Air Travel programs

If you have to travel by plane to get to your treatment center, there are a large number of programs that help patients obtain free or heavily discounted fares with commercial airlines and private pilots.

All of the major airlines - as well as most of the smaller ones - have miles-for-charity programs in which frequent flyers donate airmiles so people with serious illnesses can travel to treatment centers. While many of these programs are geared toward sick children, there are a number that also cater to adults.

• Delta SkyWish is a collaboration between Delta airlines and the United Way that offers up to two tickets for travel to receive treatment for a life-threatening illness.
• Continental, which is based in Houston, offers deep discounts for patients traveling to M. D. Andersen Cancer Center in Houston.
• Northwest AirCares supports various charities by providing free travel to treatment centers.

Many of the smaller carriers, such as MidWest, SouthWest and Alaska Airlines offer similar programs so be sure to ask your regional airlines if they offer medical rates.

There are also several organizations that arrange free flights on private planes and corporate jets, including:

• Corporate Angel Network
• National Patient Air Transport Helpline
• Air Care Alliance