| What to do before the flight |
- See your health care clinician for an assessment for air travel. Request information from your clinician (refer to "What to bring with you").
- If you have an increased risk of blood clots, discuss any additional measures you should take to prevent blood clots during travel.
- Ensure adequate time for transfers between connecting flights.
- Request special meals (low salt, low fat).
- Request a wheelchair and extra assistance at the airport, if needed.
- Request in-flight oxygen, if needed.
- Check to see if your health insurance covers medical evacuation. If not, consider purchasing medical evacuation insurance.
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| What to bring with you |
- Carry a letter from your clinician that lists your medical conditions and allergies.
- Carry a copy of a recent electrocardiogram.
- Carry your pacemaker or defibrillator card, if applicable.
- Pack sufficient medications for your entire trip in carry-on baggage.
- If you take nitroglycerin, bring a new prescription in your carry-on baggage.
- Pack a list of all medications, ideally in a different carry-on bag.
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| What to do at the airport |
- Allow extra time at the airport.
- Use porter service to help with baggage and/or getting to the gate.
- Preboard if you need extra time or assistance.
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| What to do during flight |
- Take all medications on schedule, or adjust schedule when traveling across time zones.
- Place carry-on baggage in overhead bins to maximize leg room.
- Do calf-stretching exercises while seated (flex and extend your feet to improve blood flow).
- Change position frequently.
- Walk in the aisle once an hour while awake.
- Drink adequate fluids to stay hydrated.
- Avoid alcohol. It can interact with medications and have a diuretic effect.
- Avoid medications for sleep (eg, benzodiazepines, zolpidem).
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