Travelling can feel both exciting and stressful depending on where you're going.
But when you have sickle cell the threat of a mid air crisis pushes the dial towards stress.
The most common questions I hear from people with sickle cell planning long haul flight are:
-Do you need oxygen?
-Is the altitude dangerous?
-Can a flight trigger a crisis?
Flying
When you fly, the cabin is pressurised to mimic being about 6-8,000 feet above sea level. So yes, the oxygen level is a little lower than on the ground. But despite that, most people with sickle cell can fly safely without needing extra oxygen. The real question isn’t the plane. It’s your baseline.
Think about your usual oxygen saturation when you’re well. If you normally sit at 95 percent or higher, it’s very unlikely you’ll need support during a flight.
The main causes for concern would be if:
In this case you should talk to your haematology team. They can give an opinion as part of a fitness-to-fly assessment. If indicated you can use this to apply to the airline for use of onboard oxygen.
Visiting high altitude destinations
This is another risk that may catch you by surprise. The altitude inside a plane is actually higher than the altitude of most high-altitude destinations. However even if you can manage the flight without oxygen you should still be cautious and might need it after arriving.
This is why.
You’re only on the plane for a few hours, everything is controlled and you're just sitting there watching movies.
But when you arrive somewhere like Utah, you’re in slightly thinner air all day and night. And you're more active. And you're adjusting to new routines. And you're possibly a bit dehydrated or fatigued from travelling.
That combination of continuous exposure and extra strain on the body can be enough to tip the balance for some warriors, which is why symptoms might appear a day or two after arrival even if the flight is okay.
Key Points
1) If your oxygen levels are normally quite low or you've recently had Acute Chest Syndrome you might need oxygen.
2) Consult your doctor well in advanced for a fitness to fly assessment and apply to the airline for use of oxygen onboard.
3) If travelling to high altitude destinations, take it easy for the first 2 days whilst your body adjusts to the slight reduction in oxygen.
4) Avoid dehydration, physical exertion and stress. Prioritise sleep, water and healthy food.
Save the holiday indulgences for after the first 24-48 hours!
