Robert Brown calls for an end to airlines' tax on breathing

12.00.00am GMT Sun 7th Feb 2010

Glasgow MSP Robert Brown has lent his support to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK and British Lung Foundation's campaign to end the restrictions and charges that airlines place on people with a lung condition.

People with respiratory diseases such as Pulmonary Hypertension Chronic and Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) often require additional supplementary oxygen due to the low levels of oxygen in their blood.

However, due to the policies set by airline companies, it is both expensive and difficult for people with this disability to plan and use air travel. A recent survey of 71 major airlines, conducted by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK found that

Less than a quarter of airlines surveyed supply free supplementary oxygen.

-A quarter of airlines approached do not supply supplementary oxygen at all.

-Two thirds of airlines in the study would not allow disabled air travellers with lung conditions to bring their own oxygen for use in-flight.

-Of the airlines that provide supplemental oxygen but charge for it, each levies a different fee ranging from £50 to £500 per trip!

-Researchers spent protracted periods of time 'on hold' and in some instances paying a premium rate for the privilege, speaking with an average of three different customer service staff and still not receiving the information they required.

-In too many instances airlines were only prepared to share their supplemental oxygen policy, if our secret shopper had bought a ticket to fly first

Robert Brown said: 'This is an issue I have raised before. In the coming months many people from Glasgow, Rutherglen and Cambuslang will be going on holiday by plane. I believe that people with lung conditions should have same opportunities to travel, free from discriminatory charges, as the rest of us. I really do hope that all the airlines that have not already done so will drop these charges and restrictions. It is quite unsatisfactory in every way.'

Iain Armstrong, Chairman of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK stated: 'We are delighted that Robert Brown MSP has supported our campaign. I believe the charging of those with lung conditions for supplementary oxygen is a grossly unfair tax. Disability rights are not about having different rights but equal rights. These individuals should have the same opportunities to travel, free from discriminatory charges, as the rest of us. I therefore urge all the airlines that have not already done so, to drop these charges.'

Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: 'Supplemental oxygen is as important to people with breathing problems as a wheelchair is to people who have difficulty walking. All airlines should allow people dependent on supplemental oxygen to travel with it free of charge, if they have medical clearance to do so. We need the airlines to act on this with urgency."

• Ends -