What does ‘fit to fly’ mean?

The airline you fly with needs to know that it is medically safe for you to fly. It isn’t mandatory to state this when booking a flight, but if you’re aware of any problems it’s best to let the airline know in advance – staff have the right to refuse boarding if you appear to be unwell at the time.

In general they may not let you fly if you have a condition that could get worse during a flight, or a contagious illness that can infect other passengers. In some cases you may be asked to provide a fit to fly certificate from your doctor.

While it may seem like extra paperwork, it’s important to remember these restrictions exist to keep everyone safe from a medical perspective.

Restrictions can vary between airlines, so it’s best to check if you have any specific concerns. Most will have a medical advisory service that you can find on the airline’s website.