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Flying Smart: Flight Guidelines for the Informed Traveller

Mikhil Rialch

Last updated: Apr 3, 2017

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Okay, let’s face it: it’s not a whole lot of fun to read a long list of flight guidelines. But you know what’s even less fun? Reading them at the last moment. Especially, if you’re at the airport.

Trust us, it pays to be aware of flight guidelines beforehand (literally, at times). But as a traveller with special requirements, you need to be particularly well-informed.

So, without further ado, let’s get down to it. Here’s a quick guide to things you need to know if you’re a traveller with special needs:

Flying While Pregnant

First things first: are you absolutely sure you have to travel?

flight-guidelines-pregnant — Think about it

If it’s absolutely necessary, sure, by all means go. But if you’re flying to visit, say, a distant relative, let’s just say it wouldn’t hurt to put off the trip until the baby’s out. Your doctor would agree there.

If you do decide to travel, you need to carry your medical certificates at all times when travelling. That includes a fitness to fly clearance from your doctor, and all the documents with details on your pregnancy.

Now, let’s break down the guidelines on pregnancy by duration. Keep in mind that different airlines have differing policies regarding pregnancy.

Pregnancy Duration	Guidelines
Up to 27 weeks	Required to sign liability certificates with the airline
Between 28-34 weeks	Required to produce doctor’s certificate (MEDIF) with clearance to travel
Beyond 35 weeks	Not allowed to travel

Note: Some airlines like Jet Airways require pregnant travelers (beyond 36 weeks) to be accompanied by an MBBS-certified doctor while travelling.

Basically, just check beforehand about the airline’s policy and make your arrangements well in advance.

Flying With Reduced Mobility

flight-guidelines-wheelchair — Special assistance is available for wheelchair travellers

If you’re using a wheelchair, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before taking a flight:

Generally, airlines do not allow wheelchairs to be brought aboard. They are stored in the luggage bay.
Some airlines require passengers with reduced mobility to fill a medical form (MEDIF) at the time of booking/reservation. Timely submission of form helps the airline to make prior arrangements.
Some airlines charge for wheelchair assistance while others do not. It is best to check with the airlines on the same before booking the ticket.

If you want to request a wheelchair, you must submit your request at the time of booking/reservation.

If you’re bringing your own wheelchair, inform the airline authorities on the size, weight and type of wheelchair at the time of booking/reservation.

Flying With Medical Condition

So, you have a medical condition and need to fly somewhere. How do you know if you’re fit to travel? And what do you need to have a smooth flying experience?

The first question is an easy one. Consult your doctor. If he doesn’t recommend travel, best not to risk it.

The second question will need a little effort from your end.

Let’s start with defining a medical condition:

An unstable medical condition
A pre-existing medical condition
An infectious, contagious medical condition
A recent sickness, surgery or hospitalization
An intention to seek medical treatment overseas

Do you fit under any of these categories? If yes, read on. If not, well, a little extra knowledge never hurts.

If you have a medical condition, you will need a doctor’s certificate with fitness-to-fly clearance. Make sure that you carry this on your person at all times.

Note: The medical certificate must not be older than 7 days from the date of departure.

Once again, various airlines have different terms for medical conditions. You should speak with the airline authorities on the subject before making your booking.

Flying as an Unaccompanied Minor/Young Passenger

So, your kid wants to celebrate his 14^th birthday by flying to see his grandparents.

Best option: Go with him.

Second-best option: Read this guide.

flight-guidelines-kids — He'll thank you for it

Let’s talk about what an Unaccompanied Minor/Young Passenger means first:

Unaccompanied Minors: Any passengers below the age of 12 years.
Young Passengers: Passengers between the ages of 12-16 years.

Simply put, here are the conditions for travel:

If your child is an Unaccompanied Minor: A few airlines do not allow unaccompanied minors to travel alone. They must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or above.

If your child is a Young Passenger: Young passengers are generally allowed to travel unaccompanied, provided that a parent/guardian signs an approval form with the airlines.

Some pointers for you to consider:

Young passengers are generally allowed to travel unaccompanied, provided that a parent/guardian signs an approval form with the airlines.
Passengers aged 16-18 years are considered adults and allowed to travel without prior approvals. However, they are not allowed to accompany minors (under 12 years of age).

Having reached the end of this guide, we could throw platitudes for you, like ‘better safe than sorry’ or ‘early bird gets the worm’ but we won’t.

Just know that a smart traveller never leaves things to chance.

Mikhil Rialch

History lover. Wasp hater. World-conqueror-in-waiting.

Comments

Taruna Arora | on 19 April 2018

Such a informative content. You said it right it's not fun to read whole list of guildelines but it is easy and interesting when we are at airport. These guidelines will really help people with wheelchairs too. Thanks for creating this blog. I will definitely keep visiting your blog again and again. Wish i could add conversation with you. Thanks & Regards Forza Freedom Wheelchair World Wheelchair shops in delhi keep up the great work!