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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Posts >> Airplanes and O2
        
(Message started by: buckeyescooter on Apr 1^st, 2004, 5:49pm)

Title: Airplanes and O2
Post by buckeyescooter on Apr 1^st, 2004, 5:49pm

Anyone know of an easy way to get o2 on your flights when your in your cycle and have to travel....last time the airline wanted to charge me $300 to use theirs.

Title: Re: Airplanes and O2
Post by jonny on Apr 1^st, 2004, 5:52pm

Ive heard quotes of $75 wether you use it or not.

.....................jonny

Title: Re: Airplanes and O2
Post by t_h_b on Apr 1^st, 2004, 5:53pm

All planes should have it on board. Might not hurt to have a copy of the airlines policy on when they are to use their 02 on hand.

No reason to pay for it to be available if it's already available.

I'm curious if anyone has ever used (or know of someone who's used) the 02 already on a plane and if so, were they charged for it?

Title: Re: Airplanes and O2
Post by jonny on Apr 1^st, 2004, 6:24pm

on 04/01/04 at 17:53:57, t_h_b wrote:

No reason to pay for it to be available if it's already available.

Yes, there is, you must request it when buying your ticket....You might even have to have doctors note.

And, if you dont use it you still pay for it.

Four and a half years of reading this board everyday I think I might have seen a few posts on this topic ;;D

...........................jonny

BTW....Just call the airline...problem solved

Title: Re: Airplanes and O2
Post by 1MajorPain on Apr 1^st, 2004, 6:31pm

I got this from the oxygen info page to the left.

Air Travel
Most U.S. air carriers and many overseas carriers can provide service for passengers requiring oxygen. The FAA requires a physician's statement of your oxygen needs in order to fly on a commercial airline. You cannot bring your own oxygen on board, you must use airline supplied oxygen. Requirements vary from carrier to carrier but, they all require arrangements be made in advance and they all charge for in flight oxygen. Some airlines require only 48 hours advance notice while others require seven days. The best rule of thumb is make arrangements as far in advance as possible. All airlines charge for oxygen, but the charges vary. (Note: Some first aid stations in airports have oxygen available).

Tips for planning air travel
* Start by checking with your physician to make sure it is safe for you to travel.
* Contact the airline you want to use as far in advance as possible.
* The arrangements are best made through their special services or medical department. Tell them you require in flight oxygen and ask their requirement.
* Find out what flow they can deliver and if they provide a mask or nasal cannula. Some airlines only provide a mask but will allow you to provide your own cannula.
* Confirm the arrangements 48 hours prior to your flight.
* It is a good idea to arrive early at least an hour and a half on domestic flights.

Title: Re: Airplanes and O2
Post by jonny on Apr 1^st, 2004, 6:40pm

Way to go, 1MP ;;D

.......................jonny

Title: Re: Airplanes and O2
Post by t_h_b on Apr 1^st, 2004, 6:40pm

http://www.asma.org/Publication/medguid.pdf
See page A3 for information on oxygen:

"Most airlines carry a very limited supply of oxygen for use in event of an unexpected inflight emergency or unscheduled medical need."

http://www.aafp.org/afp/990901ap/801.html
This site states that the flow rate may be limited to 2 to 4 LPM on the emergency tanks and with the tanks provided with notice, 8 LPM.

So oxygen is available onboard for unscheduled medical need but the flow rate may be insufficient for ClusterHeads.

Title: Re: Airplanes and O2
Post by jonny on Apr 1^st, 2004, 6:42pm

on 04/01/04 at 18:40:42, t_h_b wrote:

So oxygen is available onboard for unscheduled medical need but the flow rate may be insufficient for ClusterHeads.

Thats why you must call ahead, Bro.

...........................jonny

Title: Re: Airplanes and O2
Post by t_h_b on Apr 1^st, 2004, 6:45pm

It takes at least 12 LPM for the 02 to help me. Normally I use 15 LPM. The 8 LPM the "order ahead" tanks provide wouldn't do anything but give me something else to curse about!

Title: Re: Airplanes and O2
Post by jonny on Apr 1^st, 2004, 6:51pm

I, like you need 12-15 lpm.....but dont tell that to Den....LOL

Some folks dont need 15 or even 12.

All in all, call the airline and see how they handle 02, Buckeye.

................................jonny

Title: Re: Airplanes and O2
Post by kissmyglass on Apr 1^st, 2004, 7:16pm

I'd be sure to bring my own non rebreather mask too. I'm guessing they would whip out the nasal thingys & that would suck...

Kev

Title: Re: Airplanes and O2
Post by buckeyescooter on Apr 1^st, 2004, 7:49pm

Jesus...you guys are good. Tried to add a smile there but just got a bunch of letters. My regulator is busted on the liter readout.....I just blast it until the o2 escaping the mask creates a breeze through my eyebrows.

Title: Re: Airplanes and O2
Post by Kevin_M on Apr 1^st, 2004, 8:44pm

Since the crash of a Value Jet plane in the Florida everglades some years back, which was carrying O2 tanks that caught fire (reminder of O2 warnings on Listen Up post), oxygen has been very difficult onboard airlines. It is not good when flyers learn it is on board because of the perceived danger. People may stop flying that airline if they are aware of its presence onboard.
Sorry, but our airline will not carry it or accomondate anyone who needs it. Have to find another carrier. But our headquarters is in FL, not far from the crash which killed many who lived in the area. We do it to respect
the wishes of families of the victims who want to prevent this terrible tragedy from happening again. No exceptions.
Don't feel frustrated or discriminated against for medical non-compliance to CH needs. The reason is a big one.

Kevin M

Title: Re: Airplanes and O2
Post by fubar on Apr 1^st, 2004, 9:21pm

Kevin,

Not to be picky, but the ValueJet problem was related to oxygen generators, not oxygen tanks. Tanks are under pressure. Generators produce oxygen using a chemical reaction (exothermic, produces a lot of heat).

-Shawn

Title: Re: Airplanes and O2
Post by Kevin_M on Apr 1^st, 2004, 10:37pm

Shawn,

Perhaps exactly so, but the idea of oxygen on board is what stuck in the minds of the public. Flammable cargo without their knowledge underneath 200 passengers is an uncomfortable feeling.

The general public knew they were hauling oxygen as cargo for other carriers, perhaps to make a buck. Headquartered in Florida, to put anyone's mind at ease again, being that we carry lots of people from southern Florida, our company will not make exceptions for its transport. Based in Florida, we were lobbied hard on this by the concerned public and cannot substantiate the need to haul oxygen with 200 people on board. Promises were made after the accident, we stick to it. The presence of a tank in the cabin for whatever reason means we've forgotten to the families involved. Symbolic or reasonable, the owner lives in that part of Florida and is active in many charity activities and signs his name on what he says. He donated lots to the
needs of the families.
Thanks for the clarity on the incident but the public perception of safety takes precedence.

Kevin M