When a loved one is injured or becomes seriously ill abroad, families often face a frightening and overwhelming situation. The question that inevitably arises is:
“Can they fly home safely?”
Understanding when a patient is medically fit to fly—and how the process works for commercial medical repatriation—is essential for making informed decisions and ensuring your loved one returns home safely.

At AD Medical Air Assist, our Award-Winning Medical Repatriation Specialists help families navigate this process every single day. Whether a patient requires a medical escort in Business Class or a full stretcher setup on a commercial aircraft, we coordinate everything needed to bring them home safely, comfortably, and with dignity.

What Does “Fit to Fly” Actually Mean?

The term fit to fly is a medically and logistically significant determination made to ensure that a patient can safely travel by air without worsening their condition.

A patient is considered fit to fly only when:

• Their condition is stable and unlikely to deteriorate during flight.
• The aircraft environment (reduced oxygen, lower cabin pressure, prolonged sitting or lying time) will not pose a medical risk.
• They can be supported by an onboard medical escort team or stretcher configuration, if needed.
• They meet the airlines’ strict medical clearance requirements.

This determination is typically made by:

• The treating hospital physician
• A flight physician or aviation medical professional**
• The airline’s medical department, who must provide the final approval

At AD Medical Air Assist, our clinical team manages this complex approval process on your behalf, ensuring all medical documents and assessments are properly completed.

Common Scenarios Where Patients May Need a Fit-to-Fly Assessment

Families often contact us when a loved one:

✔ Has been hospitalized due to an accident abroad

Such as fractures, head injuries, road accidents, sports injuries, or burns.

✔ Has experienced a sudden medical emergency

Including strokes, heart attacks, severe infections, or respiratory complications.

✔ Has a chronic condition that worsened during travel

COPD, dementia, diabetes, neurological episodes, or mobility issues.

✔ Is medically stable but unable to travel independently

Including elderly travellers, patients with disabilities, or individuals who require oxygen therapy, mobility assistance, or continuous monitoring.

If any of these apply, it’s time to speak with a medical aviation specialist—even if you're not yet sure whether it's “too early.”

Key Medical Factors Used to Determine Fitness to Fly

To assess whether a patient can safely travel, medical and aviation teams evaluate:

1. Vital Stability

No major fluctuations in heart rate, oxygen saturation, or blood pressure.

2. Pain Management

Pain must be manageable throughout the journey.

3. Mobility + Positioning Needs

If a patient cannot sit upright for extended periods, a commercial aircraft stretcher may be necessary.

4. Risk of In-Flight Complications

Blood clots, uncontrolled bleeding, respiratory distress, or active infections.

5. Recent Surgeries or Procedures

Certain procedures require waiting periods because of cabin pressure implications.

6. Need for In-Flight Support

This includes oxygen therapy, cardiac monitoring, airway support, or IV medications.
A specialist medical escort team can safely manage these needs.

Every patient’s situation is unique, and AD Medical Air Assist conducts a full clinical review with the treating hospital before advising families.

Commercial Airline Medical Repatriation Options

Many families are surprised to learn that air ambulances are not always required. Commercial medical repatriation is often safe, medically appropriate, and significantly more cost-effective.

🛏 Option 1: Stretcher on a Commercial Aircraft

Best for non-ambulatory patients or those unable to sit upright.

This provides:

• A stretcher installed in the rear section of the aircraft
• Privacy curtains + blocked seating rows
• Full medical monitoring and care by our expert escort team
• Door-to-door bedside service

This option can save families tens of thousands of pounds compared to an air ambulance.

💺 Option 2: Business Class Medical Escort

Ideal for stable patients who can sit upright with support.

Includes:

• A qualified medical escort
• Monitoring, oxygen, medications, and in-flight support
• Full logistics coordination with airlines and hospitals

This is our most common and cost-effective solution for medically stable individuals.

When Should Families Begin Planning Repatriation?

Immediately. It is never too early to start planning.

Even if the hospital abroad says to “wait a few days,” families benefit greatly from early guidance:

• Medical eligibility can be reviewed early
• Airline approval and medical forms take time
• Ground transport and hospital arrangements require coordination
• Families gain clarity and peace of mind
• Costs and options can be reviewed in advance

Early planning prevents delays and ensures the patient travels as soon as they are medically cleared.

How AD Medical Air Assist Supports Families Every Step of the Way

We remove the complexity and the stress:

✔ Free Fit-to-Fly Assessment

We review medical reports and speak directly with the treating doctors.

✔ Airline Medical Forms & Approvals

We handle all airline medical paperwork and secure official clearance.

✔ Transparent, Competitive Pricing

We present your family with clear options—stretcher, business class escort, or air ambulance when required.

✔ Complete Door-to-Door Coordination

Hospital → Ambulance → Airport → Flight → Ambulance → Final Hospital
You never have to arrange any part of the journey.

✔ Award-Winning Global Specialists

Our medical teams ensure continuous care and safety from start to finish.

Signs It’s Time to Contact a Medical Repatriation Specialist

You should reach out if:

• A family member is hospitalized abroad
• Doctors advise a procedure you’re unsure about
• You’re concerned about the quality of care abroad
• The patient cannot travel alone
• You want a second medical opinion about travel safety
• The patient is stable and you want them home as soon as possible

Even if you only have partial information, our team can begin advising you right away.

You Don’t Have to Handle This Alone

Determining whether a patient is fit to fly is an important and sometimes urgent decision. With expert planning, clinical oversight, and a trained medical escort or stretcher team, thousands of patients safely return home every year using commercial aircraft.

At AD Medical Air Assist, our commitment is simple:

Bring your loved one home safely, smoothly, and with dignity.

📞 Contact AD Medical Air Assist — 24/7 Worldwide Support

If you believe your loved one may need medical repatriation—or you’re unsure whether they are fit to fly—our team is here to help immediately.

📞 Phone (24/7): +44 7498 200 444
🌐 Website: www.admedicalairassist.co.uk
📩 Email: enquiries@admedicalairassist.co.uk

We are standing by, ready to guide you through every step of the process.