Plane journey

[terrier9]

My daughter booked me a flight from Edinburgh to Luton in January. I informed my doctor who said of my condition (COPD) I shouldn't fly because of the oxegen levels on the plane. Anybody got any ideas?

[Toci]

The oxygen levels in aeroplanes are lower so if you have low oxygen levels in your body normally the drop could be dangerous for you. I have this problem but it does not stop me from flying, I just need to use supplemental oxygen whenever I fly. Your GP should arrange for you to have a 'fit to fly' test at the hospital so that they can determine your individual needs.

[Jessy11]

Hi Terrier9, a very warm welcome to the site.

I think it all depends what your normal oxygen levels are & whether you're on supplemental oxygen.

Maybe your GP thinks it would greatly affect your breathing to go on the flight.

Did he give you a more detailed explanation or a solution to your problem? Like arranging oxygen inflight for you?

I hope you manage to visit Luton in January, which ever way you decide to travel.

Merry, healthy Christmas 🎅🏻🎄⛄️🎈🎉

[Toci in reply to Jessy11]

Just for your information, Jessy, a GP cannot arrange the oxygen with the airline, it is something you have to do yourself when booking, but they will not supply it without a fit to fly letter, correctly filled in, dated and signed. It takes a bit of effort to co-ordinate everything but the holiday is worth it!

[Jessy11 in reply to Toci]

Thank you for correcting me 😀

[Toci in reply to Jessy11]

Not a correction - a sharing of experience, it is what this site is particularly good at.

[Jessy11 in reply to Toci]

Absolutely 🎄

[O2Trees]

Hi Terrier, that feels very negative to me, to just say that to you without doing the test Toci refers to, which I've had too. It's standard. Your GP should know that airline companies supply oxygen, so maybe you should ask him if there are any other reasons why he said what he did. Some folk are at risk of pneumothorax.

Ive written more in reply to Mojo a few posts above so you could take a look at that for more detail.

[MarieW-F]

I am sure I read something about at rest oxygen levels above 95% and the ability to walk 100m are the usual guidelines. oxygen levels drop slightly on planes so you need to be at a highish level at rest to deal with it. Luton to Edinburgh is an hour flight and you barely get that high. I flew to new York on SATS of 95% and my consultant was happy that I fly without any oxygen. It seems odd that your GP should rule this out straight away. Are you on oxygen?

[HuwieHex]

AFAIK, the only Airline with direct flights Edinburgh to Luton is Easyjet. Easjet do not provide in-flight oxygen except, of course, in emergencies. Go by train?

[Nikkers]

Your DR's talking a load of rubbish terrier How does your he/she think the rest of the passengers cope if the oxygen levels are wrong. I've flown many, many times and I have COPD and Bronchiectasis.

My Grandson works as cabin crew and has told me often about people who fly complete with their oxygen tanks. I've discussed things like this with him also as he's fully aware of my lung condition. He wouldn't let me near a plane if there was anything to worry about.

The other thing to remember is - Luton to Edinburgh is one of the shortest flights you can get on a commercial airline, so you'll have no time to worry about anything as you'll be landing almost as soon as you've taken off! XX

[Mooskie]

I fly all the time and am on O2 24/7. I take a portable concentrator on the plane. I believe the cabin oxygen is fine (for normal lungs) because the cabin is pressurized. Here in the states you must have a letter from your doctor if you require oxygen while flying.