Airline policy for passengers requiring supplemental in-flight oxygen

  1. Jacqueline WALKER1,
  2. Paul T. KELLY2,
  3. Lutz BECKERT1,2,*

Article first published online: 5 APR 2009

DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2009.01521.x

Issue

Respirology

Respirology

Volume 14, Issue 4, pages 589–594, May 2009

Additional Information

How to Cite

WALKER, J., KELLY, P. T. and BECKERT, L. (2009), Airline policy for passengers requiring supplemental in-flight oxygen. Respirology, 14: 589–594. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2009.01521.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago, and

  2. 2

    Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand

*Lutz Beckert, Respiratory Physiology Laboratory, Christchurch Hospital, Private Bag 4710, Christchurch, New Zealand 8011. Email: lutz.beckert@cdhb.govt.nz

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 12 MAY 2009
  2. Article first published online: 5 APR 2009
  3. Received 27 November 2008; invited to revise 7 January 2009; revised 12 January 2009; accepted 28 January 2009 (Associate Editor: Chi Chiu Leung).

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Keywords:

  • altitude;
  • chronic obstructive respiratory tract diseases;
  • oxygen inhalation therapy;
  • pulmonary disease

ABSTRACT

Background and objective:  The aim of this study was to investigate the current Australian/New Zealand airline policy on supplemental in-flight oxygen for passengers with lung disease.

Methods:  Fifty-four commercial airlines servicing international routes were surveyed. Information was gathered from airline call centres and web sites. The survey documented individual airline policy on in-flight oxygen delivery, approval schemes, equipment and cost.

Results:  Of the 54 airlines contacted, 43 (81%) were able to support passengers requiring in-flight oxygen. The majority (88%) of airlines provided a cylinder for passengers to use. Airline policy for calculating the cost of in-flight oxygen differed considerably between carriers. Six (14%) airlines supplied oxygen to passengers free of charge; however, three of these airlines charged for an extra seat. Fifteen airlines (35%) charged on the basis of oxygen supplied, that is, per cylinder. Fourteen airlines (33%) had a flat rate charge per sector.

Conclusions:  This study confirmed that most airlines can accommodate passengers requiring supplemental oxygen. However, the findings highlight inconsistencies in airline policies and substantial cost differences for supplemental in-flight oxygen. We advocate an industry standardization of policy and cost of in-flight oxygen.

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