Fit to Fly Certificate — Same Day in Surbiton

Who Needs a Fit to Fly Certificate?

Most airlines do not require a fit to fly certificate for routine travel, but they are commonly required in specific circumstances. Pregnant travellers are typically required to provide a letter from their GP or midwife confirming the number of weeks' gestation and that there are no contraindications to flying — most airlines require this from 28 weeks, and many will not carry passengers beyond 36 weeks without written medical clearance.

Passengers who have recently undergone surgery or been hospitalised may need clearance before travelling. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and individual airlines have specific restrictions around post-operative flying, particularly after procedures involving gas in body cavities, cardiac surgery, or significant orthopaedic work. Patients with recent myocardial infarction, stroke, or acute respiratory conditions will require clearance before commercial flying is considered safe.

Common Conditions Requiring Pre-Flight Medical Assessment

Several conditions require specific consideration before flying. Passengers with severe anaemia (haemoglobin below approximately 7.5 g/dL) may not tolerate the reduced partial pressure of oxygen at altitude. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory conditions may require a hypoxia altitude simulation test (HAST) to determine whether supplemental oxygen is needed in-flight. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — either active or recent — requires individual risk assessment before flying, given the additional thrombotic risk of long-haul travel.

Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, recent cardiac events, significant arrhythmia, or post-CABG and post-stent procedures are assessed individually. Our GPs review the clinical picture, your current medication regime, and the specifics of your planned journey to provide a letter that your airline will accept.

Flying with Medication or Medical Equipment

If you are travelling with prescription medication — particularly injectable drugs such as insulin, anticoagulants, or biologics — airlines and airport security increasingly require a letter confirming your diagnosis and the medical necessity of the medication. We can provide this alongside or separately from a fit to fly certificate. For patients travelling with oxygen concentrators, infusion pumps, or other medical devices, airlines typically require advance notification and medical documentation — we can help prepare the relevant paperwork.

How Quickly Can We Issue Your Letter?

Same-day fit to fly letters are available in the majority of straightforward cases — particularly for pregnancy confirmation and post-minor procedure clearance. For more complex cases requiring review of specialist letters or diagnostic results, we aim to provide your letter within 24–48 hours of your consultation. We recommend booking your appointment at least a week before your travel date where possible, to allow time for any follow-up queries from your airline or insurer.

Our clinic at 380 Ewell Road, Tolworth, is a short drive from Heathrow via the A3 and M25, making a same-day pre-travel appointment straightforward for passengers departing from London's airports.