Stretcher on Commercial Flight

When you’re ill and you need to get home, call Lifesupport Air Medical Services. With bases across Canada, our stretchers on commercial flights bring patients home quickly, comfortably, and at a fraction of the cost of an air ambulance.

Start Your Journey
A white and orange blanket on a bed.

A stretcher on a commercial flight is set up across 6-9 seats in the back of the plane. We can bring in our air ambulance equipment, including oxygen, cardiac monitoring, and ventilator support. Our top-of-the-line equipment ensures your safe, quick, and comfortable journey.

Reserve a Commercial Flight Stretcher

Answer a few simple questions and we’ll provide you with safe and effective options. Our team of experts will guide you through this unfamiliar process.

How urgent is your request?

Let us determine how fast should we start the process.

Next Step

Where they are coming from?

Let us know what is the current location of the patient.

Where they are going to?

Let us know the location where the patient is supposed to drop.

How much do they weigh?

This helps us determine what kind of ground and air transport can be used to move the patient.

Next Step

Can the patient sit up for more than 1 hour?

This helps us determine what kind of ground and air transport can be used to move the patient.

Does the patient require oxygen?

Patient’s will often require supplemental oxygen at altitude.

Next Step

Enter Name & Contact Details

We’ll be in touch right away.

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A woman in a blue shirt is standing next to a blue and white stretcher.

Who Uses a Commercial Airline Stretcher?

Individuals who use stretchers on commercial flights need intensive medical assistance. Typically, they have limited mobility and cannot sit up for takeoff and landing. We have helped people who need critical or palliative care. We are proud that Lifesupport Air Medical Services is one of the first companies to transport patients with ventilation on a commercial flight. 

Stretchers on commercial airlines are an economical alternative to air ambulances. Unfortunately, not all patients can be transported this way but our medical team will recommend the safest, fastest, and most cost-effective way to get you home based on your individual needs.

Which Airports Have Airline Stretchers?

Commercial airline stretchers can be set up from major airport hubs – not from every airport. Thanks to our years of medical transport experience and our close relationships with all major airlines, we can identify the best hub and airline to use based on your specific needs. Depending on your individual needs, we may fly you in an air ambulance to a major airport hub before transferring you onto a stretcher on a commercial flight.

A hospital bed with a patient hooked up to machines.
A man in an orange and white uniform is holding a tray of medical supplies.

Scheduling Your Stretcher

Getting a stretcher on a commercial flight can take from a few hours to over two weeks. Here are some factors that influence how quickly you can get a stretcher on a commercial flight:

  • We need medical clearance from the airline to set up the stretcher.
  • Each airline has its own clearance process which varies in length.
  • Stretchers require 6-9 seats, so availability can be sparse on popular routes. 

Our clinicians have transported thousands of patients on stretchers on commercial flights. They know the ins and outs of each airline and airport and will be able to make the best recommendation for your individual needs.

Let Lifesupport take you home

Lifesupport has base locations across Canada, bringing you home safely and efficiently.

Your Clinical Care Team

Your Critical Care Transport team will have 2 or 3 members. Depending on your needs, the team will include an ICU or ER registered nurse, a doctor, or a paramedic. All of our Critical Care Transport team members have undergone Lifesupport Air Medical Services’ own extensive training program.

A group of people standing in front of a plane.
A plane wing with a sunset in the background.

Stretcher on Commercial Flight Accreditation

Our commercial airline stretcher service is accredited by the European Aeromedical Institute (EURAMI) according to the latest standards. In addition to our accreditation for commercial airline stretcher services, we are also accredited for medical escort services on commercial flights and inter-continental fixed wing air ambulance services.

It is a privilege to be accredited with EURAMI. Our accreditation means that we have undergone an extensive review to prove that we are qualified, professional, and safe. It also means that we can get the job done in the right way. We are committed to maintaining this accreditation and are regularly called upon to continue proving our qualifications.

Have questions about stretchers on commercial flights? Check out our FAQs.

Get in touch

Our team of experts is standing by to help you navigate the unfamiliar world of medical repatriation.

We’re here to help