HuwieHex]

Are you asking about in-flight oxygen plus the provision of oxygen at your destination? For in-flight, yes the BLF pack is helpful. You will also need your Doctor to complete a "fitness to fly" declaration - known to Airlines as a Medif - and this must be submitted to, and accepted by, the Airline well in advance. If you need oxygen at your destination for your holiday then sometimes advance arrangements can be made within EU Countries. The BLF should be able to point you in the right direction. One thing that you must have is Travel Insurance and you must declare all medical conditions. This can make premiums unaffordable.

[Toci in reply to HuwieHex]

Mine has never been asked for well in advance. In fact, it has to be signed within a month of the flight being taken and is then handed in when checking in at the airport.

[HuwieHex in reply to Toci]

Which Airline? Policies vary.

[Toci in reply to HuwieHex]

There may be a variance but I have used a few and they have all been similar. In fact some require the letter to be signed within a fortnight of flying, so that they can be more sure that your fitness to fly rating is current, rather then several months old.

[HuwieHex in reply to Toci]

That is the total opposite of my experience when flying with BA.

[Toci in reply to HuwieHex]

I have used Thomson, Virgin and Monarch, and they are all as I said. Maybe British Airways do it differently.

[broadband1]

im like u same sats etc i had a oxy ass at the hospital told me i needed oxygen to fly i did a hol last min had no time to organize so i just went iwas fine my sats did drop to 87 in flight but i felt ok the main problem is oxygen at the resort can b expensive i didnt bother air malta is free as is virgin thompsons im told u can organize it through blf for free i will b enquiring as i want to go for 3 wks my sats went up to 97 the sea air does u the world of good have a great hol

[carolg1 in reply to broadband1]

that 97 sats sounds brill Im even more determined to go xx thanks

[morrid]

Avoid Ryan Air. They only give 250 minutes of O2 at 2 lpm and charge £100/ €100.

[morrid]

Also contact your home o2 supplier they can put you in touch with suppliers at your destination. Remember that no airline will allow you to take your own o2 bottles on flight but will allow portable concentrators if you can get one from your supplier. Make sure you check with airline well in advance.

[Sooki]

I passed the flight tests,and only need oxygen ambulatory,I have IPF and Emphysema ,but I could not get insurance cover with most insurers,when I did get a quote they wanted £350 for Spain,and a £1000 a week for the USA, and this was single trip only.If you fare any better please let me know,I am desperate for some warm weather.Thanks.

[Toci in reply to Sooki]

They seem to base their prices on two basic questions - how many inhalers do you use and have you been hospitalised in the last year. So, although I am stage 4 and an oxygen user, I only use 1 inhaler and have not been in hospital recently and the price I am quoted is always reasonable.

[Hidden]

It is true that many airlines do not charge for using oxygen provided by them whilst you are on board. As a frequent traveller, it is my experience that those that have not charged seem to be equipped with staff that know how to help you.

Unfortunately, I have experienced an ordeal that can only be described as such because the staff did not know what they were doing and the equipment was inefficient and very uncomfortable.i must add that I had paid £95 to endure, what I can only describe as horrific treatment and felt unwell and humiliated. However, when I have travelled with airlines that do not charge, the experience was entirely the opposite.