Abstract
EFA's Oxygen Harmonisation Project identified patients with chronic respiratory diseases who require the use of oxygen therapy when traveling as victims of discriminatory practices by many major European airlines. Together with the ELF, personal testimonies from patients were collected and an investigation of airline policies revealed differing formats of Medical Information for Fitness to Travel forms (MEDIF) and fees for the use of oxygen on board aircraft itself. EFA and the ELF agree with the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) recommendation to have a single MEDIF form applicable for all European airlines, which could reduce paperwork required from medical professionals. Although some airlines do permit patients to use oxygen free of charge, in the worst case scenarios, patients are requested to pay up to seven times the normal price of travel on continental European flights, which EFA and ELF agrees is a clear case of discrimination.
The Chair of the Transport and Tourism Committee of the European Parliament, Keith Taylor, endorsed this finding and encourages efforts to promote the harmonisation of policies among airlines for travel with oxygen along with the abolition of extra fees. The findings of this publication clearly outline a loophole through which certain airlines exploit patients with chronic respiratory disease and promote inefficient practices which burden patients and consequently add extra work for respiratory specialists.
- © 2014 ERS