- Mobility is important
- Airline cabin staff are not permitted to assist with lifting, feeding, toileting or administering medication. If the traveller needs such help, they must be escorted.
- Contact the airlines about wheelchair requirements or a seat near the toilet.
- Adequate supplies of medication for the whole trip is important and these should be carried in hand luggage.
- Increased fluid intake is helpful during the flight as this can lessen hypoxia, and it counteracts the dehydrating effect of low cabin air humidity.
- Water is the best fluid as tea, coffee and alcohol all act as diuretics and should be limited.
- Get some sleep on long legs of the trip helps to prevent exhaustion. A neck cushion may help but sleeping tablets is best avoided in the elderly.
- The airlines have a Passenger Medical Information Form (MEDIF) use to provide information about requirements for travellers with medical problems. Available from travel agents and the airlines.
- Some airlines such as Qantas have a medical department which can provide advice on an individual basis to the patient's doctor.
- Policies on fitness to fly will vary between airlines and travellers need to check with their travel agent or airline.
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