People with lung conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis and pulmonary hypertension often have a low level of oxygen in their blood and therefore may require oxygen treatment.
The majority of people on supplementary oxygen need it for 15 hours a day so a portable oxygen supply creates the same degree of freedom and independence that a wheelchair gives to people with other disabilities.
However, due to the policies set by airline companies, it is both expensive and difficult for a person dependent on supplemental oxygen to plan and use air travel.
However, due to the policies set by different airlines, people on supplementary oxygen find it both expensive and difficult to book a flight. The vast majority of airline companies do not allow people to bring their own portable oxygen concentrator or cylinder on to their planes while simultaneously charging hundreds of pounds extra to use the supplementary oxygen that the airline provides.
The British Lung Foundation believes these additional charges are a breathtaking form of disability discrimination. We are therefore campaigning to ensure that all people who need supplementary oxygen when travelling on planes can do so without paying extra.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission believe that these charges may be contrary to the law and they are seeking to have the regulations interpreted so that airlines do not charge people who are on oxygen.
The British Lung Foundation is campaigning to end additional changes that airlines place on people who need supplementary oxygen. Airlines should allow passengers to bring their own portable supply without charge or provide oxygen on board free of charge.
The British Lung Foundation calls on the next government to end the discriminatory treatment of people who use oxygen when they are travelling on planes.
