Can a doctor stop you from flying?

Many other conditions could prevent an individual from flying. If you have a pre-existing condition like lung or heart disease, cancer or anemia, you'll want to consult your doctor for clearance it's okay to fly.



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Who should not travel by air? Diseases that prevent you from boarding a plane
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • A recent stroke.
  • Infectious diseases, such as chickenpox, influenza or even COVID-19.
  • A recent surgery.
  • A pregnancy of over 28 weeks.
  • Angina (chest pain at rest)


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The first thing to know is that off-duty doctors and other medical professionals are not legally required to help if a medical emergency arises on an airplane; however, there may be an ethical duty to intervene, as described in a 2015 article in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).

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Infectious Diseases
An airline can deny boarding of any passenger who looks unwell, especially if they suspect the passenger might be infectious (infect other passengers).

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If you are too sick to fly at all or there is no other flight that day you would be rebooked for the next day. If you have to stay overnight you will have to pay for your own hotel stay, since the reason you missed your connection is your fault and not the fault of the airline.

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Sometimes a note from your doctor may not be enough for certain airlines. To make sure you aren't delayed or unable to travel, check with the airline about specific requirements they have regarding health, mobility, oxygen, and medical devices. Most airlines provide medical clearance cards or forms on their websites.

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Seeking a prescription to sedative medication and having them available in-flight can help you relax, even if you don't end up taking it. You should not try to cope alone with a panic disorder and related fear of flying. Even a couple sessions with a therapist can give you tools to make flying more comfortable.

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Common side effects of antibiotics include abdominal upsets which also disqualify pilots from flying. It is preferable that the pilot take the antibiotics at least 24 hours before flying in order to be sure that there are no side effects.

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A trained physician is aboard just about 11 of every 12 flights. The New England Journal of Medicine discovered that in-flight medical emergencies are rare to begin with.

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It is safe to fly with high blood pressure if the medical condition is well controlled. However, if your hypertension is extremely high and unstable, it is best to avoid boarding a plane. A consultation with your doctor before flying is primordial to know if you are fit to fly.

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Health experts warn it's best not to fly if you have any symptoms (and not just for selfless reasons). Not only do you risk getting the passengers around you ill, but the environment on board could make you feel even worse.

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Typically, if you miss a flight, you will be charged a fee to rebook your ticket. The amount of the fee depends on the airline and the specific route you are taking. In some cases, if you booked your ticket with a travel agent or third-party website, they may also charge a fee to rebook.

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Generally, you should also bag a trip if you have a fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit and symptoms such as coughing or sneezing, says William Schaffner, M.D., a professor of infectious diseases at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

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The most common reason for denied boarding is overbooking. This is when airlines sell more tickets than there are seats on the aircraft. The reason for this common practice is so-called 'no-shows'.

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Call Delta Reservations at 800-221-1212 to book a medical emergency fare.

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No legal duty to assist But the General Medical Council (the regulatory body for UK doctors) states that doctors have an ethical duty to respond in the event of a medical emergency, including one on board an aircraft.

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Most times the airline just absorbs the costs as the cost of doing business and ultimately passengers pay the costs as they will be built into ticket prices. In some cases an airline may pursue a civil case against the passenger.

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