Conditions usually considered unacceptable for air travel
(Although these are suggested limiting factors, each individual case must be considered on its merits and is dependent on whether or not the passenger is accompanied by a medical escort)
Anaemia of severe degree
Severe cases of Otitis Media and Sinusitis
Acute, Contagious or Communicable Disease
Those suffering from Congestive Cardiac Failure or other cyanotic conditions not fully controlled.
Uncomplicated Myocardial Infarction (MI) within 2 weeks of onset or complicated MI within 6 weeks of onset
Those suffering from severe respiratory disease or recent pneumothorax
Those with gastrointestinal lesions which may cause haematemesis, melaena or intestinal obstruction.
Post-operative cases:
1. Within 10 days of simple abdominal operations
2. Within 21 days of chest or invasive eye surgery (not laser)
Fractures of the Mandible with fixed wiring of the jaw unless medically escorted
Unstable Mental illness without escort and suitable medication for the journey
Uncontrolled seizures unless medically escorted
Pregnancies beyond the end of the 35th week for journeys of more than 4 hours, and beyond 36th week for journeys less than 4 hours.
Infants within 7 days of birth.
Introduction of air to body cavities for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes within 7 days.
Link to get a Medical Information Form or MEDIF (and PMCU form)
(Information Provided Here by British Airways but applies, pretty much, for all airlines)
Notes on other Specific items
Allergies: Simple requests for a special meal do not require completion of this form. If your patient has a life threatening food allergy that may require treatment in-flight, particularly if they react to the presence of traces of food in the air, this form should be completed. Note; Emirates cannot guarantee peanut free meals.
Asthma: Medication must be carried in cabin baggage. Nebulisers require their own power source. Spacer devices used with an inhaler are an effective onboard alternative.
Fractures: All new long bone fractures and full leg casts (cast must be at least 48hrs old) require a medical certificate. Plasters should be split for fresh injuries (48hrs or less), which could swell inside the cast on a long flight. Extra legroom for leg elevation is not possible in economy class; however an aisle seat can be reserved. Please state whether the injury is left or right.
Lung or Heart Disease: Cardiopulmonary disease which causes dyspnoea on walking more than 100m on the flat, or has required oxygen in hospital or at home (or in-flight previously) may require supplementary oxygen. The aircraft oxygen is for emergency use only. Serious cardiopulmonary cases as well as those requesting continuous oxygen, stretcher, or incubator should enclose a recent detailed medical report with the medical certificate. (A copy of a specialist or hospital referral would generally be sufficient).
Physical Disabilities: There is no need for this form if you simply require a wheelchair as far as the aircraft door; the travel agent can indicate this on the reservation if you wish. Note: Civil Aviation Rules require all passengers to be able to use the aircraft seat with the seatback in the upright position.
Special Meals: Special diets for religious or other medical reasons can be ordered direct from your travel agent without using this form. If you have a food allergy please see the section on "allergies" above.
Terminal Illness: Passengers in the advanced stages of terminal illness will normally require a medical or nursing escort.
In-flight care: Airlines do not provide nursing attendants for invalid passengers. Cabin crew are only trained in First Aid.
Escorts: should ensure that they have all appropriate items for the proper care of their patient, and are responsible for attending to all aspects of their patient's bodily needs. Due to food handling regulations, Cabin Staff cannot assist with these needs.
It may also be required in cases where special services are required such as:
Oxygen supply
Stretcher
Medical escort or medical treatment in-flight
Carriage of medical equipment or instruments
Medical Cases -Guide for Medical Practitioners
Factors to be considered when assessing a patient's fitness for air travel are:
Reduced atmospheric pressure (Cabin air pressure changes greatly during 15-30 minutes after takeoff and before landing and gas expansion and contraction can cause pain and pressure effects)
Reduction in oxygen tension. (The cabin is at a pressure equivalent to an altitude of 6,000 to 8,000 feet and oxygen partial pressure is approximately 20% less than on the ground).
Any medical condition which would render a passenger unable to complete the flight safely, without requiring extraordinary medical assistance during the flight is considered unacceptable for air travel.
Medical Information or MEDIF
Passenger Medical Clearance Unit (PMCU) If you are flying and you have a condition that may affect you in-flight, contact the PMCU. The PMCU deals with over 650 medical clearance cases every month and will be able to advise you, your doctor or other healthcare professionals about fitness to fly. Medical clearance is generally only considered upon receipt of the following medical information (MEDIF) forms. Please fill in part 1 yourself and get your doctor to fill in parts 2 and 3.