Alpha-1 Advocacy Alliance - Travel Information

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Testing for AAT Deficiency
Simply click HERE Alpha One International Registry
provides AAT Deficiency Testing. This AAT Deficiency Testing is a
COMPLETE CONFIDENCIAL TESTING SERVICE
and WITHOUT COST TO YOU.
This testing will include measuring the CONCENTRATION of AAT in your blood, determining the TYPE of ATT in your blood and (where appropriate) determining your AAT genotype by testing the DNA in your blood; State of the art, full-spectrum Alpha-1 Testing .

Please read the detail at: AAT Deficiency Detection Center

TRAVEL INFORMATION...

AIRLINES:

Most US air carriers and many overseas carriers can provide service for passengers requiring oxygen. The FAA has made things difficult by not requiring airlines to make medical oxygen available, it is up to the discression of each individual airline whether they provide this service. All major US carriers do supply medical oxygen but with restrictions attached.

The FAA requires a physician's statement of your oxygen needs in order to fly on a commercial airline. You may not bring your own oxygen on board you must use airline-supplied oxygen.

Some airlines require only 48 hours advanced notice while others require seven days. All airlines charge for oxygen, but the charges vary. The charges are usually between $50 and $150 per leg. This means if you cannot get a non-stop flight you will be charged every time you board a different plane.

Oxygen will not be provided for terminal use even during layovers. You are responsible for making these arrangements separately. Confirm your arrangements 48 hours prior to your flight. Arrive at least an hour and a half early for domestic flights and ask about your oxygen arrangements while you are checking in.

CRUISING:

There are no standardized rules with regard to using oxygen aboard a cruise ship. Different ships within the same cruise line may have different requirements for passengers who reguire oxygen. There are very prevalent guidelines involved with shipboard oxygen. Most cruise lines will accept passengers who require oxygen with advanced notice of at least 10 days. A doctor's letter is required describing your fitness for travel, the oxygen dosage required and your need for oxygen. You will then need to be approved for travel by the cruise line before you make reservations.

You must arrange and provide your own equipment and oxygen for on board use as well as for shore excursions. Oxygen from the ship usually cannot accompany you on shore.

Most cruise ships have medical professionals on board, but do not expect the same level of care that you receive at home. Be sure to ask what services are available if you are concerned about your well-being while cruising. It is also important to check with your medical insurance to make sure you are covered while cruising. Medicare does not cover you while out of the country. Short term medical insurance should be available through your travel agent and check with your insurance carrier to find out just what they do cover while cruising. The last thing you need while cruising is a huge medical bill because you caught a bug on board. If you would like to travel with a specific group many cruise lines have sailings that are designed especially for oxygen users. When booking a cruise, it is advisable to buy cancellation insurance so if you become ill, you will be able to re-schedule your cruise without losing all of your money. Your travel agent can help you with this.

TRAIN TRAVEL:

AMTRAK-
Traveling on Amtrak is fairly simple compared to other means of transportation. Their regulations are very straightforward. Amtrak does require advance notice of at least 12 hours. You must let the conductor know when you board the train with oxygen. No more than two 75pound tanks or six 20-pound tanks are permitted on board per passenger. Oxygen equipment may be brought on board but you cannot rely completely on on-board electrical power. You must have a 12-hour backup supply of oxygen that does not require on board electrical power. If you must pass through smoking areas on the train, you may not carry your oxygen with you. I have been advised, but not double checked, that Amtrak offers a 15% discount to disabled travelers and their companion. Be sure to ask about this when you call for reservations.

To find out more about this discount, and any restrictions that might apply, simply call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7845) and ask to speak to a customer service representative.

BUS TRAVEL:

GREYHOUND-http://www.greyhound.com

Oxygen may be used on Greyhound. A maximum of 4 canisters may travel with you-2 aboard the bus and 2 in the baggage compartment. Customers are responsible for making sure they have enough oxygen to complete their travel and for arranging for refills while traveling. With 48 hours advance notice Greyhound will make every effort to help you with boarding. Contact the Greyhound Customers with Disabilities Travel Assistance at 800-752-4841 at least 48 hours prior to departure.

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