Ill and flying? Keep these tips in mind

A 22-year-old HIV+ girl died at the Kolkata airport on Tuesday after airport authorities refused to take her on board a plane bound for Mizoram, her home state.

So what should a critically-ill patient do if he/she has to fly?

Following is the in-flight procedure for critically-ill patients:

• Air India is the only airline in India which carries out such medical evacuations.
• The airline has to be informed 24 hours in advance.
• The airline then removes two rows or six seats and puts in extra oxygen cylinders for the patient.
• The passenger has to pay for four full-fare tickets.
• A trained medical attendant or a doctor is required to travel with the patient.
• A ‘fit for travel’ certificate from a hospital or registered doctor is required