Health restrictions when travelling by plane
During a flight, travellers are exposed to changes in atmospheric pressure, lower air humidity and reduced oxygen levels. On top of that comes the need to spend a long time seated and limited access to the toilet. All of this means that certain medical conditions may be incompatible with flying. In many cases they are an absolute contraindication to air travel. Who cannot fly by plane? People with cardiovascular conditions should take particular care.
Basic contraindications to flying
Circulatory problems and air travel – a traveller may be grounded by, for example, unstable coronary artery disease. The crew may refuse to let someone board if they are struggling with shortness of breath or chest pain. Contraindications to air travel include serious cardiovascular diseases, a recent heart attack, a stroke or angina pectoris.
Chronic respiratory diseases with severe symptoms that significantly hinder breathing (e.g. pneumothorax). An ear and sinus infection, including blockage of the Eustachian tube, may also turn out to be a contraindication to travel. Add to this active infectious diseases that pose a risk to other passengers, such as COVID-19 or the flu.
Recent surgery or injuries, for example to the abdomen, facial skeleton, brain or the area around the eyeball. Increased caution is also recommended after recent maxillofacial surgery. Can you fly after having a tooth pulled? Before planning your trip, it is worth consulting a dentist.
Specific cases and their impact on fitness to fly
A contraindication to air travel may be sickle cell anaemia, a congenital disorder of the circulatory system. People at risk of decompression sickness should also be careful about flying. Air travel may pose a threat in the case of increased intracranial pressure. The list of contraindications to flying also includes psychotic and mental illnesses that cause unstable behaviour. The exception is disorders that are fully controlled by treatment. Can you fly with an aneurysm? Everything depends on the decision and recommendations issued by a neurologist.
Additional restrictions
Pregnant women (after the 36th week of pregnancy) should carry a medical certificate confirming there are no contraindications to flying. Additional restrictions also apply to newborns in their first months of life. Diving within 12–24 hours before a scheduled departure is also a contraindication to air travel. All these restrictions are intended to prevent unforeseen situations on board. Airlines often verify passengers' health through their own medical staff. They are entitled to do so when there are doubts about flight safety.
Advice for people with chronic illnesses
A medical consultation is essential before a planned flight. A certificate confirming the absence of contraindications can be issued by a family doctor, and in the case of people with chronic illnesses by a specialist, for example a cardiologist or neurologist. It is worth being aware, however, that airline staff have the right to request a consultation with their own medical team. People with chronic illnesses should consider alternative means of transport. Otherwise, they must remember to prepare properly for the flight.
High eye pressure and air travel – particular caution should be taken after most ophthalmic surgeries. For this reason, you should avoid travelling for at least a month after such procedures. An increase in intraocular pressure at cruising altitude has serious consequences, as it can lead to damage to the optic nerve cells.
Sinusitis and air travel – the infection causes problems with air filtration. As a result, symptoms often worsen. Travelling by plane during a sinus infection can be dangerous due to sudden pressure changes. That is why it is worth considering postponing the flight to another date.
When can you not fly by plane?
Before travelling, every one of us should realise how important it is to be aware of our own state of health. At high altitude there are sudden changes in pressure, which can be particularly dangerous for people with chronic respiratory diseases and circulatory problems. Let us remember to inform airline staff about our state of health. Let us act responsibly and bear in mind that this concerns not only our own safety, but also that of the other passengers.
