Main Navigation | Main Content

You are in: Home > Stroke Information > Living With A Stroke > Travel And Holidays

Travel And Holidays

The following factsheets (available to download in Related Documents) have useful information if you are planning a holiday:

  • Holiday Information: for contact details of travel services, accessible accommodation you can book directly and other organisations.
  • Sympathetic Insurance Companies: for suggested travel and motor insurance contacts. No recommendation is intended by being included on these lists.

Both of these factsheets are updated every year. However details can change quickly.

Air Travel For People Affected By Stroke Illness

If you have any concerns about your health such as existing medical conditions or after an illness or operation you should contact the airline medical department before traveling by air. This will allow medical clearance and fitness to fly to be assessed before your travel and allow the airline staff to help you with early boarding and in-flight care if required.

FREMEC Card

If you travel frequently you might like to look into getting a Frequent Traveller’s Medical Card (FREMEC) issued by airline medical departments. It contains important medical information and replaces forms that previously had to be completed for each flight. Once a person has registered, the airline’s reservations office records details of your requirements so that special assistance can be provided whenever the person flies.

Who Needs Medical Clearance To Fly?

If any of the criteria below apply, you and your doctor will need to complete a Medical Information Form (MEDIF), which is available from the medical department of the airline or your travel agent.

You will need medical clearance to fly if:

  • your fitness is in doubt as a result of
    • recent illness
    • a period in hospital
    • surgery
    • you have an acute or chronic condition that is unstable
  • you need any special medical provision e.g. oxygen, a stretcher or medical treatment in-flight.

You may also need medical clearance to fly if:

  • you need a medical escort
  • you are carrying any special medical equipment

Back to top

Planning Ahead

  • a medical check-up may be needed before booking your holiday
  • take a doctors letter with you outlining existing medical conditions and medication
  • ensure adequate medical insurance is in place before you travel preferably including the cost of flying home
  • make sure you have adequate supplies of your medicines for the whole holiday
  • oxygen must be requested at least 48 hours in advance and preferably at the time of booking
  • nebulisers can be used at the airline’s discretion, but proper use of spacers can be just as effective
  • transport within the airport can be provided for you if you arrange it in advance

At The Airport

  • you should arrive early at the airport to give you plenty of time and to obtain seats with maximum leg room
  • avoid handling heavy luggage
  • keep your medicines in your hand luggage and make sure you have sufficient supplies to last your holiday. Due to recent security alerts airlines may only permit small quantities of liquid in hand luggage and any bottles should be in their original containers. Please check with your airline for most up to date information.

How Can I Protect Myself When Flying?

The main problem with flying is that you may be sitting still for a long period of time. Encouraging your circulation and avoiding dehydration will give you the best protection against blood clots forming.

Try and do the following

  • make sure you have plenty of legroom when you book, this may mean checking in early
  • stretch your legs and wiggle your feet every half hour
  • get up regularly if you can, for short walks
  • wear light-weight, non-restrictive clothing when you travel
  • avoid alcohol, caffeine before and during the flight as this makes you dehydrated
  • drink plenty of fluids, preferably take your own bottle of water and have regular sips
  • you might want to wear support hosiery
  • graduated compression stockings may be helpful if you have a history of heart or stroke conditions
  • discuss with your doctor any other measures you may need to take prior to flying

Whether To Fly

Deciding to fly after having a stroke is a very individual decision to make. You need to discuss with your doctor the variety of issues that may affect you and balance the possible and uncertain risks of flying against the benefits. Therefore you need to consider the risks, practical issues, insurance and airline regulations.

When Can I Fly?

If you have had a stroke then you are not advised to fly for at least 10 days and then only with your doctor’s permission. If your stroke has left you with a disability then you may want to wait for several months before flying.

If you have had a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) / minor stroke then you will need to have made a complete recovery and have your doctor's permission before you can fly.

Where To Get Help


Back to top

© Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland 2012 | Page last updated on Thursday 23rd June, 2011

Registered with and regulated by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (charity no SC018761), Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and CHSS are operating names of
The Chest, Heart & Stroke Association Scotland. Also registered in Scotland as a company limited by guarantee, no SC129114.