NewbE

I hate to say it, but IMO the only way to get the airlines to pay attention would be to file a lawsuit, and win. A class action lawsuit (in the US) would be even better. Attendant publicity would also help.

gail

Sandpile - I hope your recovery continues to go well and soon you can post a trip report on one or more or your several trips to Europe a year. What a shame to not share some of those experiences and instead make your first and only post as a newly registered Fodorite about this unfortunate incident.

Sandpile

Gail, I am still suffering from this incident, 2 and a half months later, but this post I followed was one of a VERY few I found regarding the subject of breathing problems on flights. It is important that people know there are genuine risks while traveling that are not addressed elsewhere. Sorry you found my need to seek out others who've suffered in flight a shame for a first post.

Odin

<<And yes British Airways knew about my asthma preflight as I was loaded with a wheelchair. It's that bad.>> There are many reasons people request wheelchairs, it might not be obvious that you requested it due to asthma. The crew might not know what triggers asthma, they are not medical staff. Unless you tell them, they won't know. In the same way some people are allergic to nuts, the airline usually makes an announcement to ask the other passengers not to eat nuts onboard, I am sure they would do the same for someone who had an allergy to perfume. But you need to tell the crew as soon as you get onboard and not just some FA during the flight, which is too late. I was on a flight once where the passengers were requested not to eat oranges or drink orange juice and it was not provided in any of the drink or meal services. This was at the request of a passenger who was extremely allergic to oranges.

<<The airline may need to supply oxygen or acceptable air purification system/device just as they supply wheelchairs and transport to disabled passengers.>> Conditions that need extra oxygen generally need medical clearance before being accepted for a flight. Some airlines provide the additional oxygen FOC and others will make you bring your own.

Sue_xx_yy

I think the difference is, that if the airline supplies oxygen to a passenger with breathing difficulties, that that is something the airline can control. The airline knows their own equipment, they will have tested it to make sure it is both effective and safe.

Whereas allowing people to use their own equipment, be it oxygen supply or some other electronic breathing filter, is another matter, unless it is clearly marked with some kind of permanent marking indicating it has been tested by a recognized authority and cleared for use on an aircraft. Bottom line, airlines can't be expected to do on-the-spot safety examinations of any equipment, even medical equipment, that someone brings on board.

As we all know from those safety videos, the airline is also required by law to provide supplementary oxygen to all pax in the event of an emergency. I'm guessing the the airline would need to test the safety of any equipment used by a passenger in the presence of such supplemental oxygen. Particularly when the ADA exclusions might cover such a scenario:

"the [employer/transportation provider] may refuse to employ or provide accommodations to an individual who poses a "direct threat" to the health or safety of him/herself or [others] ... The determination that an individual poses a direct threat to self or others cannot be made simply based on stereotypical generalizations about [a given] illness, but may be based only on objective evidence from a... credible source... that the individual’s present condition makes him or her a direct threat to self or others."

The question of course is the interpretation of the word 'condition'. If someone requires medical equipment that for one reason or another is deemed incompatible with flight conditions, that could presumably constitute an exclusion.

I'm not saying that that was the case for the OP; only that I can sympathize with the problems of both the OP and the airline.

Sandpile

I actually had to advise why I requested a wheelchair for the flight. So the asthma was advised but I do appreciate Odon mentioning that I should say something to the crew. That is a great idea and I will do that as I'm flying again in week.

My next flight with Air France I have even called the medical line, yes they have one, and made sure the new nebulizer I will carry is FAA approved and allowed to be used during flight.
I recommend this extra step to anyone carrying medical equipment. Not only is the airline clearly advised but no surprises in the air. They too are very nice and helpful.

I understand that the airline is not responsible for my care and I truly believe the Flight Attendant that helped me was amazing, considerate and caring and I made sure through email and letter that his exemplary work was brought to the attention of British Airways. I truly believe British Airways did everything within their power to assist and I appreciate that sincerely. The only reason for a lawsuit would be to bring attention to this problem and that isn't the direction I'd care to go. Has to be a better way.

I also have no issue with the lady who sprayed the perfume. She had no way to know the effect she would cause. I blame no one for this incident.

My issue would be that maybe it's time for the spraying of anything in the air on a flight not be allowed and mentioned in the preflight talk regarding safety. Maybe it's time for yet another change in regulations. I'm not the only one whose had problems with smells, of all kinds on flights.

I also again would love to say British Airways has always been a great airline to fly, they go the extra step to make sure your trip is a good one!

ileen

I sympathize with your condition and wish you did not suffer because of the behavior of another passenger.

Have you thought of writing a letter to the management of the airlines to share your story and also to make them aware about this sort of medical problem.

I think if you write a letter, you will help many other passengers who may suffer with similar health problems.

Have a safe trip.