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What should I consider when flying with a seriously ill family member?
Infirm passengersTraveling with elderlyMedical clearance for flightsFit to fly certificateAging careFamily support in travelAirline policies for sick passengers
Jun 25, 2024
2 years ago
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTERAnyone have experience flying as or with infirm folks? My aunt is probably near end of life- not specifically, but she has had a bunch of strokes and fell a bunch of times and once nobody knew for a couple days and she hasn't really bounced back. She doesn't have family near or- no kids etc- and we had talked about her coming to stay here and she stalled and now says the doctors tell her she can't travel. It strikes me that even if there are risks it would be worth it to spend a year with family and people who care about you than rotting in a home just waiting for your month church visit.
Anyway, experiences?
Anyway, experiences?
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user expresses concerns about traveling with an elderly aunt in poor health who has been advised by doctors against flying. The discussion revolves around the necessity of a medical certificate, the airline's policies regarding ill passengers, and personal anecdotes about the difficulties of traveling with infirm individuals. Responses highlight the importance of assessing her health, the emotional weight of the decision, and encourage speaking directly with her doctor before making arrangements.
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Vinson *******
Do you fear that she will leave if to the church
Vinson *******
This decision is not yours to make , as much as your sentiments are in the best of intentions
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Vinson ******
I agree. It is hers. And I object to a third party making it for it. I want to understand the parameters so I can clear the road so she can decide.Reply to
Jack ****************
Reply
Ally ************
The only way to resolve this is to go and assess the situation in person.. speak to the doctors directly and make your own evaluation of her condition.. and weigh that up viz the health risks attached to her flying.. which are greater with a long haul flight of course.. this also enables you to travel back to Thailand with her.. so you can supervise her care yourself.. it's also the best way of living with your conscience should her health deteriorate or if she doesn't survive the flight!
Phil ******
@Jack ***************
yes bought my friend over years ago with Thai Airways. Well chairs both ends and went smoothly. Needs a fit to fly certificate from their Doctor. Its best to ask the airline as they have different policies.Yvonne *********
My mother travelled to UK from Australia in that condition, accompanied by us, so cared for well.
She was disoriented on the flight, had trouble getting to the bathroom, and never recovered from the experience.
Within days she was in hospital and they kept asking her the usual "mental " questions eg what's your address, who is the prime minister.
She didn't know (new country).
She went rapidly downhill and passed away at home.
Have you experience of geriatric care?
If the doctor says NO, i would consider his opinion very carefully.
Do you consider this move "your duty"?
She was disoriented on the flight, had trouble getting to the bathroom, and never recovered from the experience.
Within days she was in hospital and they kept asking her the usual "mental " questions eg what's your address, who is the prime minister.
She didn't know (new country).
She went rapidly downhill and passed away at home.
Have you experience of geriatric care?
If the doctor says NO, i would consider his opinion very carefully.
Do you consider this move "your duty"?
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Yvonne ********
I'm sorry to hear that. I am uncomfortable with the word duty. I care about her and want her to be happy for as much of the time left as she has- it could be a week it could be years. But I think a house full of people who are interested in you is a much better way to spend time than an old folks home that you swore you would never go to.I am confident if there are needs the family can't provide for that services can be hired. Lots of old farang move here, there are multiple hospitals.
Yvonne *********
@Jack ***************
all it depends on is her desire to come.Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Yvonne ********
yes of course. Well, that and it the docs said "you shouldn't fly for a while" or "lady you cannot go in an airplane again"Reply to
Jack ****************
Reply
Mike *******
Sorry, but I t may be too late for your Aunt to travel. Most airlines comply with the IATA Medical Manual, which describes various standards and procedures for carrying infirm passengers (including elderly and those who have suffered recent illness). The procedures include Doctor’s medical clearance requirements. I suggest that you and your Aunt consult a Doctor, who can do an assessment. Good luck.
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike ******
of course, but I am not there to do that and just trying to get an anecdotal understanding. She isn't in hospice, but can't live alone- her balance is gone, her bones are glass, and her judgement is terrible (stubborn and doesn't want to accept she can't do stuff anymore). She also doesn't QUITE believe we have modern medicine here and conversations with her doctor may be coloured by that- it could even have been a conversation a day after one of the strokes. I just don't know. Hence, looking for input from people who know stuff. Your comment was fine- but you can see mostly I just got assclowns without anything meaningful to say. At least they are outted for the block list.
Reply to
Jack ****************
Reply
Dava ***********
Airlines don’t want someone to die in the plane I guess.
Kenneth ***********
She must be Fit to fly signed by a doctor.
James *********
If she's of right mind and doesn't want to move, so be it.
Kevin ******
I suggest you check with the airlines. If a passenger appears unwell, then can ask for a medical certificate. For a chronic condition, a certificate ensures the airline is aware and will make whatever accommodations they can. The doctor has said she is unwell to fly. Consider the effect on her if she flies. Travel/medical insurance will be exhorbitant, if not impossible to get. Perhaps someone should go to where she is, but that’s a family decision. A challenging time. Best wishes.
Will ************
If she doesn’t have a fit to fly certificate then that’s it
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Will ***********
I've only heard of that in the context of covid. What would cause an airline to even ask for one?Will ************
@Jack ***************
because she will need oneJack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Will ***********
did you read the question?Reply to
Jack ****************
Reply
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