Long haul

[Lileve]

I have severe COPD and unstable angina is it safe for me to fly long haul?

[Caspiana]

Hello Lileve .

I think you would need a fit to fly test from your doctor. This is something your medical team would have to discern. I think it would be impossible for any of us here to advise.

Please speak with your doctor. If you are on oxygen you also need to consider on board oxygen and oxygen at your destination.

Sending best wishes.

Cas xx 🎶

[Lileve in reply to Caspiana]

Thank you for your reply. I will do what you suggest, thank you so much.

[MarieW-F]

Speak to your team. I have pulmonary fibrosis. Am relatively fit, my SATS are 97 at rest but my consultant will not let me fly. He says it’s too much risk but I know others with lung conditions that regularly fly long haul. A fit to fly test will see what your saturation’s are and whether you might need oxygen for the flight. Good luck

[hallentine47]

I also have severe COPD and Emphysema and projected lung capacity 23% and my consultant says "No Way" do I fly but you need a fit to fly test or a chat with your consultant.

Also worth considering as pointed out to me is if you do manage to fly out somewhere and then you get an infection you may not be able to return to easily.

[ArcherPaul]

Please follow the advice above and get a "Fitness To Fly" certificate. Many insurance companies will insist that you have this before they will quote.

Also, if you are successful and you get your "Fitness To Fly" certificate then be extremely careful which airline you choose to book with. My wife and I were traveling to Australia about 4 years ago. It was deemed by my medical team that I "might" have to use oxygen during the long haul flight. The airline that we were booking with, wanted to charge extra for the seat on which the oxygen bottle might sit - an extra £2,500! Many airlines will provide oxygen either free or at a minimal charge. Investigate this aspect before you book your flights.

Good luck

[Barney1947]

Whilst my copd is manageable i too regularly fly to mainly the canaries and spain o use tomson because if booked in advance with a fit to fly form signed by your gp is free however some airlines inc thomas cook charge £100 each way!