By Anna Bennett
Bill has written a lot about flying within the USA with NxStage. The good (Alaska Airlines)and the bad (I'm pointing fingers at you Delta), and Harvey Wells just commented on his smooth travels using American Airlines Special Assistance Coordinator desk (SAC). I decided to put a lot of contact info in one place and I am including a link to Dori Schatell's informative article Leaving on a Jet Plane (about your rights when flying with medical equipment).
If you are planning to fly with your NxStage or your PD cycler as you make your flight reservations, let the airline know that you are disabled (or at least your kidneys are) and that you will be checking medical equipment and that this equipment should be carried free of charge (cite the Air Carrier Access Act Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 382) to make sure that your trip will go smoothly. You'll still have to pay for your checked personal belongings, but your machine, heater and IV pole should be free (Charging you for a life sustaining device could be considered discrimination). As usual, if the Customer Service rep gives you a hard time, speak with a manager.
Alaskan Airlines/Horizon Air phone 1-800-252-7522 (contact general reservation)
American Airlines phone 1-800-433-7300 (dedicated Special Assistance Coordinator desk)
Continental phone 1-800-523-3273 (contact general reservation)
Delta phone 800-221-1212 (contact general reservation)
Jet Blue phone 1-800-538-2583 (contact general reservation)
Northwest phone 1-800-225-2525 (contact general reservation)
Southwest phone 1- 800 435-9792 (contact general reservation at least 24 hours in advance)
United phone 1-800-864-8331 (contact general reservation at least 24 hours in advance)
US Air/America West phone 1- 800-892-3624 (contact general reservation)
Virgin America phone 1.877.359.8474 (contact general reservation)
Now, if you have already traveled and want to complain about the airline here is who to contact:
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
Anyone believing that an airline has violated any provision of Title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations, Part 382, may file a formal complaint under the applicable
procedures of 14 CFR Part 382.65 at the following address:
U.S. Department of Transportation Aviation
Consumer Protection Division/C-75400
7th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20590
1-202-366-2220
Or, contact the Aviation Consumer Protection Division
And
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Disability Hotline
If you have experienced time-sensitive, disability-related air travel service
problems that require immediate attention, you may call 1-800-778-4838 (voice)
or 1-800-455-9880 (TTY) to obtain assistance.
This Hotline also provides general information about the rights of air travelers with
disabilities and provides printed consumer information upon request.
The Hotline is available from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. ET, seven days a week.
Effective October 1, 2006, the hours will change to 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. ET,
Monday through Friday, except holidays.
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