Fit To Fly Certificates: Do I Need One? How Do I Get One?
Here we'll answer common questions surrounding Fit to Fly certificates...
Note: In regard to Covid-19, some private medical providers use terms such as "Fit to Fly Covid-19 certificate" “Covid test certificate for travel” or similar to describe the proof passengers may require to show that they are fit to travel; but these are not the same as a ‘Fit to Fly Certificate.'
What is a Fit to Fly certificate?
A Fit to Fly certificate is a letter issued by a medical practice that has been approved by the Quality Care Commission (QCC).
This letter must be signed and stamped by a General Medical Council-registered doctor.
Who requires a Fit to Fly certificate to travel?
Those with certain medical conditions may need a Fit-to-Fly certificate to travel.
When do you need a Fit to Fly certificate?
You may require a Fit to Fly certificate if you've had/have a:
- recent illness, hospitalisation, injury or surgery
- existing/ongoing and unstable medical condition
- need for additional oxygen or use of medical equipment on board
- travelling to get medical treatment
Fit to Fly certificates for pregnant women
Do I need a Fit to Fly Certificate if I am pregnant?
A commonly asked question by pregnant women looking to fly abroad for a holiday is do you need a fit to fly letter when pregnant?
Pregnant women will need a certificate to travel with most airlines after the 28th week of pregnancy as evidence that you are ‘Fit to Fly.'
What information will be needed for a Fit to fly pregnancy certificate?
For your fit to fly pregnancy letter (certificate), either your GP or midwife will need to confirm that:
- you are healthy
- your pregnancy is normal
- your due expected due date
How do I get a Fit to Fly certificate?
For Fit to Fly certificates, there are usually two parts to the medical clearance process:
- You will be asked to provide information about your situation or condition- You would return this to the airline which would then tell you if you are fit to fly or not.
- If the airline has concerns about how flying might impact your particular condition, it will ask you to complete a further form.
You may also be asked to provide medical proof at this stage, often a doctor's note.
If you are required to prove that you are fit to travel, you may be able to get a doctor's appointment to get a Fit to Fly certificate.
How much is a Fit to Fly certificate?
Fit to Fly (or Fit to Travel) certificates may be available from some NHS practices.
However, since these certificates are not normally provided as an NHS service, they are chargeable.
Fees for a Fit to Fly certificate can vary from £13 to £40.
The British Medical Association (BMA) publishes a list of suggested fees which doctors can use to price their services.
How much is a private Fit to Fly certificate?
Obtaining a Fit to Fly/Fit to Travel certificate from a private medical provider may cost more than this.
How long does a Fit to Fly certificate last?
How long a Fit to Fly certificate is valid for will depend on your airline and your destination(s).
You should find out information about the validity of your Fit to Fly certficate from your travel provider and relevant agencies at your destination.
For instance, if you try to fly on a Fit to Fly certificate issued several weeks before departure, you may well be denied boarding.
If you suffer from a long-term health condition, it is likely that you will need update your Fit to fly certificate each time you travel as your condition may have changed.
Airlines' medical certification requirements
Check what you need to fly on these links:
- easyJet fit to fly certificate policy
- TUI fit to fly certificate policy
- Ryanair fit to fly certificate policy
- Jet2 fit to fly certificate policy
- Emirates fit to fly certificate policy
- British Airways fit to fly certificate policy
- AirAsia fit to fly certificate policy
- Wizz Air fit to fly certificate policy
Fit to Fly Covid-19 guidelines
When should I take a Covid-19 test?
A small number of destinations still have Covid-19 entry requirements in place and may require you to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test.
Can I get a Covid-19 test on the NHS?
Gov.uk states: "If you need proof of a negative coronavirus test to enter another country, you must use a private test provider."
How much is a private Covid-19 test?
There are hundreds of Government approved providers and costs vary depending on the provider.
To make sure you have access to affordable private COVID-19 testing we've partnered with MyHealthChecked to offer you a special discounted rate.
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