Flying With a Fracture
Can I Fly on a Plane with a Fracture?
A fracture can be of any type, most broken limbs such as arms and legs are treated with a form of a cast that ranges in different types. For more information on flying with a cast please see our guide here.
Continue reading to discover information on flying with a fracture. This guide is complete with FAQ’s, tips to prepare before a flight and prevent problems when flying with a fracture.
How to Prepare When Flying with a Fracture
Follow these simple guidelines to help you prepare for your flight and get you ready for a smooth and trouble-free journey.
Inform your airline
It is highly advised that you inform your airline that you'll be travelling with a fractured bone in a cast. They would like to know when you fractured the limb to see if you can be permitted on the flight. You may require a wheelchair and this could be your chance to ask for “special assistance”. The airline will then be able to arrange this assistance. If you need wheelchair assistance, you can learn to do so here.
Inform your Doctor
It's important to inform your doctor that you'll be flying soon. They can let you know if you're fit to fly or not. You may need to have your cast replaced when you reach your destination and split again before you fly home. Also, if both your legs are in a cast, it is not likely that you will be able to fly. Contact us here for more information and questions may want to ask.
Check your insurance
It's recommended that you check your current level of medical insurance for your health. If you aren't fully covered, you should then think about upgrading to cover yourself in any event. If you require to travel unexpectedly, you'll be shocked to find how expensive flights can be. A thoughtful way to prevent this is to have comprehensive travel insurance, that'll pay for any flights until you return home.
Select your Seating
Some airlines may want you to purchase additional seats for your safety and comfort. Also, you won't be able to sit near one of the emergency exits where the seats have more legroom unless you can move easily in the case of an emergency. Airlines haven't stated anywhere that they will offer you an upgrade if you ask, however you could most likely receive one especially if you are in a wheelchair. Book your seat by following our guide on 'how to book seats'.
Ask for Assistance
If you have fractured your leg or foot and require a wheelchair in order to get around the airport and board the plane, you'll need to inform your airline as soon as possible. They will be able to offer you a wheelchair service for both ends of your journey and there usually is not an added charge for this service.
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FAQs
Is it safe to fly with a fracture?
This depends on when the fracture happens and when the cast was fitted. Examinations are undertaking when fitting casts to make sure that there aren't too constricting and won’t increase deep vein thrombosis. Most airlines won't permit passengers to fly within 24 - 48 hours of the cast being fitted in because of the high risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Tissue swelling can occur around the fracture and those that do get their cast split would need to keep the fracture away from harm whilst on the plane.
My injury happened ages ago, so will I be fine to fly?
In order to prevent stress or later problems when boarding with an un-split cast, it's important to remember to ask your doctor to give you a letter displaying the date of your injury and when the cast was fitted. This will show that you're fit to fly.