$Unique_ID{BRK02049}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Use of Prescribed Oxygen and Commercial Airline Regulations}
$Subject{lung disease lungs prescribed oxygen supply commercial flight US
airlines foreign airplanes on board oxygen supplies travel}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Use of Prescribed Oxygen and Commercial Airline Regulations


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QUESTION:  I am a lung disease patient, and regularly use oxygen at home.
This was prescribed for me by my physician who sees me on a regular basis and
knows my condition.  I now have a very heartfelt desire to visit my children
who live on the other coast.  However I have been told over and over again
that the airlines will not allow me to take my needed oxygen on board with me.
Is this true?  If so, why?  Isn't there any way I can make this trip?  Please
help me if you can.  I hope somebody will.

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ANSWER:  To the best of my knowledge, your information about taking oxygen on
board a commercial flight is correct.  Federal regulations which govern
flights in the United States do forbid your taking your own oxygen supply and
using it on board for safety reasons, although foreign carriers on flights
abroad frequently do permit this.  That's the bad news, on to the good news,
which may take a bit of work to accomplish.
     If you do need oxygen on board during a flight, some U.S. airlines will
accommodate you by allowing you to use their on-board oxygen supplies.  Not
all airlines do, and their policies do change, so you will have to make a few
phone calls to find out which commercial airline will help.  There is usually
a fee, that ranges from $40 to $150, for this service.  You will also have to
provide a letter from your own physician that will outline your needs and
state that your condition is clinically stable and unlikely to create an
emergency situation.  You may also need your physician to help you access the
equipment you need in the city you will be visiting.  You may be able to get
both help and information by contacting the Air Transport Association of
America, 1709 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20006-5206.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.