How to help an ill traveler return home?
Mar 9, 2018, 6:46 am
#16
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
OP - It is unclear whether your friend has medically-diagnosed physical or mental health issues which affect travel or whether something occurred which increases his stress level. If the former, he should involve his treating physician in the decision-making. A panic attack or similar stress issue on the ground is manageable. At 40,000 feet, it can be devastating for the individual, other passengers, and crew and may necessitate a medical diversion. That is why a professional assessment is necessary and it is why air carriers are keen on knowing about issues which may arise. Trying to hide those from the carrier does not benefit anyone. A professional might also suggest that now is not the time to travel. You will also find that having someone on the ground who observes him now can provide a wealth of information.
The escort services are just that. They may be helpful to someone who is overwhelmed, but they still end at the aircraft door.
Other considerations are your friend's financial situation. If he is flying in Y, might he upgrade and have a more pleasant experience which might be stress-relieving?
The escort services are just that. They may be helpful to someone who is overwhelmed, but they still end at the aircraft door.
Other considerations are your friend's financial situation. If he is flying in Y, might he upgrade and have a more pleasant experience which might be stress-relieving?
Mar 9, 2018, 7:34 am
#17
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Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: BA
Posts: 609
OP - It is unclear whether your friend has medically-diagnosed physical or mental health issues which affect travel or whether something occurred which increases his stress level. If the former, he should involve his treating physician in the decision-making. A panic attack or similar stress issue on the ground is manageable. At 40,000 feet, it can be devastating for the individual, other passengers, and crew and may necessitate a medical diversion. That is why a professional assessment is necessary and it is why air carriers are keen on knowing about issues which may arise. Trying to hide those from the carrier does not benefit anyone. A professional might also suggest that now is not the time to travel. You will also find that having someone on the ground who observes him now can provide a wealth of information.
The escort services are just that. They may be helpful to someone who is overwhelmed, but they still end at the aircraft door.
Other considerations are your friend's financial situation. If he is flying in Y, might he upgrade and have a more pleasant experience which might be stress-relieving?
The escort services are just that. They may be helpful to someone who is overwhelmed, but they still end at the aircraft door.
Other considerations are your friend's financial situation. If he is flying in Y, might he upgrade and have a more pleasant experience which might be stress-relieving?
Mar 9, 2018, 3:29 pm
#18
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 9,138
I would request a wheelchair. That will cut the lines and he'll have an escort nearly all the time and you get it on both ends and transfer airports. It is not required the use the wheelchair all the time and there is no requirement to explain the issue. It is also more certain to work than separate VIP services.
Mar 9, 2018, 4:40 pm
#19
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: AA, DL, Avis, Enterprise, National, IHG, HH, SPG/MR
Posts: 1,852
A dear friend has been traveling outside the US since the beginning of the year and had a traumatic event occur near the beginning of the trip that has contributed to his stress- and anxiety- levels. He is concerned about managing the return travel alone in his present condition and while I would gladly have flown to meet him to return home with him, the airfares were prohibitive (either BOM-SFO or FRA-SFO) on Lufthansa). I am hoping for your advice to share with him about how to cope with the air travel so he can get home. I'm trying to recall if he bought travel insurance, however as I would prefer him to be home rather than delaying his return I'm not sure that insurance makes a difference. He has traveled extensively over the years, but not in this condition. I would be appreciative of any info you can share with me that could help him.
Mar 9, 2018, 8:29 pm
#20
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,735
Don't think I've seen a term as nasty as "emotional support human" before. You don't know what this person experienced, or what type of care he's had/needs, but you think flying in F will cure his mental health issue.
I agree with the posters who suggested that a physician is the place to start with planning the trip home.
Mar 10, 2018, 5:52 pm
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 6
Thanks to those of you who provided helpful suggestions. Your thoughtfulness and empathy are greatly appreciated as I try to best support my friend. I hope yourposted thoughts and ideas can help others in a similar situation, but I also hope that not many others find themselves in a situation like this.
Happy travels!
Happy travels!
Mar 10, 2018, 7:24 pm
#22
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: US Air, UA BA LH AI DELTA MARRIOTT CHOICE SGP
Posts: 9,883
If "passengre-patient" could afford F wouldn't he be able to pay for the friend's Y ticket to come & get him ? Sounds like "let 'em eat cake" !
Mar 10, 2018, 9:29 pm
#23
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: AA, DL, Avis, Enterprise, National, IHG, HH, SPG/MR
Posts: 1,852
Mar 10, 2018, 10:05 pm
#24
Moderator: Delta SkyMiles, Luxury Hotels, TravelBuzz! and Italy
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 26,552
Thanks to those of you who provided helpful suggestions. Your thoughtfulness and empathy are greatly appreciated as I try to best support my friend. I hope yourposted thoughts and ideas can help others in a similar situation, but I also hope that not many others find themselves in a situation like this.
Happy travels!
Happy travels!
Best of luck...
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator