Difficulty getting fitness to fly from GP for lung condition

[MoirasWigStand]

We are supposed to flying in 6 days on holiday with my parents. My dad has a pulmonary fibrosis and copd. He has just been given oxygen, but doesn’t use it all the time.

Airline have asked for fitness to fly (we started the process 3 weeks ago). Last week GP filled in part of the form, but said didn’t feel able to fill in the whole lot.

We’ve contacted consultant secretary to ask and waiting to hear back. Are there any other options? He can take small oxygen tank on board, it’s a 4 hour flight.

Its my dc first holiday abroad (10 and 13) and probably dad’s last with us (it’s a life limiting, terminal illness). We go somewhere sunny as his low oxygen means he feels very cold most of the time in the uk, so can’t do stuff outside with the kids as he’d like.

Unfortunately, if the GP doesn't agree that he's fit to fly, then there's not much you can do. Is this an airline issue or do you need it for his travel insurance?

It’s for the airline. It’s not that GP doesn’t think he’s fit to fly, it’s that the GP says he can’t make that assessment. We’re waiting on consultant but have been warned he’s very busy this week.

Could you see the consultant, or another, privately?

GP is not qualified nor indemnified to do this sorry (GP here), needs to be the consultant.

Is there a private hospital nearby who would be able to do it?

I'm not clear of the exact details or how it's done, but there is a fit to fly test which is done to check whether he would need to use oxygen for the flight or not, something to do with lower levels / altitude might mean he needs oxygen for the flight.

Or can you chase the respiratory consultants secretary and see if it can be done quickly?