Fit to fly test

[carolandjessica]

Hi. I'm hoping to book a one week holiday abroad very soon. I have mild emphysema so would I still need a 'fit to fly' test or certificate? it's only going to be a 3 or 4 hour flight and I feel I could cope with that so don't think it would be a problem. Does anybody know please. Thank you. Carol

[O2Trees]

It would be very unlikely that you'd need it c&j, but we are all different and have different presentations of copd. Probably best to speak to your GP or respiratory nurse.

[carolandjessica in reply to O2Trees]

Thanks for your reply O2Trees. Problem is I want to go away this coming Sunday so probably won't be able to get a Dr's appointment anyway. I only decided last minute to go away. Also by reading other's comments here, I think I will be ok. x

[1968 in reply to carolandjessica]

Evening, I was diagnosed 6 years with bullous emphysema Mild with a FEV1% of around 81%, I last had a spriromity test 3 years ago. I fly every two weeks mainly in the uk & Ireland and holiday abroad 2 wice a year. I've never had any issues, if i were you id call my GM in the morning and ask for a call bAck to speak to your GP direct, better safe than sorry.

[carolandjessica in reply to 1968]

I might just do that, thank you x

[soulsaver]

I'm diagnosed as mild 6 years ago - I've never had FTF test. I regularly fly 5 hours+ without the slightest detectable problem. I'd ask your Gp, but suspect s/he'll say you don't need one.

Can you walk 200 meters on the level without getting out of breath?

[carolandjessica in reply to soulsaver]

Yes, on the level I am alright, just not good with hills. Think I will be ok to fly though x

[mrsmummy]

It's all to do with oxygen levels. There is certainly a drop when flying and so it depends on your starting place and how low yours go.

[carolandjessica in reply to mrsmummy]

Apparently it's a 5% drop and I'm normally about 98 so should be ok.

[Pam1952]

Hi. I've got mild emphysema, diagnosed with COPD 8 years ago, and have flown regularly over those years.....up to 12 hour flights, and have never needed a Fit to Fly certificate. I always declare my condition to the insurers, which usually loads my premium by a small amount, but that's all. Infact, I'm off to Kos tomorrow and looking forward to it. Enjoy your holiday. 🌞🌞🌞

[cofdrop-UK in reply to Pam1952]

Pam would you be kind enough to PM me the company you insure with. I am needing insurance for europe but not for a holiday unfortunately.

Have a great time and you too Carol.

cx

[carolandjessica in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Thank you cofdrop x

[carolandjessica in reply to Pam1952]

All these replies are very positive so think I will be alright. Kos, wow, might even end up there myself as don't know where to go at the moment. Enjoy! x

[Pam1952 in reply to carolandjessica]

Thank you, I will! Love the place. Hope you get something soon. XXX

[Maggie153 in reply to Pam1952]

Well done to you 😂. Enjoy your holiday. Hope you don't mind me asking but who do you insure with as the ones I use...really load for having pre existing medical issues. Have a fab time x

[Pam1952 in reply to Maggie153]

Thank you Maggie. Last time I used Southdown, and this time Virgin Money. ☺🌞 XXX

[Ergendl]

Take a look at my recent post "Venice Holiday" healthunlocked.com/blf/post... . I have moderate COPD, probably emphysema, and checked my sats throughout the journey. The only time my sats dropped were rushing around the airport beforehand. We insured through my husband's packaged bank account policy, just £30 extra to cover the full year.

[punkyb]

I AM SEVERE emphysema and I am flying to Montreal with my poc. I am going to go have an altitude test just to check altitude settings. I requested the test. but never the less the airlines is the one to ask if you need O2...they have requirements

[hs_sasha]

I'm going to China have mod copd hoping I can cope with flight and heat over there as I want to visit my daughter. We used avanti travel insurance thought they were pretty reasonable at under £300 for 17 days + technology cover considering hubby is type 2 diab and on cholesterol and bp pills

[soulsaver]

To be clear: If you think you are covered for your existing medical conditions on your packaged travel insurance, you better enquire with the provider because you'll find packaged travel insurance does NOT normally cover pre existing medical conditions.

You may be able to pay extra to the insurer to get the cover, though.

Take care.