Get a Fit to Fly Report from a Doctor Before Your Flight from Turkey
A fit to fly report is a medical confirmation that you can travel by air without being harmed by cabin pressure, lower oxygen levels or the demands of the journey.
What Is a Fit to Fly Report?
A fit to fly report, also called a fit to travel certificate, is a document from a doctor stating that your health will not be adversely affected by the conditions of a flight. It matters for flight safety and for your own health, and airlines apply their own medical rules based on international aviation guidance such as IATA’s.
When an Airline May Ask for One
Airlines may ask for an up-to-date medical report before you fly if any of the following applies:
- Late pregnancy: a report is usually needed in the later weeks, and flying is generally not allowed after about 36 weeks for a single baby or about 32 weeks for twins or more. Airline limits differ.
- Recent surgery: especially abdominal, chest, brain or eye operations in the last few weeks.
- Chronic heart or lung disease: such as severe COPD, asthma, heart failure or serious heart rhythm problems.
- Serious injuries and fractures: a new plaster cast may need to be split for the first 24 to 48 hours, because swelling can be made worse by pressure changes.
- Medical equipment: if you need oxygen, a portable oxygen concentrator or a stretcher on board.
- Infectious illness: if you are recovering from an illness that could spread to other passengers.
- Newborn babies: babies in the first days of life and their mothers.
Why Cabin Pressure Matters
Cabin pressure is lower than at sea level, equal to an altitude of roughly 1,800 to 2,400 metres. Gases in the body expand and the oxygen level in your blood falls a little. Healthy people notice little, but this can be dangerous if your heart, lungs or recent surgery are involved.
When Flying May Be Unsafe or Not Allowed
In the following situations, flying is usually unsafe or refused until a doctor says it is safe. Timeframes vary, so ask a doctor about your case:
- Recent heart attack or stroke: airlines and doctors usually require a recovery period first.
- Collapsed lung (pneumothorax): air trapped around the lung can expand with the pressure change, so you should not fly until it has fully healed.
- Blood clots: active deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or a recent clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism).
- Contagious disease: such as active tuberculosis or measles, during the infectious period.
- Recent brain surgery or raised pressure in the head: air bubbles left in the skull can expand and press on tissue.
- Recent eye surgery: if gas was injected into the eye, for example after a retinal detachment operation, flying can cause severe harm and is not allowed.
- Pregnancy beyond the airline limit: after about 36 weeks (single) or 32 weeks (multiple), the limits of the airline.
Airline Rules and Medical Forms
Many airlines use a Medical Information Form, called a MEDIF, with one part for you and one part for your treating doctor. Others ask for a doctor’s certificate. Rules differ, so open your airline’s page below:
- Turkish Airlines: Special assistance services for passengers: medical certificate rules, dated within 10 days of departure and written by a doctor in Turkish or English
- Pegasus Airlines: Passengers with reduced mobility and health, including the pregnancy medical report
- Emirates: Medical Information Form (MEDIF), to be submitted at least 48 hours before departure
- Qatar Airways: Medical Information Form (MEDIF), with a part completed by the attending physician
How We Can Help
A doctor can assess your health by video, tell you whether you are likely to be fit to fly, and where appropriate issue a fit to fly report. Tell us on WhatsApp which airline you fly with, your travel date and your health condition, and we will guide you on what it needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fit to fly report?
Only in some cases, such as late pregnancy, recent surgery, serious heart or lung disease, a recent fracture, or if you need oxygen or a stretcher. Most people with stable conditions do not. Check your airline’s rules.
How long before the flight should I send the report?
Airlines usually ask for medical forms at least 48 hours before departure, and some ask for more. Several also require the certificate to be dated within 7 to 10 days of the flight, so book your assessment close to your travel date.
Can I fly after a recent illness or injury?
It depends on the condition. A doctor can assess you and advise whether it is safe, and whether your airline needs a report.
Who decides if I can board?
The airline has the final say, and it can refuse boarding if you are not fit to fly, even with a report. Always read its medical rules before you travel.