Important Cautions for Traveling While Unwell

Traveling with an illness can pose risks to your well-being and the health of others.

Key Points for Traveling Ill

Airlines have the right to refuse boarding to passengers who appear to be sick.

Traveling with an illness can exacerbate your condition and potentially spread diseases.

If you are unwell before a flight, it is advisable to seek advice from a medical professional and inform the airline about your situation.

If boarding is denied due to illness, it may be beneficial to consider utilizing air ambulance services.

Can airlines prevent you from flying if you’re sick?

Airlines may prohibit individuals from flying if they show visible signs of illness or pose health risks.

Consulting a physician before air travel is recommended for individuals with medical conditions.

What medical conditions may prevent you from flying?

It is unsafe to fly when experiencing certain medical conditions, so consulting a doctor before boarding is crucial.

Conditions that may prevent flying

Potential Risks of Flying While Illness Is Present:

• Traveling to high altitudes can have adverse effects on individuals with severe anemia and sickle cell disease.
• Late-stage pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm labor during flights.
• Infectious diseases such as measles or COVID-19 can be highly dangerous in enclosed spaces.
• Recent surgical procedures may pose risks due to changes in pressure.
• Respiratory conditions can worsen in low oxygen environments.
• Mental health issues can impact safety while flying.
• It is advisable to inform airlines about any necessary accommodations required.

What are the risks of flying when sick?

Potential Dangers of Air Travel While Unwell:

• Discomfort in the sinuses and ears due to pressure changes.
• Worsening of respiratory conditions because of dry cabin air.
• Slower recovery and increased risk of blood clots.
• Potential spread of infectious diseases to vulnerable passengers.
• Increased risk of dehydration due to low humidity levels in the cabin.
• Exposure to germs in confined spaces such as airplanes and airports.
• Disruption of travel plans and possible quarantine measures at the destination.

What should you do if you are sick before a flight?

Tips for a Smooth Journey:

Consult a doctor and inform the airline about your medical condition.

Stay hydrated, carry necessary medications, and maintain good hygiene practices.

Get ample rest before and after your flight.

Avoid consuming alcohol or caffeine, as they can worsen your symptoms.

Consider wearing a mask to prevent the spread of illness to others.

Pack essential items such as tissues, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes to keep yourself and your surroundings clean.

Follow any special dietary recommendations from your doctor to ensure you stay healthy during your travels.

If you are experiencing severe symptoms, consider postponing your flight and seeking medical attention before traveling.

How can a medical escort help me?

Advantages of Medical Escort Services for Ill Passengers.

What are your options if you are denied boarding due to illness?

In case of boarding denial due to illness, consider using air ambulance services.

Benefits of air ambulance services for critically ill patients.

Stress-free travel for patients: Our bed-to-bed service

Bed-to-bed service guarantees a secure and comfortable journey.

Our bed-to-bed service is designed to provide patients with a seamless and stress-free travel experience. From the moment you leave your home to the time you arrive at your destination, our team is dedicated to ensuring your journey is as comfortable and secure as possible.

Our trained professionals will assist you every step of the way, from helping you get in and out of bed, to providing personalized care during the journey. With our bed-to-bed service, you can rest assured that you will receive the highest level of care and attention throughout your entire journey.

Don’t let travel stress you out – choose our bed-to-bed service for a smooth and worry-free experience.

How to book our air ambulance service?

Simplified booking process for air ambulance services:

• Contact our 24/7 customer support team by phone or email to inquire about our air ambulance services.
• Provide details such as the patient’s condition, pick-up location, and destination to receive a personalized quote.
• Once you confirm the booking, our team will handle all logistics, including arranging ground transportation and medical team coordination.
• Sit back and relax knowing that our experienced team will provide safe and efficient medical transportation for your loved one.

What sets our aeromedical transport services apart?

Benefits of aeromedical transport services for peace of mind.

When choosing aeromedical transport services, it’s important to consider the following factors that set us apart:

• Experienced medical team: Our team consists of highly skilled medical professionals with extensive experience in aeromedical transport.
• State-of-the-art equipment: We use the latest medical equipment and technology to ensure the safety and comfort of our patients during transport.
• 24/7 availability: We are available round-the-clock to provide emergency aeromedical transport services whenever they are needed.
• Personalized care: We understand that each patient is unique, which is why we provide personalized care tailored to their specific medical needs.
• Global reach: Our aeromedical transport services are available worldwide, ensuring that patients can receive the care they need no matter where they are.

Choosing our aeromedical transport services will provide you with the peace of mind knowing that you or your loved one will receive top-quality care during transport.

Contact us for flying safely when sick!

Do not let sickness disrupt your travel plans, reach out to us for support.

Impact of Air Travel on Health and Guidelines for Travelers.

Airline restrictions on flying

The airline you are flying with must ensure it is safe for you to travel, which is why informing them about your health condition is essential. Airlines may refuse to allow you to board if they believe your medical condition could worsen during the flight or if you have a contagious illness.

• Rules and regulations vary among airlines, so seek advice from the airline’s medical department if uncertain. Most airlines offer a medical advisory service, usually detailed on their website.

If you believe flying could harm your health, consult your GP or specialist before booking.

Travel by air is generally not recommended in specific cases, including:

• infants under 48 hours old (longer for premature births)
• women beyond the 36th week of pregnancy or 32nd week for multiple pregnancies
• individuals with certain medical conditions like heart issues, infectious diseases, recent surgeries, or serious respiratory problems

Consideration of security measures

Security measures concerning equipment and fluids allowed in the aircraft cabin can impact the medical supplies you can bring on board.

• Refer to the guidelines on Traveling with Medicines for more information.

If you have metal devices implanted, such as pacemakers, ensure to:

• carry a medical alert notice from your doctor
• inform security personnel about your medical implants before passing through screenings

Health considerations when flying

High Altitude

Most aircraft cabins maintain a pressure similar to altitudes of 1,800 to 2,400 meters. While altitude sickness is uncommon during flights, individuals with heart or lung conditions may require additional oxygen due to the higher altitude.

Traveling to airports above 2,400 meters, such as in the Andes or Himalayas, may lead to altitude sickness symptoms.

• For further insights on altitude effects, refer to the Altitude and Travel recommendations.

Using oxygen whilst flying

Individuals with heart or lung issues may experience exacerbated symptoms during or after flights, especially when dehydrated or fatigued. Oxygen assistance may be necessary, even if not typically required:

• Prior to your flight, coordinate with the airline for oxygen use and any required assistance at the airport. If using personal oxygen, contact the airline in advance to arrange its use during the flight.

Pregnancy

For healthy pregnancies, air travel is generally safe. However, pregnant women with specific risk factors may face complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from flying.

• Consult your midwife or obstetrician before booking flights.

Airlines may request a medical certificate from pregnant travelers after 28 weeks of pregnancy:

• most airlines prohibit flying after 36 weeks for single pregnancies and 32 weeks for multiples
• the certificate should specify your due date and affirm the pregnancy’s normal progression

Ensure you have travel insurance covering yourself and your unborn child for unexpected circumstances.

• Check the Advice for Pregnant Travelers for comprehensive details.

Flying with a disability

Navigating airports and flights can be stressful, leading to anxiety and physical exhaustion. Many airports offer support services for individuals with disabilities, which may require advance booking. Cabin crews cannot attend to passengers unable to meet their own needs during flights.

• Inform the airline of any special requirements as early as possible.

Prior to travel, contact your airline to inquire about available assistance for:

• navigating the departure airport
• boarding and during the flight
• disembarking the aircraft
• transferring between flights
• navigating the destination airport

For electric mobility aids like scooters or wheelchairs, provide equipment details to the airline in advance for safe handling and a fire risk assessment.

• If using a wheelchair and prefer not to transfer to an airline wheelchair at check-in, notify your airline promptly.
• Show the crew your equipment’s manual if needed for handling.

Infectious Diseases

To reduce infection risks during flights, postpone travel if unwell, particularly with a fever, until recovery.

Aircraft cabins maintain controlled air quality, with minimal chances of disease transmission on board. Airlines have the right to refuse boarding to visibly ill or potentially infectious passengers.

• If recently recovered from a contagious illness, have a GP letter confirming non-infectious status (e.g., post-chickenpox scabbing).

If passengers are found to have a highly infectious disease post-travel, health authorities will conduct contact tracing.

Potential in-flight health problems

Dehydration

The dry air inside aircraft cabins can lead to discomfort in skin, lips, nose, and eyes. Using moisturizers, saline sprays, lip balms, and wearing glasses instead of contact lenses can alleviate discomfort. Avoid alcohol and caffeine to prevent dehydration, and drink plenty of water during flights.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Extended sitting in cramped conditions during flights can cause leg pain, stiffness, or swelling, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVTs often originate in the legs and can result in pulmonary embolisms. Check the Deep Vein Thrombosis advice for strategies to reduce DVT risk.

Ear nose, throat and dental conditions

Experiencing discomfort in your ears during take-off and landing due to changes in air pressure is a common occurrence. To alleviate this sensation, try swallowing, chewing, yawning, or using a pacifier. However, individuals with ear or sinus infections may experience more intense pain in such situations.
Before traveling by plane, it is advisable to consult a doctor about any potential ear issues to avoid complications.
While most general dental treatments, like fillings, do not typically pose a problem for flying, specific dental conditions such as gas pockets from unfinished root canals or abscesses could cause discomfort during the flight. In such cases, it is recommended to seek advice from your dentist before flying.
Flying shortly after diving can increase the risk of decompression sickness, known as “the bends”. To prevent this condition, it is best to wait 12-24 hours after your last dive before taking a flight. If uncertain, seek guidance from your diving school.
Jet lag can disrupt your normal sleep patterns when crossing multiple time zones, resulting in sleep disturbances, mood swings, and changes in appetite. However, these symptoms typically improve as your body adjusts to the new time zone.
To minimize the effects of jet lag, consider the following recommendations:
– Adjust your sleep schedule a few days before your trip.
– Align your sleep routine with the new time zone upon arrival.
– Consult a healthcare professional for medication adjustments due to time zone changes.
– Stay hydrated, avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine, and move around during long flights.
– Spend time outdoors during the day and adapt your meal and sleep times to local schedules.
Motion sickness during flights is uncommon unless severe turbulence occurs. To manage motion sickness, opt for a mid-section seat, keep sickness bags within reach, and refrain from consuming alcohol before and during the flight. In case of severe symptoms, consult your doctor for assistance.
Fear of flying is a prevalent issue, but there are various resources available for support, such as cognitive behavioural therapy or airline courses. Some airlines offering assistance for fear of flying include British Airways Flying with Confidence, Virgin Atlantic Flying without Fear, and Easyjet Fearless Flyers.
In-flight disturbance due to stress can lead to unruly passenger behavior. Airlines have the authority to divert flights to handle disruptive passengers and take legal action against offenders.