Flying with RA and a lung condition

[auntypank]

I hope to fly to Australia next year with my grand daughter to see my son. She is in her 5th year training as a doctor. Any advice? I am not on oxygen. Airports are a challenge, I look normal but walking and crowds make me anxious and breathless.

[Agoodlife]

You may already have seen this’ thought good info👍🙂

breathe.ersjournals.com/con...

[Stayloose in reply to Agoodlife]

That's a useful link. Thanks

[charisma]

I have had to book airport assistance before. That means you can ask for eg wheelchair or escort through security without queueing. If more than one flight, as it no doubt is, this needs to be booked in advance with each airline/airport. Some charge, some don’t. Worth looking into since security check lines are the most time consuming and tiring part of getting through to your departure gates. Best of luck!

[sylvi]

Well you can ask for assistance at the airport thereby they will whisk you through all the customs and get you to the plane as quick as possible. If you ask they will escort you through the airport.xxx

[AgedCrone]

You should always consult your doctors before flying with any medical condition...especially anything connected with breathing as aircraft cabin air is equivalent to around 8000’....ie less Oxygen than ground level.

Therapeutic Oxygen is available for emergencies -but you don’t want to become an emergency do you?

Do make sure you make a full declaration when you take out your medical travel insurance.

If necessary your doctor will write a letter for the airline and arrangements can be made ..... but do it well ahead of time you can’t just do it when you check-in.

You should definitely contact your airline ....again well ahead of time ....saying you will need assistance at the airport and they will provide a wheelchair that will deposit to you at the gate you will depart from.

I’m sure having your granddaughter with you will be a great comfort.

Hope you have a lovely holiday.

[auntypank in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you. I will do all that! I have downloaded all the info from a website.

I wish you all the best

[AgedCrone in reply to auntypank]

I am sorry if I sounded a bit schoolmarmish .....but having been cabin crew for a long time I saw some horrible experiences of people losing a lot of money because they didn’t have the right travel insurance.

Good luck...I hope it all works out for you..... & if the insurance does seem a bit expensive ....blow it ...I t’s only once in a lifetime isn’t it?