• Passengers with disabilities
• Passengers with medical oxygen
• Travelling with children

Passengers with disabilities

If you are a passenger with a disability, consider self-identifying when making your reservation. This will allow the air operator to provide extra assistance that will make your flight trouble free.

Take advantage of the opportunity to pre-board the aircraft. This will give the crew the opportunity to provide you with an individual safety briefing to address your special needs.

• In-flight safety for persons with disabilities - Frequently Asked Questions
   
• Access to Travel - Your Special Needs and Information Source
   
• A Guide for Persons with Disabilities - Taking Charge of the Air Travel Experience

Passengers with medical oxygen

You may not be allowed to use your own oxygen tanks during flight. Instead, most airlines provide you with oxygen for an extra fee. Charges range from $50 to $150 for each leg of your trip. The equipment may be different from your home system, and may differ from plane to plane even within the same airline. Check that your prescribed oxygen litre flow can be provided.

Keep in mind that the airline provides oxygen only while you are sitting in your seat, not in the airport. Thus, a non-stop flight is your best (and least expensive) option. If that's unavailable, look for a direct flight where the plane makes scheduled stops but you may remain on board.

Generally, you may ship empty tanks and other respiratory equipment as baggage, but rules vary by airline. Portable equipment such as suction machines or compressor nebulizers may be allowed on board, as long as they are not connected to an oxygen source.

All airlines require advance arrangements when you're travelling with oxygen. Call at least a month ahead, so you'll have time for your doctor to complete any necessary paperwork. If the ticket agent can't answer all of your questions, ask for the airline's medical or special services departments.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE AIRLINE

• Do you accept passengers who need supplemental medical oxygen?
• What do you charge for supplying oxygen during the flight?
• Do you provide masks and/or cannula, or may I bring my own?
• What equipment will be available on my flights? What is its litre flow capability?
• Can I ship empty tanks and/or equipment as baggage? Is there an extra charge? What is your procedure for verifying that tanks are empty?
• What documents will I require? At a minimum, you may require your doctor's name and address and a prescription that contains litre flow per minute at an altitude of 8,000 feet and duration of use. You may be asked to complete specific forms, sign a liability release, or provide a letter from your doctor that authorizes you to fly, summarizes your condition and indicates any specific risks to you or others.
• What procedure should I follow at the airport? Will you provide ground assistance at each leg of my trip? A shuttle or wheelchair escort is a good idea, even if you don't normally require help. The service usually is free, and it can save you from the unexpected stress of a long walk.
   
• Travelling with Oxygen:  Planning is Key
   
• Air Travel and Ventilator Users

Travelling with children

Planning ahead is essential for any trip by air and even more so when children are involved. Make sure you keep handy any supplies you will need to take care of any normal or special needs for the child.

Prepare for the worst: every seat will be allocated, the toilets will not have changing tables, the airline will not have any suitable food, you will be delayed for several hours, and any checked luggage will be lost. Carrying all the child's essentials is important, especially if your child is on a special diet or on medication.

Responsibilities

The crew are not responsible for supervising your child - YOU ARE. You should be aware that when walking about the aircraft with your child, hot drinks and food, silverware and other hazards are within their reach. No matter how tired you may get, your child is still your responsibility.

Pre-Boarding

Take advantage of the opportunity to pre-board the aircraft. This will give the crew the opportunity to provide you with an individual safety briefing to address your special needs.

Entertainment

Try to avoid bringing along toys that are sharp, heavy or that break easily. If the child has an electronic game, only allow them to use it during the cruise portion of flight. Electronic games may interfere with the aircraft's navigation and communication systems during other phases of flight.

Seating

All parents are encouraged to use an approved child restraint system (car seat) when travelling by air with their infants or children. The use of an approved car seat provides the greatest protection for the child in the event that the aircraft encounters turbulence. Your child is also more likely to be comfortable and behave if travelling in a familiar seat and it will be available for use at your destination.

Once on board the aircraft, the car seat must be installed in a window seat. Follow the manufacturers installation instructions for the seat as closely as possible and make certain to tighten the aircraft seat lap belt through the correct path on the car seat. Tether straps are not permitted to be used on board the aircraft, as there are no anchorage points available.