About Us

OxygenInFlight.org was conceived in 2004 with the purpose of educating visitors about the challenges and issues facing those who travel and are oxygen dependant.

Part of our mission is also to work to change some of the existing policies, both legislative and commercial, that constrain those who must travel with oxygen.

The Oxygen In Flight Story

I have over 50 years experience in the field of aviation. I am a licensed aircraft and engine mechanic, Professional Flight Engineer and a Private Pilot. My aviation career started with the Air Force in the 50’s as a mechanic and crew chief, then to Spartan School of Aeronautics and then to a major air carrier in 1957, retiring in 1994. During my tenure with the airlines I was a mechanic, flight engineer, manager of flying technical and a F.A.A. Designated Flight Examiner.

My wife was required to go on oxygen 24/7 in May of 2002. She has learned to live with this condition very satisfactorily until the time came for air travel. It was then that we learned that all airlines are not equal when providing oxygen service to handicapped travelers.

Our travel experience went like this;

›	We booked a flight through Orbitz, from Boston to Fort Myers, Florida. The nonstop round trip cost was $278.00 plus $100.00 for the oxygen supplied by Song Airlines. A total cost $378.00.
›	When (as required by the airlines) we notified Song 48 hours in advance that we would require oxygen on our flight, we were informed that Song Airlines, (operated by Delta Airlines), does not provide their customers with oxygen.
›	Song suggested we could be rebooked on Delta through Atlanta with a change of airplanes. We would have to make arrangements for her oxygen while on the ground between gates. So we had to contract with an outside entity to come to the airport and supply her with oxygen for about 20 minutes while in the terminal.This added another $150.00 to the cost plus another $100.00 for the second leg of the flight from Atlanta to Fort Myers.
›	This policy amounts to discrimination by Song. Their actions are authorized by The Department of Transportation Regulation 14CFR382 and enhanced by the Federal Aviation Agency Regulation 14CFR Part 121.574.
›	The oxygen related cost for this trip was $250.00 in addition to the inconvenience of changing aircraft for the connecting flight and the increased travel time overall.

Hence, our experience was the incentive for 2 years of research and the birth of this website.