The Welsh Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Peter Black is to stage a short debate in the Assembly today in support of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK and British Lung Foundation’s campaign to end the restrictions and charges that airlines place on people with a lung condition.
People with respiratory diseases such as Pulmonary Hypertension Chronic and Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) often require additional supplementary oxygen due to the low levels of oxygen in their blood.
During his debate, Peter Black will outline how the policies set by airline companies, make it both expensive and difficult for people with this disability to plan and use air travel. A recent survey of 71 major airlines, conducted by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK found that
Less than a quarter of airlines surveyed supply free supplementary oxygen.
A quarter of airlines approached do not supply supplementary oxygen at all.
Two thirds of airlines in the study would not allow disabled air travellers with lung conditions to bring their own oxygen for use in-flight.
Of the airlines that provide supplemental oxygen but charge for it, each levies a different fee ranging from £50 to £500 per trip.
In too many instances airlines were only prepared to share their supplemental oxygen policy, if a secret shopper had bought a ticket to fly first
This breathtaking situation is also experienced by travellers at Cardiff Airport, where airlines are imposing charges of up to £200 for providing oxygen, also banning people from using their own oxygen.
Mr. Black said: “This is a matter of fairness. That people who have a debilitating illness should be charged extra for trying to have a holiday in the same way as anybody else is unfair.
That there should be no requirement on airlines to clearly state their policies on supplementary oxygen and their approach to other disabilities upfront on their website and other promotional literature is wrong.
Many of those who suffer pulmonary problems may be unable to work because of their disability, will be on benefits or a small pension and cannot afford to pay over the odds for holidays.
There needs to be consistent guidance for airlines as to how they approach these issues and which does not unfairly penalise travellers because of their illness or disability. This must apply to charter flights as it does to scheduled services.
It is unlikely that the Welsh Government has the authority or legislative competence to put this right but I would hope that in responding to this debate the Minister will accept that there is a case to be.”
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Congratulations on raising this issue, Peter, I have just heard your contribution and Ieuan’s response. You make a valid point. It is a shame that Ieuan did his “lawyer’s bit” rather than accepting the valid points that you made from a position of passion rather than one of legalism., despite the fact that he seemed to agree with you in a legalistic way!
Good luck with the continuation of this very worthy campaign.