18 Medical Conditions That May Prohibit Summer Flying: All upcoming vacationers have been warned that certain medical conditions could prevent them from boarding the aircraft.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), airlines have the right to prevent passengers with conditions that could worsen in flight from boarding the aircraft.
Before booking a last-minute trip or heading to the airport, it is advisable to double-check the airline’s illness policies.
The Mirror reports that a WHO statement reads: “[Airlines] may require medical clearance from their doctor if there is evidence that a passenger may be suffering from any disease or physical or mental condition that could endanger the safety of the aircraft, reduce the welfare and comfort of the other passengers and crew, require medical attention during the flight, or be exacerbated by the flight.”
“If cabin personnel suspect a passenger may be ill prior to departure, the aircraft’s captain will be notified and a determination will be made as to whether the passenger is fit to travel, requires medical attention, or poses a threat to other passengers, crew, or the safety of the aircraft.
“Airline policies differ, and requirements should always be verified prior to or at the time of flight booking. Frequently, the airline’s website is an excellent source of information.
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18 Medical Conditions That May Prohibit Summer Flying:
According to the NHS programme Fit For Travel, aviation travel is typically not advised in the following situations:
- Infants less than 48 hours old (longer for premature infants).
- Women after the 36th week of pregnancy (or 32nd week for multiple pregnancies) are considered full-term.
- Angina or pain in the chest at repose
- A contagious disease (such as varicella, influenza, or Covid).
- Cardiovascular disease
- Recent cardiac arrest
- Recent injury
- Recent surgery or injury in which confined air or gas may be present (e.g., stomach, bowel, eyes, face, or brain).
- Chronic, severe diseases that affect respiration (such as COPD)
- Pneumonia
- at-rest shortness of breath
- Sickle cell anaemia
- Unresolved pneumothorax (lung perforation).
- Ear inflammation
- Decompression sickness (also known as ‘the bends’) is a symptom of scuba diving.
- Increased cerebral pressure (caused by bleeding, injury, or infection).
- Plaster casts applied within 24 hours for flights under two hours and 48 hours for flights longer than two hours.
- Mental instability or psychotic illness.
