It’s mid-summer and thousands of us Brits are jetting off to exotic places in the coming weeks. While the heatwave across Europe has some people worried many are just looking forward to some sunshine.
However, if you suffer from any of 18 named medical conditions then a travel warning has been issued to you. If you try to fly with one of them then you could be barred from boarding your flight, reports The Mirror.
The list of lesser-known circumstances, injuries or health issues gives airlines the right to send you right back home without flying. Attempting to fly without disclosing such conditions could put your health, or life, in danger.
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The rules are not made without reason – so trying to get away with it only endangers you. You should always get travel insurance before you book a flight to ensure you can get your money back in case of a new condition developing that stops you from flying.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states: "Airlines have the right to refuse to carry passengers with conditions that may worsen, or have serious consequences, during the flight.
"They may require medical clearance from their doctor if there is an indication that a passenger could be suffering from any disease or physical or mental condition that could be a hazard to the safety of the aircraft, reduce the welfare and comfort of the other passengers and crew members, require medical attention during the flight, or may be aggravated by the flight."
It continued: "If cabin crew suspect before departure that a passenger may be ill, the aircraft’s captain will be informed and a decision taken as to whether the passenger is fit to travel, needs medical attention or presents a danger to other passengers and crew or to the safety of the aircraft.
"Airline policies vary and requirements should always be checked at the time of, or before, booking the flight. A good place to find information is often the airline’s own website."
According to Fit For Travel, run by theNHS , air travel is not normally advised below cases.
The 18 medical conditions:
- Babies less than 48 hours old (longer after premature births )
- Women after the 36th week of pregnancy (or 32nd week for multiple pregnancy)
- Angina or chest pain at rest
- An infectious disease (e.g. chickenpox, flu or Covid )
- Cardiovascular disease
- Recent heart attack
- Recent stroke
- Recent operation or injury where trapped air or gas may be present in the body (e.g. stomach, bowel, eyes, face or brain)
- Severe, long-term diseases that affect your breathing (e.g. COPD)
- Pneumonia
- Breathlessness at rest
- Sickle cell anaemia
- Unresolved pneumothorax (punctured lung)
- Ear infection
- Decompression sickness after diving (sometimes called 'the bends')
- Increased pressure in the brain (due to bleeding, injury or infection)
- Plaster casts applied within 24 hours for flights less than two hours, or 48 hours for longer flights
- Unstable mental health or psychotic illness.
Get in touch with your GP and airline if you have concerns about a medical issue and are due to fly.
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