If you suffer from a chronic disease:
People suffering from recent or chronic diseases – such as cardiovascular disorders, chronic respiratory disease, severe anaemia, unstable diabetes and cancer – and those taking immunosuppressive medication or whose fitness to travel is in doubt for any other reason should consult their doctors before deciding to travel by air. Medical clearance should be sought from the airline in such cases. All medication should be kept in the hand luggage and readily accessible.
If you've been fitted with a pacemaker:
Flying is generally safe for passengers with pacemakers. However, unipolar lead pacing systems may be susceptible to electronic interference during flight and guidance on the effect of airport security screening devices should be obtained. Bipolar lead pacing systems are not affected.
If you're a chronic smoker:
With the exception of a few airlines, smoking is not permitted on board the aircraft. Passengers who smoke heavily and regularly may experience stress and discomfort, particularly during long flights. Heavy smokers may benefit from medical advice before travelling. Nicotine replacement patches or chewing gum may be helpful and the use of a mild tranquilliser can be considered.
If you're disabled:
A physical disability is not usually a contraindication for travel. To ensure a safe and comfortable journey, the airlines have regulations on conditions of travel for passengers with disabilities. Passengers who are unable to look after their own needs during a flight (including the ability to manage in the toilet and transfer from wheelchair to seat and vice versa) will need to be accompanied by an able and willing escort.
If you have an infectious disease:
The quality of aircraft cabin air is carefully controlled. Exchange with outside air and filtration of re-circulated cabin air provide a total change of air at the rate of 20-30 times per hour. This level of ventilation is very much greater than in any building on the ground and ensures that contaminant levels are kept low. Modern aircraft re-circulate up to 50% of the cabin air. The re-circulated air is passed through HEPA filters, which trap particulate material, bacteria, fungi and most viruses. Consequently, re-circulated cabin air is very clean.
Transmission of airborne infectious agents between passengers is unlikely but may occasionally occur if seated close to the source of infection. To avoid any risk of infecting others or transmitting disease from one country to another, as well as for personal health reasons, people with contagious diseases should not travel by air.
People suffering from recent or chronic diseases – such as cardiovascular disorders, chronic respiratory disease, severe anaemia, unstable diabetes and cancer – and those taking immunosuppressive medication or whose fitness to travel is in doubt for any other reason should consult their doctors before deciding to travel by air. Medical clearance should be sought from the airline in such cases. All medication should be kept in the hand luggage and readily accessible.
If you've been fitted with a pacemaker:
Flying is generally safe for passengers with pacemakers. However, unipolar lead pacing systems may be susceptible to electronic interference during flight and guidance on the effect of airport security screening devices should be obtained. Bipolar lead pacing systems are not affected.
If you're a chronic smoker:
With the exception of a few airlines, smoking is not permitted on board the aircraft. Passengers who smoke heavily and regularly may experience stress and discomfort, particularly during long flights. Heavy smokers may benefit from medical advice before travelling. Nicotine replacement patches or chewing gum may be helpful and the use of a mild tranquilliser can be considered.
If you're disabled:
A physical disability is not usually a contraindication for travel. To ensure a safe and comfortable journey, the airlines have regulations on conditions of travel for passengers with disabilities. Passengers who are unable to look after their own needs during a flight (including the ability to manage in the toilet and transfer from wheelchair to seat and vice versa) will need to be accompanied by an able and willing escort.
If you have an infectious disease:
The quality of aircraft cabin air is carefully controlled. Exchange with outside air and filtration of re-circulated cabin air provide a total change of air at the rate of 20-30 times per hour. This level of ventilation is very much greater than in any building on the ground and ensures that contaminant levels are kept low. Modern aircraft re-circulate up to 50% of the cabin air. The re-circulated air is passed through HEPA filters, which trap particulate material, bacteria, fungi and most viruses. Consequently, re-circulated cabin air is very clean.
Transmission of airborne infectious agents between passengers is unlikely but may occasionally occur if seated close to the source of infection. To avoid any risk of infecting others or transmitting disease from one country to another, as well as for personal health reasons, people with contagious diseases should not travel by air.
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