Although not legally required to render assistance in the event of a medical emergency aboard an airplane, physicians have an ethical obligation to do so and should be prepared.
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Most times the airline just absorbs the costs as the cost of doing business and ultimately passengers pay the costs as they will be built into ticket prices. In some cases an airline may pursue a civil case against the passenger.
If there is no doctor onboard, many airlines have links with emergency medical service providers who can be reached via satellite phone or radio phone to advise on the situation. With support from medical professionals, the crew should now be able to determine what to do next.
Physicians reluctant to respond to a medical crisis may worry about their liability. But under the Aviation Medical Assistance Act of 1998 , doctors who treat a sick patient in good faith are protected from lawsuits that might arise from the care they delivered on a plane.
You should make reservations as early as possible and advise the airline what type of assistance you will need. For example, you should indicate whether you need wheelchair assistance or guided assistance. Request an airport wheelchair when you make your reservation if you are unable to walk long distances.
This doesn't mean that it's a life-or-death situation; it's all just part of the process. Research has shown that there are doctors onboard as many as 70% of all commercial flights, so the chances of someone being present are pretty high.
The airline cannot require you to pay for the wheelchair service or assistant that they provide if you check in your walker. Also, if you are bringing your walker or other mobility devices with you onto the plane, your adaptive technology takes priority over other passengers' luggage and belongings.
TSA Cares assistance is only available for assistance through the screening checkpoint. If you need in-flight assistance or wheelchair assistance from the curb to the aircraft, please contact your airline.
Do I have to pay extra to fly with a wheelchair? It's free to check up to two wheelchairs, scooters or mobility devices, including sports wheelchairs and personal medical equipment, in addition to your checked bags. We recommend any mobility device not needed for assistance to your gate be checked in the airport lobby.
4. Don't forget to tip. Thank a wheelchair attendant with $3 to $5, or more if he or she helps with luggage or spends extra time with you. For an electric cart, tip $2 to $3.