Frequently Asked Questions

Not sure whether you’re fit to fly? You’ll need to contact your doctor before you book. Flying can cause problems like Deep Vein Thrombosis for people with bronchial or circulatory problems – so it’s best to double-check.

Broken bones

Each airline may have a different policy for travelling with assistance dogs. Please check with the airline directly – you can find their details on our airline partners page.

Please see our Assisted Travel page for information on infectious diseases.

You’ll need a personal assistant to travel with you if you don’t meet the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s definition of being self-reliant. This means you need to be able to:

– Open your seat belt
– Leave your seat and reach an emergency exit without help
– Collect and fit a lifejacket
– Put on an oxygen mask without help
– Understand the safety briefing and instructions given by the crew in an emergency, including information provided in accessible formats

You may also want to think about travelling with a personal assistant if you need help with any of the following:

– Breathing – e.g. if you rely on supplementary oxygen

– Eating – although cabin crew can help you open containers

– Going to the toilet – cabin crew can help you move through the cabin in a wheelchair to reach the toilet, but you need to be able to use the facilities by yourself

– Taking medication – you’ll need to be able to administer your own medication during the flight

If you need to travel with a personal assistant, most airlines will need you to sit together. We would suggest getting in touch with the airline directly to check availability before you book.

If you need information in a different format, e.g. large print or braille, please give our Assisted Travel team a call on 02034512690.

There are lots of things we can do to help you on your journey, from sending photos of the airport processes to help you prepare to arranging someone to help you through the airport. Just give us a call on 0203 451 2690 and we’ll let you know what we can do.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is when muscles are constricted and the return of blood from the legs to the heart is inhibited. This can lead to fluid collecting in the feet and to subsequent muscular aches and pains, a feeling of excess fatigue or very rarely, more serious complications even after your flight has ended.

What is my risk?
Some people are more likely to develop DVT than others. Here are some examples from current medical knowledge:

Those at minor risk:

• Aged over 40
• Very tall, very short or obese
• Previous or current leg swelling from any cause
• Recent minor leg injury or minor body surgery
• Extensive varicose veins

Those at moderate risk:

• Recent heart disease
• Pregnant or on any hormone medication, particularly the contraceptive pill and HRT
• Recent major leg injury or leg surgery
• Family history of DVT

Those at substantial risk:

• Previous or current DVT
• Known clotting tendency
• Recent major surgery or stroke
• Current malignant disease or chemotherapy paralysed lower limb(s)

If you’re concerned about your risk of suffering from DVT we strongly recommend you seek medical advice before booking.

These steps below may help to reduce your risk:

• Drink plenty of water during the flight and avoid alcohol and caffeine during the flight (and before)
• Take only short periods of sleep
• Do not take sleeping pills
• Avoid leg discomfort when seated by not crossing your legs
• Walk around the cabin whenever you can
• Carry out the simple in-flight exercises shown below and in our in-flight information
• Wear loose fitting comfortable clothes and shoes when travelling

Our main advice is to avoid being totally static throughout your flight this includes night flights.