Flying with a Medical Condition

Quick decision check (60 seconds)

• Have your symptoms changed significantly in the last 24–48 hours?
• Would you struggle to walk at a normal pace without stopping due to breathlessness?
• Are you unable to keep fluids down, or are you becoming dehydrated?
• Did you have a recent hospital admission, surgery, or major illness?
• Would you be comfortable managing your condition if your flight is delayed by 6–12 hours?

Postpone travel (or avoid flying) if you have

Pregnancy & newborns

• A baby less than 48 hours old
• Pregnancy beyond 36 weeks (or 32 weeks for multiples), unless your airline/doctor confirms otherwise

Recent major events

• Recent heart attack or stroke
• Recent significant surgery (especially brain, eye, chest, abdominal, or major orthopaedic surgery) unless cleared by your doctor
• Recent serious head/eye injury or worsening neurological symptoms

Severe illness or uncontrolled conditions

• Chest pain or suspected cardiac symptoms
• A significant contagious infection (and you’re within the contagious period)
• Severe sinus/ear infections causing intense pain or pressure problems
• Severe chronic respiratory disease with breathlessness at rest, or a collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
• Sickle cell crisis or severe anemia
• Acute psychosis or severe mental health symptoms unless fully controlled and supported

Fever checklist (red flags)

If you have a fever of 38°C / 100°F or higher plus any red-flag symptom below, postpone travel and get medical care:

• Severe headache, marked weakness, or jaundice
• Rash (especially widespread or purple spots)
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Persistent, severe cough (or coughing blood)
• Sudden confusion or fainting
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding
• Persistent diarrhoea or severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting (not motion sickness)

When you may need airline medical clearance (MEDIF)

You may still be able to travel, but your airline may require a fit-to-fly certificate or MEDIF if you:

• Need oxygen, a portable oxygen concentrator, or a ventilator/respirator
• Require a stretcher, incubator, special assistance, or a medical escort
• Have a condition that could deteriorate suddenly (unstable heart, lung, neurological, or metabolic conditions)
• Have had a recent hospitalization, surgery, or serious flare-up (asthma/COPD attack, heart failure, severe infection, etc.)
• Are in late pregnancy or have pregnancy complications (airline rules vary)

Common conditions: travel safely (don’t guess)

Chronic conditions often require only good planning—but postpone travel if your condition is unstable, recently worsened, or you’ve needed emergency care. Use the guides below for condition-specific checklists:

If you look unwell at the airport

Airlines may refuse boarding if you appear too sick to fly or could pose a safety risk to yourself or others. If you are unwell:

• Contact the airline early to discuss rebooking or medical clearance
• Ask what documentation is required (doctor’s letter vs MEDIF)
• Travel only when you can reasonably access care at your destination if needed

Tip: If you have a known medical issue, arranging clearance before travel reduces last-minute problems at check-in/boarding.