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jab
Citizen
Username: Jab
Post Number: 559
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 5:13 pm: | 
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Can anybody tell me which airlines permit passengers who need to use oxygen tanks? Somebody I know needs to use an oxygen tank right now and is trying to go to see his family so that they can take care of him. We called one airline to see if he could fly with them and they said no, but that other airlines might have different rules. Thanks in advance for any information. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7626
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 5:16 pm: |
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No personal experience other than observation of other passengers. I have seen small oxygen tanks stored in the overhead for people.
It might depend on how big the tank, how sick the patient, etc. I'd check the website of all airlines that service the city. They usually have "passenger with special needs" sections. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 11467
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 5:36 pm: |
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The small tanks are for first aid. I believe airlines have to let people on oxygen fly under the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, I think they have to use a tank supplied by the airline. I read this somewhere, but can't remember where. |
tjohn
Supporter
Username: Tjohn
Post Number: 4312
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 5:54 pm: |
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Evidently, the FAA no longer bans the practice, but airlines are not required to allow oxygen tanks either.
http://lungdiseases.about.com/b/a/185824.htm?terms=pet+meds |
jab
Citizen
Username: Jab
Post Number: 560
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 6:59 pm: |
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I believe that the person has a portable tank that is good for a few hours or so, but the question remains as to which airlines will permit use of it. |
kmk
Supporter
Username: Kmk
Post Number: 1240
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 7:45 pm: |
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Train and bus are not available options? |
jab
Citizen
Username: Jab
Post Number: 561
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 8:53 pm: |
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The trip would be from Florida to New Jersey. I looked into the train but it would take 22-24 hours and the person probably won't be up for such a journey. However, once I got home and had some time to use Google, I found a report (albeit from 1997) on which airlines permit oxygen use, so we can use that as a starting point.
If anybody is interested, the report is at: www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content/full/115/4/991 |
Greeneyes
Citizen
Username: Greeneyes
Post Number: 791
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 10:13 pm: |
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My FIL uses oxygen and has not been permitted to take his own tank with him for the last two years. I know that he uses Continental Airlines. I don't think he uses them exclusively.
When he flies he calls the airline customer service number to book his flight. At that time, arrangements are made for the airline to supply oxygen. He also calls a DME ( durable medical equipment) supplier in the city he will be visitng to arrange for oxygen delivery during his visit. He tells me this is an annoyance, but doable with advanced planning. He hasn't had a problem receiving his oxygen. He has received oxygen deliveries at hotels as well as private homes. I think the person requiring oxygen has to show a prescription from their primary doc. |
Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 2306
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 8:16 am: |
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Onboard Medical Oxygen
Continental provides limited onboard medical oxygen throughout our domestic system, including Alaska and Hawaii. We recommend your travel plans be confirmed as far in advance as possible. All travel must be approved by your personal physician. A minimum of forty-eight hour (48) advance notice request must be made so we can guarantee shipment of the appropriate medical oxygen canisters to your origination point.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires oxygen on airplanes be dispensed only from FAA approved containers available through the airlines. Specific certification must be obtained by Continental that mandates the type of container utilized. All requests and reservations for this service are handled through a specially trained Oxygen Desk group. They may be reached directly at 800-228-2744. There is a charge for this service.
Continental charges a fee of $100 per flight segment flown to cover the costs of its medical advisory service and providing the approved oxygen equipment.
The following will assist you in preparing for your upcoming travel arrangements:
If you have not already contacted Continental Reservations to request oxygen service, you or your travel agent should do so immediately. Oxygen service must be arranged a minimum of 48 hours in advance by calling (800) 525-0280 and requesting to speak with the Oxygen Desk. This is necessary in order to reserve oxygen equipment and to ensure all medical and regulatory regulations have been met. Failure to do so could result in a delay or cancellation of your travel plans.
Once your reservation has been completed, our medical advisory service, MedLink, will be contacting you by phone. MedLink will then gather all necessary information for coordination with your personal physician.
The required physician's statement must be signed and completed within 10 days of travel and by your attending physician. While traveling, you must keep this Medical Release form with you at all times. Continental will not allow you to fly without a current signed, approved medical release form.
MedLink will contact your physician within 10 days of travel to discuss your current medical condition. Within 48 hours for your scheduled departure, a Continental Airlines representative will attempt to contact you to verify travel arrangements. Please call us you if must cancel your flights and/or dates of travel.
Please report to the ticket counter at least one hour prior to departure, and perhaps even sooner depending on the published processing time at your originating airport.
If you require oxygen in the terminal, at the connection city or at your final destination, you will need to make separate arrangements. Continental is unable to provide oxygen to customers within the airports. If you plan on bringing your own personal oxygen tank, it must be completely empty prior to checking-in and traveling as checked baggage.
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