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  • SQ322 & SQ319 SIN-LHR-SIN with Medical Condition

    A Big Hello everyone,

    This is my first thread on this forum.

    I know this is a very late trip report but i got to type this out for everyones opinion.

    Date: 16 Sep 2006
    Flight: SQ322 (SIN - LHR)
    Time: 2320hrs

    I was so excited that after so many years i was going to visit my uncle who lives in London. However just before my flight i was struck with a panic attack when i was in the transit area. I immediately when to Transfer Desk F to get some help i took my medication and i felt better. But what concerned me most was my medical condition "Tourette Syndrome" I will make sudden outburst of shouting such as "arhhh..." In my mind i just don't know what will happen inflight will the plane get diverted or will i be denied boarding.

    When the time came for boarding, i was escorted by a ground agent to the aircraft upon knowing i was about to enter the aircraft i panicked and started to burst into tears at the aerobridge and dared not board the aircraft. What impressed me most was how the chief steward reassured me and i was brought to my seat in Y 31A (A bulkhead seat). Prior to take-off i kept shouting and i felt very embarrassed and afraid that i may be booted out from the aircraft. Thankfully the aircraft took-off and i tried to sleep throughout the journey so as to keep my mind at peace and not to disturb other passengers.

    In mid-flight i woke up to use the Raffles class lavatory and shouted inside there. When i came out i collapsed to the ground and started crying with hands and legs trembling. I was lucky enough to be given a warm towel and a warm drink to console myself by the chief steward Henry. He was reassuring, he wanted to upgrade me to business class to have a good rest but was out of seats. Soon again, i took my pill and he helped me back to my seat. I slept through out till we reached the afghan border i decided to go to the lavatory again. These time round i was surprised that all the crews onboard knew me by name. I chatted with the crews and walk about the aircraft to destress myself. Soon it was the call for breakfast and Henry offered me a Raffles Class meal instead of economy. After the aircraft landed and doors opened, i was told to allow all the pax to disembarked before they arrange for a "Meet and assist service" At the aerobridge i was introduced to a ground crew at Heathrow and he whisked me pass the queues at immigration (Which was a long Q). The ground agent followed me all the way till i met my uncle. It was a relieve when i met my uncle. What touches me most was the quality of service that SQ crew has rendered towards me and lastly they didn't even boot me out of their flight even though i may have scared some of the pax.

    The return trip was the same, however i felt that the crew of SQ319 decided to leave me alone. Different crews, different touch of service.

    My question is, will SQ still allow me to fly after this episode of severe tourettes and panic attack. I really love to visit my uncle again once i ORD for the air force.

  • #2
    Welcome to SQTalk, SQ322!

    And thanks for sharing. It is heartening to read about such professional service from cabin crew.

    As to your question, I'm not really sure but so long as you do not endanger the flight or yourself I think you ought to be fine. Airlines fly people with a variety of medical conditions all the time. If you're intending to take with you any medication of a liquid form onboard (and they are over 100ml) I believe you need a doctor's letter to bring it onboard due to the liquid and gel paranoia.
    Last edited by KeithMEL; 1 May 2007, 04:10 PM.
    All opinions shared are my own, and are not necessarily those of my employer or any other organisation of which I'm affiliated to.

    Comment


    • #3
      I think since you indicated earlier that you have this syndrome then they'll take note of it. So that they can help you when you lapse into it and all. Even though the shouting and all may disturb other passengers, but you're not causing a security threat like a terrorist would, for example. So there's no reason not to keep you on the plane. Nice touch from SQ, methinks.

      Comment


      • #4
        Welcome to SQTalk, SQ322. I concur with KeithMEL and sporadic that you should have nothing to worry about if you let the crew ahead of time about your condition, so that they can help other passengers understand the outbursts.

        Happy to hear that your trip ended well. I don't know whether your anxiety is aggravated by crowded flights, but in case it is, I'd recommend SQ320 over SQ322 the next time you visit your uncle in London. The Y cabin isn't usually too crowded, IME.
        ‘Lean into the sharp points’

        Comment


        • #5
          Hi SQ322 welcome to SQT and thank you for posting your informative and very open trip report.

          As the others have said there is no reason why you should not fly. SQ is the best way to travel and I hope you will continue to fly and enjoy the great SQ service.

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by sporadic View Post
            I think since you indicated earlier that you have this syndrome then they'll take note of it.
            Just curious : how do you telll SQ about your condition ?
            Do you just tell your travel agent or SQ booking hotline, and what if you are booking online ?
            Also, do you need a doctor's report/letter about the medical condition ?

            Thanks.
            J. my own dear wife J.

            Comment


            • #7
              Thank You all for your advice.

              Well to Upright Man question. I did not indicate i had tourettes syndrome until mid flight on my way to LHR. However i was nearly denied boarding on my return trip, the check-in agent asked if i was "fit to fly" at that point i was shouting and had a panic attack. Thankfully i got a doctor's note with me indicating the medicine dosage and my condition and my period of stay in LON.

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by SQ322 View Post
                Well to Upright Man question. I did not indicate i had tourettes syndrome until mid flight on my way to LHR. However i was nearly denied boarding on my return trip, the check-in agent asked if i was "fit to fly" at that point i was shouting and had a panic attack. Thankfully i got a doctor's note with me indicating the medicine dosage and my condition and my period of stay in LON.
                My sympathies SQ322, hope your medical condition is under control from now on, and that you have more pleasant flights in future.
                J. my own dear wife J.

                Comment


                • #9
                  In that case I think the ground staff would've already notified the flight crew about your condition so that they'd help your travel be more easy. After all, SQ does reduce the monotony of flying by a lot, IMO

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Hi All,

                    Thank You for your reassuring comments. I'm actually much better than before now. But i'm just afraid of a relapse when i fly again, but only time can tell. Once again, thank you for everyone concern.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Sorry guys but i don't know how to close this thread... anyone can help?

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        SQ322, may i ask why do you want to close it?
                        BTW, if you want, i can do it for u.
                        There's only One way to fly.... SINGAPORE AIRLINES!
                        If SQ is too expensive, the other way to fly is Qatar Airways

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          SQ322, thanks for sharing your experience with us.
                          The next time you travel, you can request an MAAS (Meet And Assist) service by phone when you make your booking. I think this might be helpful for you.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Thanks StarG for ** advice. I'll take note of that.

                            Guess it will be a long way for my next travel on SQ as i'm currently serving my National Service.

                            As to LukeGT question, i would like to close this thread as i think the nice feedback given by all to me has already gave me courage to travel on an aircraft again, especially SQ.

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