Flying with COPD

[puddy68]

Hi - I've recently been diagnosed with COPD [yet to see my respiratory specialist] and also have mild pulmonary hypertension. I live in Australia, and I know that this seems strange, but having these conditions, will these prevent me from flying? Thank you so much.

[Welshcatlady]

I have COPD and fly quite regularly, normally short haul about 4 hours, although in 2022 I flew 4 times to the Pacific Coast of Mexico a flight time of 11 + hours. I have no problems flying, my COPD is controlled well with inhalers, I don't use Oxygen. I don't have pulmonary hypertension so can't help on that. I wear flight socks on a flight, otherwise my feet and ankles get swollen. I would check with your GP, I'm sure he will be able to advise you.

[Purple-Squirrel]

I don't have hypertension, so can't speak to that but I don't have trouble flying with COPD. If you were on oxygen, you won't likely be able to get health insurance, at least that's what the company told me.

The only issue I've ever had was when I leaned forward and tried to sleep on the fold down tray on a red eye flight for an extended period of time. That had a terrible effect on my breathing . I think we don't have enough elastic in our lungs now, to put them in a folded position for long.

[Purple-Squirrel in reply to Purple-Squirrel]

* meant to say travel insurance

[Madonna1]

I have severe emphysema and have been aboard on plane.

[PaulineHM]

Hello,

I flew with no problem ( in a plane - haha) until I began to use oxygen. So here is a pre warn.

Oxygen use brings 3 issues. 1) Cabin pressure affects lung function 2) Flying with a portable oxygen concentrator needs planning for and it must comply with FAA requirements. 3) Using liquid oxygen means no flying at all.

Once I got to needing oxygen in my daily life then I needed a fit to fly letter from GP, a hypoxic challenge test from a respiratory physiologist to measure the amount of oxygen needed whilst flying, arranged via GP

Hope this helps. Stay well

Pauline