Originally Posted by
LeisureFirst
This is a rather simplistic view which in my opinion puts far too much faith in the abilities of doctors.
By all means seek medical advice, but I wouldn't put the opinion of one doctor on a pedestal like this. You and your mother may well have a better picture of her own health than her doctor does, even once you've tried to explain your concerns to him.
(It's one small part of a long sorry tale of NHS incompetence and negligence, eventually sorted out when I changed careers and could afford a nice man in Harley Street.)
This is OT I know but most of the salient points seem to have been covered. The key ones being that if she wants to go, gets insurance for an acceptable premium (she will always get insurance and I would advise SAGA as there support network if it all goes wrong is excellent), is allowed to fly by her GP and flies J (I would go for BA/QF for all of the above reasons) then I would say go for it.
Leisure First needs to think again if he thinks Harley Street is 'competent' as a distinct entity. I hear all manner of stories from that particular stretch of medical residences that would make your eyes boggle. You do not always get what you pay (extra) for and where there is substantial amounts of money to be gained you can be sure to find it's associated problems. A good doctor is worth their weight in gold and they are not all private. (Although I plan to do both
)
If your Mum's GP knows her well - and this will largely depend on how often she visits - then they are in the ideal position to comment on her suitability to fly. If she does then good on her and I hope the memories she expects to rekindle meet their expectations!