What Medical Equipment Can I Bring on an Angel Flight Central Flight?

“Doctor’s appointments aren’t fun, so having the flight first gives Damian something positive to look forward to.” — Damian’s mom

Damian, 22, is from Fargo, North Dakota. He and his mom, Shari, travel to Rochester, Minnesota, for treatment related to kidney disease. His family first started flying with Angel Flight Central in 2022, when Damian needed follow-up appointments after a heart transplant.

Since then, flying with AFC has helped make those trips feel a little more manageable. Instead of beginning each appointment with a long drive, Damian is able to start the day with something he actually looks forward to.

Doctor’s appointments, treatments, and follow-ups can be a lot for any family to carry. When you add in travel, luggage, mobility equipment, and the stress of getting everything where it needs to go, the details can add up quickly.

Angel Flight Central flights can be a helpful option for patients and families traveling to medical care, but they are different from commercial airline flights. AFC flights are flown by volunteer pilots in small, private aircraft typically 4 to 6 seats. Each aircraft is different, and space is limited.

That means medical equipment, mobility needs, luggage, and oxygen needs all have to be talked through with your flight coordinator before your flight.

Start by telling your flight coordinator what your needs are.

If you use a cane, walker, wheelchair, oxygen, or any other medical equipment, please let Angel Flight Central know as early as possible. We also ask that you share any mobility concerns, including whether you are able to get in and out of a small aircraft. We want to avoid families arriving for a flight and not being able to fly because it’s not possible to fit their extra luggage in the aircraft.

Because volunteer pilots fly their own aircraft, one plane may have a different amount of space than another. Some aircraft may be able to fit certain mobility aids or equipment, while others may not. That is why it is so important to share this information before the day of the flight. 

Want to get a look at what a typical flight could look like? Check out our video here: Watch Here

We want to help you feel prepared and cared for, while also being honest that every flight is reviewed case by case.

How much luggage can I bring?

Passengers are allowed to bring luggage totaling up to 50 pounds, packed in small, soft-sided bags.

AFC flights are flown in small private aircraft, and we don't always know what type of aircraft will pick up a flight once posted, so bags need to be able to fit into a variety of cargo spaces. 

Small duffel bags are much easier to fit than hard-shell suitcases. Bags with wheels can also be helpful, especially if you are traveling with medical equipment or helping a loved one through the airport.

Shari gave this advice to people who are packing for an Angel Flight Central flight:

“Working with your pilots has been amazing and so easy. One thing I always tell people is to use a small duffel bag, especially one with wheels. It makes a huge difference when you’re trying to manage everything and keep moving.” — Damian’s mom

When you are already managing appointments, equipment, medications, and travel, the right bag can make the day a little easier.

Can I bring a wheelchair, walker, or cane?

In some cases, passengers may be able to bring a cane, fold-up walker, or collapsible wheelchair. But this needs to be discussed with Angel Flight Central before the flight.

For Damian and his mom, different flights have meant different needs. Depending on the trip, they have traveled with his cane, walker, or wheelchair, along with luggage. They've always talked with their Flight Coordinator and pilot before bringing any medical equipment. The size/weight of the equipment, the aircraft, the pilot’s available space, and the passenger’s mobility all play a role in what's possible.

“Even in the small planes, we’ve gotten Damian’s wheelchair in the plane before. It was a tight fit, but we did it. We’ve gotten his walker in there with our luggage.” — Damian’s mom