Blog: Flying Soon? Here’s What You Need to Know About Fitness to Fly Letters

 

Planning to travel soon and wondering whether you need a fitness to fly letter from your GP?

Here’s everything you need to know about what it is, when it’s needed, and how we can help.

What Is a Fitness to Fly Letter?

A fitness to fly letter is a document written by a GP or healthcare professional after an assessment with you to determine there is no clear cause found why you shouldn’t fly at the time of assessment. Airlines may require this in certain situations where a passenger has a health condition that could be affected by flying or might need special arrangements during the flight.

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When Might You Need a Fitness to Fly Letter?

You may need a Fitness to Fly assessment if:

  • You have an ongoing medical condition, such as heart or lung disease, epilepsy, or diabetes.
  • You’ve had a recent hospital admission or surgery.
  • You’re pregnant, especially after 28 weeks gestation.
  • You’re recovering from an infectious illness (e.g., COVID-19, chickenpox).
  • You’ve had a recent blood clot (DVT or PE) or a stroke.

Always check with your airline, as each carrier has specific guidelines on medical clearance and documentation requirements.

 
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What Does the Assessment Involve?

During the assessment, your GP will:

  • Review your medical history and any recent health changes.
  • Evaluate your current condition and physical stability.
  • Consider the duration of the flight, destination risks (e.g., high altitude), and stress related to travel.
  • Determine whether any travel precautions or medications are needed.
  • Provide key information required by airlines, including:
    • The nature of your condition and its severity or stability.
    • Any medication you are currently taking.
    • Relevant details about your mobility and any assistance needed.
 

Important Note: Airline Policies May Vary

Individual airlines have their own policies regarding medical conditions, mobility aids, or in-flight oxygen. We strongly recommend contacting your airline directly to check their specific requirements before you travel.

We are pleased to offer this assessment as part of our private services. Please note that these letters are not covered by the NHS and therefore incur a fee.

 

Need Advice?

If you think you might need a Fitness to Fly letter, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to guide you through the process and ensure you have the support you need for a safe and comfortable journey.

Please note: While GPs are qualified to assess general medical fitness to fly and can provide supporting letters, we are not specialists in aviation medicine. Our assessments are based on your current health status and general considerations for safe travel.

For complex or aviation-specific concerns, airlines may refer to their own medical teams or require input from an aviation medicine specialist.

Please be aware that we are unable to assess individuals who require a specialised hypoxic challenge test, as we do not provide or advise on this assessment.

 
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Published: Jun 25, 2025