To ask if you can reassure me about flying with asthma

[Lovecooking123]

Having a worry about going on a long flight having been diagnosed in the last 6 months with asthma. Can anyone with asthma reassure me?
Also, do main ( not budget) airlines carry emergency oxygen ie apart from the over head oxygen? Thanks..

Hi.i have asthma and have never had an issue. Is your asthma well controlled? If so, should be fine

I've flown loads and not once had an issue with my asthma.

You can take your emergency inhaler on board, so worth doing that as back up. But unless you have a seriously chronic condition, it really won't be an issue - the cabins are pressurised so you won't notice.

DH & DS both have asthma and haven't been bothered by flying at all. Just make sure you have your inhalers in your on board luggage (and also out your bags for security) and you'll be fine. Make sure your travel insurance covers you.
If your asthma isn't under control before you fly then don't go.

I've got asthma and flying has never affected it one jot, anymore than driving or getting on a train. My asthma is well controlled, adult onset, and I make sure that I have my regular and emergency inhalers with me. In fact, it's a good thing to put all medication in cabin baggage in case of delays or lost hold luggage, same with valuables.

@Lovecooking123

Yep I have it, and have done a dozen or so 6 to 12 hour flights in the last 6-7 years.

If it helps, I was worried too!

The cabin is pressurised though, and you feel no different in the air, to what you feel on the ground.

Happy holidays.

Dd has never had a problem. Just bring your emergency inhaler

Never ever had any issues. As long as you have your medication and a doctors letter with you at all times you'll be fine.

Not so sure with the oxygen. Some airlines probably do carry some, some won't. If your asthma was at an uncontrollable level or triggered by travel you probably wouldn't be safe to fly

I have asthma and, like others, haven’t had any issues. I always carry both my inhalers (preventer and reliever) in my hand luggage - put them in one of the little plastic bags to go through security) - mostly to make sure I have them with me in case my luggage goes astray. (I don’t carry a drs letter as PP suggests).

Just flew to and from an overnight business meeting 2 days after an asthma attack in the night.

I’d got it more or less under control with antihistamines (hay fever and a virus triggered) and an increased inhaler. And the flight made no difference to my breathing at all.

Seriously I fly quite a bit for work long and short haul and never had a problem.

Been totally fine.

I have asthma and so do my children, we've done flights down under and it's been fine. We just have two inhalers each in hand luggage and make sure we have a spacer. We've never needed them.

I have had asthma all my life (I am 56) and have been on hundreds of flights all over the world and never had an issue. In fact, generally the plane air is filtered, so a lot fewer asthma triggers than walking around any major city.

I have asthma and never even thought about this! I'm crap .
Carry your inhaler and reliever in your handbag/hand luggage. Never been a problem.

I was recently on holiday in a busy city and felt very tight chested. On the 11hr trip home, I felt so much better- but have only just realised how much more comfortable I felt on the plane, having read this thread.

I have asthma. Make sure aircon is not in your face. Unless you need it.

Not me personally but my Mum developed asthma as an adult, she’s never had any issue flying with asthma medication in her carry on, as much as it has never been refused. She has been stopped and checked a lot though

I've never carried a doctors letter, but I do declare asthma to my travel insurance provider. Make sure you carry your inhaler(s) in your cabin baggage! I've never had an issue flying.

Had asthma my whole life and never had a problem flying, even when at my worst.

I only once had an issue - when my trigger (a cat in a carrier) was close by.
but my reliever and being re-seated helped.

but the flight itself was never an issue.

take your medicines in the hand luggage. be aware of your symptoms.

you will be fine

Never an issue, but keep your medicines accessible during the flight (ie. not locked in the overhead locker, just in case you need them during take off or landing when you are not allowed to stand up and open the lockers to get it. (Not really needed if your asthma is well controlled but I found it reassuring )

They clean planes regularly so dust shouldn’t be an issue. Maybe bring some antibacterial wipes to make sure no dust in crevices of seat & so you know it will feel fresh for the flight. Happy travels!

I have flown long haul regularly for 20 years with asthma. It’s never been an issue. You just need to pack your inhalers in carry on (they don’t count as part of your liquid allowance, just put in your bag, you don’t need to show anyone).

Do be mindful of where you are going though and plan ahead. I find travel only affects me if I’m going somewhere with much higher pollution levels than where I live. The change in air quality can be an issue but the plane never is.

Just to add I have had asthma since I was a baby and I've flown long haul to Africa, Asia, USA and short haul flights (maybe 40+) without any issue at all.

I carried my blue inhaler in my carry-on luggage as a just in case! But I've never been triggered while flying.

I choose not to fly now but only because of my awful carbon footprint!

This is very reassuring. Thank you all so far!
I wonder if oxygen( not the overhead stuff) is carried out of interest?

I have asthma, never had an issue.

Yes, oxygen is carried onboard.

OP, how severe is your asthma? If you have been diagnosed with asthma but it is under control (with meds or without) you will be fine. I have had asthma all my life (now mid forties), I have flown extensively, I have never had an issue on a flight.