Getting Dad on the Plane, Oxygen and All
Fort Worth Star
Dear Ageless Column

Dear Ageless : My dad’s 85 and wants to visit his sister. His health is not good, and he’s on oxygen. Can he fly?
- Daddy’s Girl

Dear Daddy’s Girl: Yes, he can fly, but when you book your tickets, speak with the reservationist about any special needs. Services and procedures may vary among airlines, so be sure to contact them weeks in advance.

Book a direct flight, and tell them if your dad has any diet restrictions. Request a bulkhead seat on the aisle, so it’s easy for him to get up and stretch his legs to prevent deep, leg-vein thrombosis. If your dad is unable to walk long distances, prearrange a courtesy chair to be available at check-in.

The airline will contact your father’s doctor to get a verbal prescription for the amount of oxygen that must be on board. His doctor will also send a written form that your father should carry throughout the trip.

The flight attendant should be alerted to any medication requirements and treatment instructions. Be sure your dad carries a MedicAlert card, available at most pharmacies, or call (800) 432-5378 to order a MedicAlert bracelet.

Toting luggage can be exhausting. Some people use a shipping service to send it in advance. Also consider purchasing travel insurance in case your father delays or cancels the trip.

Surprise your dad with a small, rolling bag to take on board. Stock it with water and favorite snacks. Pack his prescriptions in original containers, an extra set of glasses, a change of clothes, photocopies of his ticket, insurance and credit cards (front and back), emergency contact information and his itinerary. Consider buying an around-the-neck pouch (usually about $10) into which he can put his ticket, boarding pass and passport.

Some airlines allow relatives or friends of a special needs flier to have a one-day security pass that allows access to the gate. Be sure to arrange that for both departure and arrival. You will feel more secure when you know your lived one is safely on board.