Fit to fly: What medical conditions can prevent you from flying?

 

Planning a holiday involves many details, but if you have a medical condition, a key consideration is whether you’re fit to fly before travelling. 
 

This guide explains: 

 

• What is “fit to fly” - it means your health is stable enough to safely travel 

• Which medical conditions could be affected by air travel – heart and lung conditions are a couple of conditions that can be made worse 

• When you might need a fit to fly certificate - if you have an unstable condition 

• Common fit to fly questions – including is it safe to fly with a perforated eardrum and can I fly with a pacemaker 

What does “fit to fly” mean? 
It means your health is stable enough to safely travel by air without risk to you or others. 

 

Can airlines stop me from flying? 
Yes. Airlines can refuse boarding if you seem unwell or may pose a risk during the flight. 

 

Do I need a fit to fly certificate? 
Not usually for stable conditions, but you may need one if your condition is unstable or complex. 

 

How do I get a fit to fly certificate? 
Ask your GP or a private doctor, who may charge a fee. 

 

When can I fly after surgery? 
It depends on the procedure, ranging from 24 hours (minor eye surgery) to 10+ days for major surgery. 

Being fit to fly means your health is stable enough to safely travel by air without posing a risk to yourself or other passengers. 

 

Although airlines don’t normally ask about medical conditions when you book a flight, if you’re aware of any problems it’s best to let the airline know in advance – staff have the right to refuse boarding if you appear to be unwell at the time. 

  

In general they may not let you fly if you have a condition that could get worse during a flight, or a contagious illness that can infect other passengers. In some cases you might be asked to provide a fit to fly certificate from your doctor. 

 

Airlines may restrict travel if you: 

 

• have a medical condition that could worsen during flight 

• require urgent medical care or monitoring 

• have a contagious illness 

• recently had major surgery or hospital treatment 

• require special medical support, such as oxygen 

 

Restrictions can vary between airlines – most will have a medical advisory service that you can find on the airline’s website.

Aircraft cabins are pressurised which means oxygen levels are slightly lower compared to when we’re on the ground. For most travellers it’s harmless, but it can affect people with: 

 

• a respiratory condition  

• heart disease 

• recent surgery 

• severe anaemia 

• circulatory disorders 

A fit to fly certificate includes your name, date of birth, passport number and confirmation of your fitness to fly. It will also include your doctor’s signature.  

 

Fit to fly certificates are important because they serve as official medical documentation confirming you’re medically stable and able to fly safely.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority, if you have a stable medical condition (e.g. asthma which is well controlled with medications) you don’t need a medical certificate. 

  

If you have an unstable condition (e.g. asthma that isn’t well controlled and causes breathlessness on exertion) a note from your treating doctor outlining the medical condition will help with the decision on fitness to fly. 

 

It’s worth bearing in mind that certain long-term medical conditions can flare up from time to time. So although you may generally feel well, a flare-up of some conditions such as Crohn’s disease or multiple sclerosis, can make travelling riskier. If you have any concerns, speak to your GP. 

  

You’ll also need to speak to your GP or doctor if you answer yes to any of the below: 

  

• recently had surgery 

• were recently discharged from hospital 

• are more than 28 weeks pregnant 

• have a serious heart or lung condition 

• are recovering from an infectious disease such as chicken pox 

• feel unwell close to your departure date  

  

The list can be quite long but in general, if you have a stable condition, you should be fine to fly. 

You can ask your GP – this usually means making an appointment to discuss the circumstances, and they may need to examine you. 

  

This isn’t part of the NHS service that GPs provide, so you’ll need to pay a fee of £20-£40. The fee can vary between surgeries. 

   

If you can’t get an appointment with your NHS GP in time, you can also seek help from a private GP clinic. 

Fit to fly certificates are usually only valid for a short period, because your medical condition could change. 

 

Most airlines require the certificate to be dated within 7–10 days before your flight, although requirements can vary. 

 

Always check with your airline to confirm their policy. 

Many medical conditions won’t be an issue. But if you’ve recently had any of the following health problems, or they’re currently unstable then you might need to delay your flight. Pre-existing conditions that can be affected by air travel are: 

 

• heart conditions and recent cardiac events 

• lung conditions and breathing difficulties 

• recent surgery or hospitalisation 

• severe anaemia or blood disorders 

• recent stroke or neurological conditions 

• infectious diseases 

 

There could be other conditions – if you’re not sure whether your pre-existing medical condition might be a problem, it’s best to check with your GP or specialist doctor before flying. 

Advice for flying after recent surgery varies between airlines and the type and extent of your surgery. Here’s when is typically safe to fly after surgery:

 

• Keyhole surgery: 1-2 days
• Simple abdominal surgery: 4-5 days
• Major chest or abdominal surgery: At least 10 days
• Simple cataract or corneal laser surgery: 24 hours
• More complex eye surgery: 1 week

 

 

You will need a medical certificate from your doctor with details about the type of surgery you had and the date. This can then be passed onto the airline’s medical advisor for review.

 

Taking medication shouldn’t stop you from travelling and enjoying your holiday. You can fly with medication; just make sure you’re prepared before you go. 

 

• Check your medication is allowed into the country you’re visiting, as there may be some restrictions 

• Always carry medication in your hand luggage 

• It’s best to keep your medication in the original packaging with the pharmacy label, as this helps prove it’s prescribed to you 

• A doctor’s note is recommended if you’re carrying strong painkillers, ADHD medication, injectable medication or large quantities 

 

Read more about carrying medication abroad. 

- Is your medical condition stable? 
- Have you recently had surgery or been hospitalised? 
- Do you need oxygen or medical equipment during the flight? 
- Have you checked the airline’s medical policies? 

 

If you have any concerns about your health before travelling, always speak to your GP, specialist doctor, or airline medical team before your trip. 

Having a new cast can affect your circulation, so many airlines restrict flying during the first 24 or 48 hours after a cast has been fitted. 

  

If you need to fly before then, the airline will usually ask for the cast to be split to avoid swelling during the flight. You can ask the fracture clinic team at the hospital to do this for you. 

  

If you have your cast split before travelling, you might need to have it replaced once you reach your destination so it’s helpful to carry a letter confirming your medical details. 

To reduce the potential risk of passing on infections to others on board an aircraft, you should delay travel if you’re feeling unwell, especially if you have a fever or have tested positive for COVID-19. An airline can deny boarding of any passenger who looks unwell, especially if they suspect the passenger might be infectious. 

  

If you’ve recently recovered from an infectious disease, but you’re still showing physical signs of being unwell (e.g. crusted spots following chicken pox), you’ll need to carry a letter from a GP confirming that you’re no longer infectious. 

Having a perforated eardrum shouldn’t affect your fitness to fly. 

  

Ear pain during flying occurs because of the change in air pressure in the cabin. A perforation may allow air to move more freely than if it wasn’t perforated, so you’re unlikely to experience any problems. But if you’ve had surgery to repair a perforated eardrum, don’t fly until your doctor says it’s safe to.

If you’re well and your pregnancy has been straightforward and ‘low risk’, air travel is generally considered safe. But you should still check with your midwife or obstetrician before booking any flights. 

  

Airlines request a medical certificate if travelling after 28 weeks of pregnancy. Most airlines won’t allow air travel after 36 weeks for a single pregnancy and 32 weeks for multiple pregnancies. 

  

You also need travel insurance to cover both yourself and your unborn baby in the event you need to give birth unexpectedly during your trip. 

Generally most people with conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can fly safely. The cabin pressure during flight causes a slight reduction in oxygen levels, but this shouldn’t cause symptoms for those with a mild to moderate condition. 

  

It’s a good idea to check the status of your condition with your doctor before you fly. If you need oxygen for the flight, you’ll need to notify the airline in advance and complete a medical information form. Your doctor will need to complete a section of it too. 

Most people who have a stable heart condition (e.g. high blood pressure that’s well controlled with medication) can travel safely. If you need to travel with oxygen on board, you’ll need to let the airline know well in advance. 

  

But, if your heart disease is severe, or your condition is deemed unstable, you may have to delay travelling until your condition has improved. The safest thing is to check with your GP or hospital specialist before you book your flight. 

A pacemaker shouldn’t cause any problems when you fly. However, they can sometimes set off airport security alarms, so be prepared with a letter from your doctor.

It’s really important to have the right travel insurance in place if you have pre-existing medical conditions. Staysure are experts in covering pre-existing medical conditions, and all ages. So choose the cover that’s right for you and make sure you’re protected from unexpected costs if something doesn’t go to plan. 

Most airports around the world offer assistance services if you have physical or hidden disabilities. You’ll need to arrange these in advance, so give yourself plenty of time to get in touch with the airline and airport. 

 

If you need additional help during the flight be sure to mention this too. They’ll be able to make the necessary arrangements for any wheelchairs or medical equipment you may need. 

You’ve got dreams to fulfil and adventures to chase. With the right preparation and support, you can travel in a way that feels right for you.  

 

Whatever your travel dreams, at Staysure, we’re right behind you. Get a quote now.