Travel has become a consistent part of life for many people, with more than 4 billion seats purchased for flights in 2019 alone. But some people still believe flying is scary because of fear of accidents, confusion over getting through the airport, or anxiety about flying while injured or post-operative.
The feeling that flying is scary is common. However, these fears are rooted in misconceptions or a lack of facts. Learning more about flying can lessen that “scared to fly” feeling. Here are several of the common reasons to feel that flying is scary and ways to deal with them.
This is one of the most common fears, but it’s one that’s easier to keep in check when you know the facts. Around the world, the safety of aircraft keeps improving. The International Air Transport Association reported that in 2019, the airline industry saw its safety record improve yet again. There were 46.8 million flights and only 250 accidents. In the United States, there hasn’t been a fatal commercial airline crash since 2009. The odds of being in a plane accident are about 1 in 11 million (compared to about 1 in 5,000 for a car accident).
However, many people still deal with anxiety and think flying is too scary to try. Some tips that can help lessen that anxiety include the following.
Look at pictures of airplane interiors to get you used to the environment
Choose the best seat on a plane that will keep you close to the bathroom if you need it. An aisle seat is also better for those who don’t want to see how high off the ground they are
Bring something fun and relaxing to read or watch during the flight
Stay away from anything that induces anxiety, such as the news
Avoid caffeine, as it can heighten your sense of anxiety
Try people watching, both in the airport and on the plane. It can take your mind off your own anxieties
If you have a travel companion, take the opportunity to have a long conversation with them
Those who are recovering from an injury, recently experienced a health emergency or want to fly after surgery often fear getting on a plane. However, it is possible to fly in all these situations, especially if you have the right support.
Some people feel intimidated by the experience itself. Airports are huge, busy and confusing. That can give rise to feelings of anxiety, in some cases escalating to fear. Some tips to keep in mind for these issues are as follows.
Research and pick your parking location ahead of time. Go on your departure airport’s website and pick a place to park that will be the most convenient for you
Arrive early. It’s OK to arrive hours ahead of time, giving yourself plenty of time
Ticketing is your first stop, and you can now printout boarding passes at a self-serve kiosk. You can also use a pass on your phone if you have that function. Both save time in line
At security, wear shoes that are easy to slip off and slip on. Remember you will have to take off your belt and empty everything from your pockets, so don’t carry a lot.
Once you reach the gate area – and if you have time – find a relaxing airport lounge to wait for when boarding starts on your flight (typically about 30 minutes before departure)
Remember you are in control of how you react to this experience, it doesn’t control you
If you are elderly, post-operative, or dealing with a condition that impairs movement, this is another area where having a flight nurse with you is of great help
Flying is scary to some people, but it doesn’t have to be that way. By keeping these tips in mind and focusing on positive thinking, it’s not as difficult as you might think. You might even find that eventually you start to enjoy the experience!
For those who choose to hire a helicopter for medical transport or to get airlifted to a hospital, the costs can come as an unwelcome surprise. The national average for an emergency helicopter ride is about $40,000 and rose 60 percent between 2012 and 2016.
Those numbers, from a 2019 study published in Health Affairs, show the enormous medical flight cost for those who use an emergency helicopter. It’s an amount equal to about half the average annual household income in the United States.
The cost of using a helicopter is far higher than other methods of long distance medical transport. In some cases, shockingly higher.
The High Cost of Helicopter Airlifts
The costs of getting airlifted to a hospital can vary depending on circumstances that include the length of the flight and terrain the helicopter must reach. Overall, the median cost-per-mile has reached $268, according to the study.
Gerard Anderson, a professor of health policy and management at Johns Hopkins University and a co-author on the study, told the Washington Post that there are no controls on the system and little competition in most areas, leading most to believe costs will continue to escalate.
“If you’re somebody who gets injured, and an air ambulance comes, you’re going to pay huge amounts because most likely you’re out of network and you’re going to get a bill for $30,000 or $40,000,’’ Anderson said.
Many people living in rural areas have few choices, because with the closure of so many hospitals, a helicopter is their only way to reach a hospital within an hour.
Insurance Coverage Options for Emergencies
According to information from the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO), about two-thirds of all medical flights for people with private insurance are out-of-network. That results in insurance paying either a small portion or none of the bill.
This is what leads to “surprise billing” on patients. The GAO reported that almost all the consumer complaints they received involved billing of more than $10,000. In most cases, patients do not have any choice on who provides the airlift to the hospital and cannot control whether it is in or out of network, according to the GAO.
This can prove financially devastating to families. In some cases, emergency helicopter flights cost as much as $54,000. In one case, a judge from North Dakota was left with a bill of $41,000 after breaking three ribs when she was thrown from a horse in 2017.
Non-Emergency Medical Costs
None of this should be confused with non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) offered by Flying Angels. NEMT involves having experienced flight nurses travel with patients to their destination using commercial airlines. Flight arrangements are also made by the NEMT provider, further relieving stress for older travelers and those with medical conditions.
The most expensive NEMT flight – a trip to Asia – reaches around $25,000, according to estimates put together by Flying Angels based on costs leaving from Philadelphia International Airport. Other examples include $5,000 to $7,000 to Florida and $7,000 to $9,000 to California. While the costs of emergency transport, including getting airlifted to the hospital, continue to rise, NEMT services remain relatively inexpensive.
Concierge nursing services provide patients personalized care without them having to visit a doctor or hospital. These services include consultation on medical issues, home health services after surgery and post-op travelcare.
While most associate concierge nursing services with in home care, non-emergency medical transport companies like Flying Angels provide medical travel with a registered nurse which makes travel safer and easier. With bedside to bedside care, clients and their families have peace of mind while they travel with a flight nurse throughout their journey.
For those who have undergone a medical procedure and need to travel, concierge nursing services provide the support they need to make a trip safely. RN Flight Coordinators help make travel arrangements that address a number of individual concerns and limitations.
Some of the duties that are part of a day in the life of a flight nurse include the following.
Packing and managing a medical kit that includes everything they need, including specialty reclining wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, suction and nebulizers
Making sure patients meet all pre-planned points along the trip. Nurses also meet with patients the day before departure to go over the plan and make sure everything is in order
Flight nurses with Flying Angels are trained in flight physiology, and have extensive experience in air travel and the complexities involved getting through the check-in process, security, and customs and immigration for international flights
Flight nurses ensure patients disembark and reach their final destinations safely
Other concierge nursing services include a wide variety of situations. Most fall within one of the following categories.
Consultations
Concierge nurses will speak with patients directly about any health issues they are having and determine whether they need further medical care. This can help people avoid the cost and stress of unneeded trips to the doctor or hospital. An example of this type of service is Aging Life Care (ACLA), which offers a client-centered approach to those facing health challenges, including seniors. They provide guidance to families and individuals in making decisions that lead to a higher quality of life and the best care possible for loved ones.
Wellness Support
In some cases, concierge nurses will come to your home and provide consultation and care. They also can educate clients on how to properly use whatever medical equipment they need, all to help patients maintain their independence and stay at home.
Patient Advocacy
Concierge nursing also can include patient advocacy, acting as a “middle person” between the patient and clinicians at hospitals and other facilities. In this role, a concierge nurse focuses on ensuring that medical professionals meet a patient’s needs and answer their questions.
Respite Care
In these situations, nurses act as caregivers, giving patients time to recover and take a break. This service is especially useful for those recovering from surgery. These services also are offered for those who are bed-bound or wheelchair-bound. Nurses can help them with a range of motion exercises, among other issues.
Concierge nursing services make a significant difference for those who need help during post-op travel, as well as with wellness support, advocacy and respite care. The important thing to remember is that you are not alone, and concierge nurses can provide the help you need.
Most people travelling with cancer do so during breaks in their treatments. However, if an emergency or other situation requires you to fly during chemotherapy, you can safely do so by following a doctor’s advice, taking extra medication with you, knowing where to get care at every point along the trip and arranging for a medical professional to travel with you.
All these tips can help you fly during chemotherapy, even if it is not the optimum situation for you. In some cases, it’s best to approach these types of trips as you would critical care travel and ensure that you have an experienced nurse on hand throughout your trip.
The following tips can help you fly during chemotherapy without regretting the experience.
Consult With Your Doctor
The first step is to talk with your doctor and get her OK to fly. Your physician also will have suggestions and ideas that can help make the trip go more smoothly. Go into the meeting with your doctor prepared with all the details of your trip, including information about your planned methods of transportation and the access to medical care at your destination.
Whatever medications you are taking during chemotherapy, make sure you have a plentiful supply before you get on the plane. Keep the medications with you rather than putting them in checked baggage. Also, keep a copy of your prescription with you, which will make it easier to refill if your medication gets lost.
Travel With A Flight Nurse
Flight nurses have experience in providing medical care in high-altitude environments. Those who work with a non-emergency medical flight company can help you book your trip as well as provide medical care from the moment you leave your house until you reach your destination. People use flight nurses for everything from holiday travel to post-surgery travel or just for the safety of having a medical professional on hand.
Don’t start your trip without knowing where you can find medical care along every point of your trip. That includes the nearest hospitals and clinics near where you plan to stay. Make sure to check with your insurance company and ensure you are covered if you need to get medical services during your trip – they may require that you see a specific physician or go to a specific hospital.
People who travel with cancer need to rest during their trip. It’s important to plan ahead and give yourself time for long breaks so you can recharge your batteries. That will make the time when you are on the move and with others that much more enjoyable. By keeping these tips in mind, you can fly during chemotherapy. But always remember to keep your care and health top of mind. When travelling with cancer, your well-being must come first.
Flying is generally considered safe for those who have had a heart attack. However, for those who want to fly after a heart attack, it’s important to consider issues such as your current condition, the time since the heart attack and the type of equipment and medications you take.
Those with heart issues also can take actions that help make the flight easier, such as picking the right seat and knowing what to expect at security.
A solution for many is to have a trained flight nurse fly with them, especially if they want to fly after a heart attack or fly after a stroke. A trained nurse can provide all the care someone may need during the flight and they have experience in handling any issues that might arise.
The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that flying doesn’t need to be off limits for those with heart disease or who have had a heart attack or stroke. “In fact, a few simple precautions can help make your trip a smooth one,” the AHA writes.
Issues When You Fly After a Heart Attack
The following looks at some issues to keep in mind if you want to fly after a heart attack. By preparing in advance and getting the support you need, flying after a heart attack should not cause any issues.
How Long Ago Was The Heart Attack?
The length of time since the heart attack, and the severity of the heart attack, are two issues people should consider. There’s no set rule, but Web MD reports that most doctors advise waiting two weeks after a heart attack before flying. Most people also wait one week after having angioplasty.
What Is Your Current Condition?
If you visit a doctor before taking a flight, they will likely check for certain issues to gauge your current heart health. This includes blood pressure and whether you are experiencing an irregular heartbeat or chest pain. They may also check your oxygen blood level. Depending on the results of these tests, a doctor may adjust your medications before the flight.
What Type of Medication and Equipment Do You Need?
Planning and arriving early can save you headaches at the airport. In terms of equipment, it’s safe to fly with a pacemaker or defibrillator, but security equipment can interfere with the devices’ function, so alert security personnel in advance. Also, if you need to carry liquid medications or extra oxygen, get a document from your doctor that states you need to carry them on the plane with you.
In addition to the above issues, it’s also smart to have a checklist that includes the following.
Take all medications on the flight and have them within easy reach
Carry a list of your medications with you
Carry contact information for your family and your doctor
Request an aisle seat so you can stand and stretch your legs every so often, as well as easily get to the bathroom
Ask your doctor if you should wear compression socks that will help your blood circulate even as you sit in one position for a long period of time
Medical Transportation Assistance
Some who have suffered a heart attack prefer to have a medical professional fly with them to manage their health needs. This kind of service is referred to as non-emergency medical transport or medical transportation. This service provides the comfort of having an experienced flight nurse with you and oversee your care during the flight.
An example of a medical transportation service is Flying Angels which sends a nurse with you on your trip. A flight nurse provides care at high altitudes and is specially trained in aviation physiology. An RN Flight Coordinator handles all the travel arrangements for you and your loved ones to ensure the entire trip is comfortable and safe. Most people who have suffered a heart attack can fly safely if they follow these precautions. Make sure to consult with your doctor and a medical transport company before your flight. That way, you ensure that you take the proper steps before and during your journey.
