Oxygen & Flying

[Mary Ellen]

I just talked to my brother & SIL at BWV and thought maybe I should alert others to a potential problem. (Keep in mind that I wasn't there and only know what my brother said.)

They flew into Orlando yesterday. He has used a scooter for years (plenty of experience dealing with airlines and 'special needs') and has recently started needing oxygen all the time too. Due to the recent enhanced security they weren't able to take their own oxygen on the flight and they understood why. United is charging him $75 a flight for oxygen - $300 round trip. However, oxygen is NOT available during layovers (SIL had tried to arrange for some), but they ONLY had 1:30 outbound and 2 hrs during the return on the ground in Chicago. He should be able to get by - IF he wasn't stressed or exerted.

While in Chicago yesterday they were randomly selected to go through security AGAIN (they were already in the secure area). First of all, security has to round up a wheelchair to get my brother to security and then it went down hill from there......(lots of stuff omitted). They ended up getting to their connecting gate just in time to see the door being closed and the United gate attendent would not re-open it (the door to the plane was still open - how he knew this, I don't know). DB tried explaining the that the oxygen he needs (now desperately) is onboard. She refused to even look at them or acknowledge their presence at all. DB then demanded to speak to a supervisor. She did finally talk to say that she WAS a supervisor.

DB was trying to remain calm and control his breathing as his MD taught him, but he could tell that he was going to be in SERIOUS trouble VERY soon. He told her that he was going to be 'flopping on the floor' within minutes trying to breathe if he didn't get to that oxygen on the plane. She apparently didn't take him seriously and said that she would just call the paramedics IF that happened. He said to go ahead and call them, but again, she apparently didn't take him seriously and he had to DEMAND that the paramedics be called. Did she think he was paying for oxygen on the plane for the thrill of it????

The paramedics do arrive and DB finally gets oxygen. They are concerned that their small supply of oxygen won't be enough to take care of him until the next United flight to Orlando departs. They were able to get a larger bottle and DB was able to last until he got on the flight.

I guess my warning is to take non-stop (or direct) if at all available if you need oxygen. Unfortunately neither is an option from Seattle to Orlando. And - be aware that O'Hare and United are not 'user friendly' for those needing O2.

I'd also be interested in hearing about any other airlines (Delta or American??) and/or airports that better serve those requiring oxygen.

 

[SueM in MN]

Wow! What a horrendous experience. Thanks for the warning.
I hope he makes a complaint to the airline and to the security department of the airport. Even if it didn't happen exactly like his perception right now, he became sick enough that the paramedics not only needed to be called, but had to give him oxygen. This could have easily turned into something tragic instead of just scary and frustrating.