Air Travel Information

This section of the website provides information about travelling by air if you suffer from heart disease and/or a stroke condition. If you have any concerns about your health, you should contact the airline medical department before travelling. This will allow the airline staff to help you with early boarding and ensure that you get the best in-flight care.

Who needs medical clearance to fly?

You will need medical clearance to fly if:

You need any special medical provision e.g. oxygen
Your fitness is in doubt as a result of:
- a recent illness
- a period in hospital
- surgery
- you have an acute or chronic condition that is unstable

If any of the criteria above apply, you and your doctor will need to complete a Medical Information Form (MEDIF), which is available from the medical department of the airline or your travel agent.

Planning ahead

You should arrive early at the airport to give you plenty of time and to try and book seats with maximum leg room.
Avoid handling heavy luggage.
Transport within the airport can be provided for you, if you arrange it in advance.
Oxygen must be requested at least 48 hours in advance and preferably at the time of booking.
Nebulisers can be used at the airline’s discretion, but proper use of spacers is just as effective.

Keep your medicines in your hand luggage and make sure you have sufficient supplies to last your holiday. This is especially important for inhalers or GTN spray that you might need to use on the journey.

How do I arrange oxygen for a flight?

If you use oxygen continuously and will need it during the flight you will have to let the airline know when you book your seat.
Flow rates of 2 and 4 litres of oxygen per minute are available on most flights; however long haul flights can only provide 4 litres per minute.
The airline will only provide an oxygen mask, so if you prefer nasal cannulae you will need to provide your own.
Most airlines will charge you for your oxygen and will only provide oxygen for the flight.
If you need oxygen on the ground you will need to provide your own for any transfer between flights.

Travelling by air if you have a heart condition

Generally speaking, if you can walk briskly for 100 metres on the flat without being breathless or in pain you can fly. If you suffer from stable angina with infrequent attacks you should be able to fly. It is safe to use your GTN spray in a pressurised cabin.

Pacemakers and metal heart valves: The functioning of your pacemaker or metal valve will not be affected by the airport security systems. Let the security personnel know that you have a pacemaker or metal heart valve as they may trigger the alarms of the metal detectors.

When can I fly?

Heart attack: Flying is based on each individual’s abilities, which will depend on individual recovery. The general rule about activity applies i.e. if you can walk briskly for 100 metres on the flat without being breathless or in pain you can fly.

You should be allowed to fly three to six weeks after an uncomplicated heart attack with your doctor’s permission. If you are travelling to go on holiday it would be better to wait until 6 weeks to ensure you have had enough recovery time.

Heart surgery: You are not allowed to fly after major heart or chest surgery for at least 8 - 10 weeks until the sternum or any ribs are healed.

Angioplasty: Travel is usually permitted after 3 - 5 days but this needs medical clearance.

Travelling by air following a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)

When can I fly?

If your stroke has left you with any disability you are not advised to fly for 2 - 3 months. If you have had a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) you may be allowed to fly after 10 days, provided that you have made a complete recovery and you have your doctor’s permission.

How can I reduce my risks when flying?

Encouraging your circulation and avoiding dehydration will give you the best protection against blood clots forming and therefore against heart attack and stroke:

Make sure you have plenty of legroom when you book, this may mean checking in early.
Stretch your legs and move your feet about every half hour.
Get up regularly if you can, for short walks.
Wear light-weight, non-restrictive clothing when you travel.
Avoid alcohol before and during the flight as this makes you dehydrated.
Drink plenty of fluids, preferably take your own bottle of water and have regular sips.

What else can I do to protect myself?

If you have recently undergone surgery or have previously suffered from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), your doctor may suggest you wear full length, white anti-embolism stockings during the flight, especially for long haul flights.
If you are at particular risk your doctor may suggest that you take a low dose of aspirin before the flight, however you must have his/her permission.
If you develop painful and swollen calves after a flight, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

This information has been adapted from the Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland leaflet "Air travel for people affected by chest, heart and stroke illness".