Cancer Patient - Any Breaks on Price for Airfare to Chemo Treatments

Don't forget about Southwest airlines. I don't know if they give compasion discounts, but my husband used to make that trip often for work and at think at most he paid was $69 each way, and they often run sales for $49 each way. Also, I don't know if it counts for flying, and I don't know too much about it, but my parents constantly talk about how they can write off their mileage for doctor's appointments on their taxes. That maybe something to look into.

Here are some resources that I've found. I hope your friend's treatments go well, and she is blessed to have a friend like you to look out for her.

http://www.angelflightcentral.org/

http://www.corpangelnetwork.org/patient/index.html

http://mercymedical.org/

http://www.lifelinepilots.org/index.html

http://www.discounttravel4cancer.com/

http://www.1uponcancer.com/freebies-and-discounts-for-can...

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/airlines-offer-bereavement...

http://www.ehow.com/list_###-###-####_airlines-bereavemen...

Really, the airlines each need to be called, they don't publish their prices for compassion discounts though, they will be quoted over the phone.

United Airlines is among the most liberal in its compassion fares, offering them for "last-minute travel for the purposes of obtaining medical treatment, attending to a seriously ill or injured family member or attending the funeral of a family member." United requires documentation proving these circumstances in the form of physician's letter or death certificate. Customers receive a 10 percent discount off existing United fares and enjoy the privilege of having fees waived for any necessary changes. Only United's reservation call centers and airport ticket counters can issue compassion fare tickets.

As far as why Houston instead of Dallas, Houston has M.D. Anderson, a leading cancer treatment medical center. It is not uncommon for people all over Texas (or farther away) to go to Houston for their cancer treatments.

Our church music director had to move there for 2 months for proton treatment....a type of cancer treatment..... he just got back recently. He and his wife stayed in an apartment set-up they have for this type of treatment.

Why can't she get chemo in Dallas? Just curious as that is a MAJOR American city after all!

i live right in the middle i am in austin and i have a friend that is going through treatments in houston and she has had to move there till her treatments are over it was too hard to have to travel back and forth..this might be the better option for your friend because treatment can be so rough..good luck to her please update and let us know how she is doing

J.,
There is a link on this page that will take you to services cancer patients receive at no cost or discounts. Not sure it covers airfare. But hopefully there will be some helpful info there.
http://lungcancer.about.com/od/lungcancersupport/a/10-Thi...

@mamazita--MD Anderson is in Houston. It offers some treatments that are not available in other locations. She is probably going for something other than chemo.

Check with the American cancer society. Ask the airline. Check with churches, and any family centers in your area. Also ask the place where you are getting the treatments at. Good luck.

Is your friend coming to MD Anderson Cancern Center? If so, then here is a link that might be helpful: http://www.mdanderson.org/patient-and-cancer-information/....

"Patient Travel Services
MD Anderson’s Patient Travel Program offers discounts on unrestricted, changeable, non-penalty airfares and change fee waivers on restricted fares from anywhere in the United States (and most of the world) for patients and their caregivers coming to Houston. Patient Travel Services has access to MD Anderson airline, lodging and transportation discounts and rates.

Location: Faculty Center, Floor 3, FC3.2032, for ticket changes and bilingual agent
Hours: Weekdays 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; by telephone 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Phone: ###-###-#### or toll-free 888-848-9992
E-mail: ____@____.com

When confirming reservations through Patient Travel Services, it is necessary to schedule a round trip flight, even if you don't have a return date. Changes can be made to the return, and there is no service fee if you purchased your ticket through Patient Travel Services. Continental Airlines permits changes with no fee if seating is available. Should seats not be available for the flights you want, Continental may explore additional options. Regulations for changes on other carriers are available to patients who purchased their tickets through Patient Travel Services.

All tickets issued by Patient Travel Services are electronic (E-Ticket or Ticketless), whenever possible."

ETA: Just had this exchange with a friend at MDAnderson:

- Hey, is there a program here to assist patients with air fare?
- Yes. There are several. One is Angel Flight www.angelflight.com. But the best bet is to have the patient speak to Social Work to determine their needs.

I am not aware of any airlines that provide a discount for medical treatments. My friend's family traveled from Kansas City though to Dallas for pancreatic cancer treatment...there is fantastic treatment there.

Southwest has reasonable fares. Not sure about discounts. She will just have to call the airlines to find out.

Not sure about that, but I doubt it. Why do you need to go to Houston for
chemo treatments. I understand that seeing a doctor and getting a diagnosis and treatment that you go anywhere. However, the chemo should be able to be given locally. I have two friends going thru chemo
locally right now but the doctors are in NYC. I am sure staying close to
home for you would be preferrable. As long as the doctor gives the orders
for the chemo, you should be able to stay in Dallas. Good luck.

I have a friend who's stepdad made the same trip - they were able to get temporary housing for his treatments and they drove. I am not sure what the treatment plan is, but it seems a phone call to different options are in order - do not discount Amtrak/train/bus services.

I've never heard of airlines giving breaks. If they do it is not advertisied and you would need to get that infor through the hoipital program or cancer society.

However, we are in the Dallas area and my husband is in Houston at least once a month. I book all his travel in advance on Southwest and he flies down there for less than $120 round trip.

You get on the SW site, and pull up the times you need to travel, book as advance as you can, and you purchase the web special. It is easy peasy.

The only issue is if you have problems with scheduling. Another perk with Southwest is if you have to miss your flight for some reason... call them in advance so they know and the money you pay is banked for a year on your account for you to use on another flight OR they can refund the funds to your credit card.

As soon as you know the scheduled visits, get online with SW and book them. hubby is flying there next week at $49 each way.

Best wishes..