FLYING TO NEW YORK IN JAN HAVE COPD WILL THIS BE A PROBLEM

[elly1]

[elian]

How fabulous for you ! Havea wonderful time !

If you have a firm diagnosis of COPD then you will need to undergo a flight assessment to make sure you can cope with the lack of oxygen pressure in the aircraft cabin. This can be arranged via your GP. If the flight assessment proves you need extra oxygen on the aeroplane then this can also be arranged

You will also need to inform your Insurance Company (if you are taking out travel insurance).

[meike]

Hi , I hope you don't mind me asking , which insurance company you have used and if it has cost you a lot of money , I. Want to take my two daughter to New York in sept but the insurance. Quote I get with having copd is So expensive

[SecondLife in reply to meike]

Hi we have just come back from Canada and took our health insurance out with Holiday Extras, cost was £200 for both of us and it covered my asthma and my husband who has asbestosis, copd, glaucoma. We did have to use it and they were very good. Hope this helps.

[Hidden]

I went last May and loved it! I don't have COPD and got advice from consultant. But do everything Elian says. It's really important you know you are fit to fly and to have travel insurance that covers you for your condition.

It's a fab city - enjoy!

Marie x

[libby7827]

Hi, you will need to be certified fit to fly. However,although some carriers do allow you to take oxygen into the cabin, others don't, so you will need to check with the airline. Libby x

[libby7827]

Hi again, just checked and it seems things have changed in the past few years! Some don't allow you to take your own, but will supply it, most will charge for the service. Here is a useful link for you

european-lung-foundation.or...

Libby x

[PollyP]

Elly1,

I hope you have a wonderful time, take a look at this link, it may help you along the way.

caring.com/articles/7-ways-...

Send us a post card eh?

PollyP

[Sylvsmum in reply to PollyP]

Brilliant link Polly - have printed for future reference.

[O2Trees]

I dont know if im up to date, but we flew to U.S. three years ago, and went with Virgin as they were the only airline which didn't charge for oxygen. I used to think that if you needed it, it would be given to you through the drop down ones on the plane, but they brought me a cylinder and were very kind. The BLF have good advice on all of this - good luck and enjoy your trip.

[Sylvsmum]

You've all made me think.............. I've been asthmatic since aged 5, last year told it is COPD. When I got married in March we went on honeymoon to New Zealand. Was in hospital with a bad chest infection the week before I got married and mentioned to the nurse that we were going to NZ. She just said "I hope you have good travel insurance". My doc also knew I was going and yet nobody ever mentioned that I had to be certified fit! I've never needed oxygen, but on the flight between Kuala Lumpur and Auckland I felt so bad that I asked if I could have it. Was given two cylinders, not sure it did any good but it was reassuring. (Malaysian Airlines, and no mention of payment) The following day I was taken into hospital in NZ, where I spent 5 days. When I got out I had to make an appointment to see a doctor in another week to check up that I was still improving, but still nobody ever mentioned anything about being 'fit to fly'.

No all COPDers need oxygen, on the PR course I was told my oxygen levels were always very good.

We have booked to go again in September, stopping over in Singapore for two nights both ways as I think the journey is a strain on the fittest, let alone us heavy breathers!

I am going to ring the BLF helpline to find out about insurance as soon as they open - next year!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL. XX

[Sylvsmum]

PS When we researched Travel Insurance, it seemed as if the number of drugs you are on for COPD was a big factor. I could not pretend it was asthma (not such a problem with insurance) as I am on Spiriva and that is only for COPD, not asthma. Good luck.

[bobless]

Hi Elly1 if you do not need oxygen you will need assistance from a porter to get to and on plane at airport you can order this free with the company you fly with this helps if you were to make your own way with exertions of the walk and steps to plane would affect your oxygen levels and then again after 5,000 feet i had to do this last time i flew are my doctor would not let me go hope you are able to go and have a great time xx