Medical assistance
Fractures
The cabin air pressure in commercial aircraft is lower than the air pressure at the earth's surface. This factor does not affect most passengers, but passengers with certain health problems should take this into account.
This is the case of passengers who have had an orthopedic injury (e.g., fractures) requiring immobilization by plaster cast. In these cases, medical approval must be obtained to be able to travel. To make the request, the doctor who assisted the passenger must fill in the medical assistance document (PDF, 0.1MB, EN), which must then be sent to the TAP contacts provided above.
In addition, if the plaster cast was applied less than 48 hours before the flight, the cast should be split to prevent circulatory problems and discomfort.
A wheelchair may be required to get to the aircraft, and you may need extra space for your legs during the flight.
Passengers with immobilized leg below the knee
Buy one extra seat: the immobilised leg is placed under the extra seat beside the passenger.
Buy two extra seats: the passenger takes the seat next to the window and places his/her leg over the other seats. If the left-hand limb is injured, the passenger is placed on the right-hand side of the aircraft. If the right-hand limb is injured, the passenger is placed on the left-hand side of the aircraft.
Passengers with leg fully immobilised, including knee
Flight of any duration
Buy two extra seats: the passenger leans against the window and places the immobilised leg on the other two seats. If the right-hand limb is injured, the passenger is placed on the left-hand side of the aircraft, and vice-versa.
Passengers with immobilized leg below the knee
Buy one extra seat in a side row of two seats: the immobilised leg is placed under the extra seat beside the passenger.
Buy a seat in Executive Class, therefore an extra seat is not necessary.
Passengers with leg fully immobilised, including knee
Buy a seat in Executive Class, therefore an extra seat is not necessary.
Stretchers
The following rules apply to transporting a passenger on a stretcher in a medical case situation:
- The passenger must be accompanied by a paramedic or doctor, if the carrier so requires.
- Wait list reservations are not accepted.
- When in transit, payment for an ambulance to transfer the passenger from one plane to another is at the passenger’s expense.
The reservation must include the following information:
- Details of the ambulances at departure and arrival (entities/hospitals of origin and destination);
- Contact information of the passenger or companion at the place of embark.
Any additional equipment requested by TAP must be provided by the passenger.
Code-share flights are subject to special conditions. Contact us for more information.
Oxygen
The passenger must travel accompanied by someone who is able to provide adequate care, preferably a doctor or nurse.
However, the passenger can travel alone if he/she can provide their own care. The passenger must have prior approval from the TAP medical services department.
Operating Airline restrictions may apply for oxygen provided by the passenger. Please consult these restrictions here. It is not possible for the crew to administer oxygen.
TAP has two types of tanks:
- large: 3 liters/min - 7 liters/min;
- small: 2lts/min - 4 liters/min.
A fee is charged for this service.
Contact us for more information.
Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Machine (CPAP)
Passengers who need to travel with a POC or CPAP machine (for treatment of sleep apnea) can carry them on board TAP flights. However, they must contact the TAP Contact Center to find out about the specific conditions for their flight.
Related Tools
Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. We guarantee support at the airport up until boarding your flight. We recommend that you do the booking of this service up to 48 hours before the trip.
A special service for the comfort of passengers with hearing impairment.
