Special passengers are considered to be those who, due to their characteristics, need special treatment from the airlines: children traveling alone, pregnant women, sick people, people with mobility problems, etc. However, it is necessary that at the time of booking the flight and buying the ticket, the airline company is informed of the passenger’s circumstances so that they can benefit from the assistance it offers.
Although generally, most passengers (in good health and sick) do not usually have any risk during a plane trip, it is advisable to consult a doctor before starting a trip, especially in the following cases:
– After an ocular, pulmonary or abdominal surgery.
– After having suffered a heart attack, angina pectoris or if you have circulatory problems.
– If you have to travel with your legs in a cast.
– In case of suffering from a lung disease or respiratory failure.
– In case of sinusitis or ear infections.
– People with respiratory allergies or nasal problems derived from infections.
In the cases listed above, the doctor will inform the patient of the adequacy to undertake a flight and the necessary precautions to bring it to fruition.
It is important to bear in mind that modern airplanes reach altitudes that can reach 11,000 meters in height, with an outside temperature of about 60 degrees below zero and minimum levels of oxygen. These extreme conditions imply adopting favorable artificial conditions inside the aircraft in terms of air pressure and humidity. In addition, to this we must add the fact that travelers have a fairly reduced mobility during the trip.
The airlines usually provide some nutritional and physical recommendations (exercises during the flight) in order to help the passenger’s well-being and mitigate the effects of prolonged immobility, on flights of more than three hours.
In the case of sick passengers , the medical service of the airline will determine the possibility of making the trip or not, and under what conditions. They may travel on a stretcher or accommodated in several seats, after consulting the airline regarding the conditions and rates. If the transport is carried out on a stretcher, the patient must be accompanied by a person.
Regarding pregnant women , airlines advise not to make a trip of these characteristics when the state of gestation exceeds 36 weeks . In any case, it is recommended to consult with the contracted company since, in some cases, a Disclaimer of Liability from the airline must be signed in the event of any eventuality that may arise due to the status of the signer.
As for minors , as a general rule, they should be accompanied by an adult. There are airlines that have an escort service and it is usually crew personnel (upon payment of the service).
When a child has reached the age of five , they can travel alone, as long as the guardian or a person responsible for the minor signs a Disclaimer and guarantees the pick-up of the child at the destination airport, by an accredited adult.
Most airlines provide some special services for those traveling with babies or minors: books, games or children’s menus, as long as they are requested in advance.