US airlines warn smelling-salt shortage could cause flight cancellations

US airlines are asking regulators to wake up to a shortage of smelling salts, also called ammonia inhalants. Yes, the US airline industry is facing what it describes as a critical shortage of inhalants – items airlines are required to carry aboard aircraft. One reason for the short supply: drug-related provisions in the CARES Act, the same law that granted US airlines billions of pandemic-relief dollars. In a 10 August letter to the US DoT, trade group Airlines for America is asking the regulator to let carriers fly without the required number of inhalants, which are used to help arouse people who have fainted. “Without the requested relief, carriers will periodically and with little notice face the decision to ground aircraft,” says the letter. US regulations require aircraft, depending on number of passengers, be stocked with up to four first aid kits, each with 10 ammonia inhalants. “We request that [Federal Aviation Administration] issue a long-term exemption for use during periods of temporary supply shortages, beyond operator control," says A4A. At least one inhalant supplier has several months worth of product in stock, but suppliers report being unable to order more.<br/>