Flying with copd

[Bigz09]

Hi I want to fly I'm on home oxegen 2ltrs but trying to get a fit to fly seems like no one can tell me how I get 1 my dr won't do my respiratory nurse said she carnt do it does anyone know how I go about getting 1 thankyou

[Patk1]

Have u spoken to special assistance of company yr flying with,re 02 + anything they require from u x

[Bigz09 in reply to Patk1]

Hi no I haven't yet I will give them a ring iv not booked yet bit I no ot will be jet2 thankyou

[Patk1 in reply to Bigz09]

Yes do,so u know what they expect and if/how they can help you x

[Vespa1950]

I tried and failed last year. I got a fit to fly from my hospital but it only lasts 30 days so you have to do this and have a holiday booked to go and return in the 30 days.it’s impossible. Let alone the cost of insurance and oxygen abroad.

I’m now looking at cruising from uk.good luck.

[Bigz09 in reply to Vespa1950]

Thankyou

[PaulineHM]

Hi, travelling with 02 is quite a minefield ! Where are you planning on going ?

Are you using a POC ? If you are and it is one the FAA approve you should be ok, providing you have sufficient battery. However NHS equipment can’t be taken out of the country.

Fit to fly - I have had mine from a GP before now and then for the return journey have had to find a local doctor cost a €100.

Am 99% certain that it isn’t possible to fly with Liquid oxygen. And the amount which can be carried on ferry is small. In any event any 02 sourced when abroad has to obtained privately.

I have given up.

Good luck.

Pauline

[Bigz09 in reply to PaulineHM]

Thankyou

[Maureenpearl]

Hi Bigz09

You will have to have an appointment at your respiratory clinic, where they do all the testing for the amount of oxygen you use.

The Physiologist will check to see how much oxygen you will need when you’re in the aircraft. Some hospitals charge for this fit to fly testing.

For long haul flights some airlines will supply the oxygen for you to use during the flight. You can carry onboard your own portable oxygen concentrator, provided it small enough to fit under your seat.

Praying it will work out for you.

God bless

[Ian1967]

Hi Bigz09, you really need to speak to your Respiratory Specialist, they will decide if you are fit to fly using oxygen and what flow rate you need for the flight, they normally speak to your Respiratory Nurse who will conduct the test, normally at home or in the Respiratory Clinic, under certain circumstances you may need to have a fit to fly test in a special room which is pressurised the same as an aircraft cabin, these are usually done at specialist centres, which you may have to pay for the test.

The Fit to Fly certificate is normally a letter provided by your Respiratory Specialist. As for your using oxygen on the plane that is normally by Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) which unless you are holidaying outside the UK, the NHS will provide free of charge, to travel outside the UK you have to hire it at your own cost, but be aware you will need enough battery time for your POC for one and a half times your journey, not forgetting the time to get to the airport and waiting time for your flight, to your hotel and the same coming home, this will normally mean needing two or three batteries for your POC.

Sorry for the long essay, but it can be a nightmare organising it.

I hope I have been some help.

Ian.