Questions to put to your treating team
Before you book any flight
- Am I fit to fly on a given date? Ask for a specific date to be assessed, not a general opinion.
- Do I need oxygen or any in-flight support? And if so, who provides it and how is it arranged?
- What is my risk of clot or circulation problems on a long flight? Ask what you should do about it.
- How should my wound, drain, cast or stitches be managed in transit? Including who removes them, and where.
- What medication do I need, and do I need a letter for it? Especially for anything injectable, refrigerated or controlled.
- What warning signs should make me seek care immediately during or after the flight?
- Who do I contact if something goes wrong after I am home? Get a written summary you can hand to a local clinician.
Airline medical clearance
Airlines can refuse boarding on medical grounds, and often require formal clearance before they will carry a passenger who has recently had surgery, is travelling with medical equipment, or needs assistance. This is administrative, and it takes time — which is why it should start before the ticket is bought.
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Ask the airline what it requiresAs soon as a departure date is plausible
Policies differ between carriers and between routes. Ask specifically whether a medical information form or clearance certificate is needed for your situation.
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Get the form completed by the treating physicianAllow several days
The clearance is completed and signed by the clinician who has been treating you, usually on the airline’s own form. Ask the hospital’s international office whether they have done this before.
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Confirm special assistanceAt booking, or as early as possible
Wheelchair, boarding assistance, seating near a toilet, or carriage of medical equipment each have their own lead time and are best requested at booking.
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Carry the paperwork, not just the fileOn the day
Keep the clearance, the discharge summary and the medication letter in hand luggage, not in a checked bag.
Medications and equipment in transit
| Item | What to check before travelling |
|---|---|
| Prescription medicines | Keep in original packaging with the prescription; carry enough for delays, not just for the flight. |
| Injectables and syringes | Need documentation from the treating physician; airline and security rules vary. |
| Refrigerated medicines | Ask how they will be kept cold in transit — this must be arranged, not improvised. |
| Medical devices | Battery or oxygen equipment usually needs airline approval in advance. |
| Copies of records | Carry a full copy in hand luggage, separate from your checked baggage. |
None of this is decided by us. Ask your treating physician and your airline, and get the answers in writing where you can.
Practical questions
How soon after surgery can I fly?
There is no single answer, and any figure quoted without examining you would be unreliable. It depends on the procedure, your recovery, the flight duration and your other medical conditions. Your treating surgeon or physician makes that call.
What if my doctor says I can fly but the airline refuses?
The airline’s own medical clearance process governs boarding, and it is separate from your physician’s opinion. Complete the clearance paperwork in advance so this does not become an airport problem.
Can I fly with a drain or a cast?
Sometimes, with clearance and sometimes with arrangements made in advance. Ask your treating team what needs to happen, and ask the airline what documentation it requires.
Do I need a doctor’s letter for my medication?
For prescription medicines, and especially for injectables or anything controlled, yes. Obtain it before you leave the hospital rather than at the airport.
What if I feel unwell before departure?
Contact your treating team before flying, and consider whether the journey should be moved. A missed flight is a far smaller problem than a medical emergency in the air.
