Fit to Fly Letters
We know that getting away on holiday is important, and we want to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable trip. This page explains our policy on ‘fit to fly’ letters and why, as your GP practice, we are unable to provide them.
Why We Don’t Provide ‘Fit to Fly’ Letters
While we’d love to help with all your travel preparations, providing a letter that certifies you as ‘fit to fly’ falls outside the scope of NHS General Practice. Here’s why:
The Final Decision is the Airline’s: The decision on whether you are fit to fly rests solely with the airline. They have their own medical advisors and specific criteria. A letter from your GP may not be accepted by the airline as proof of fitness.
Specialist Knowledge: Assessing a person’s fitness to fly, especially with a pre-existing medical condition, requires specialist training in aviation medicine. Your GP is a general medical expert, not an aviation medical specialist.
Medical Indemnity: Our medical indemnity does not cover us to provide this specialist travel advice.
What We Can Provide Instead
While we cannot provide a ‘fit to fly’ letter, we can, at your request, provide you with a brief statement of fact.
This is a letter that will simply state:
- Your diagnosed medical conditions.
- The medication you are currently prescribed.
This letter will not offer an opinion on your fitness to travel. It is your responsibility to check with your airline if this type of factual letter will be acceptable to them.
Please note: Providing this letter is considered non-NHS work, and a fee will be charged for this service. Please ask our reception team for information on the current fee and how long it will take to prepare the letter.
What You Should Do If You Need a ‘Fit to Fly’ Letter
If your airline has specifically requested a ‘fit to fly’ certificate, here’s what you should do:
For Patients Under Hospital Care: If you are currently under the care of a hospital specialist for your condition, they are the most appropriate person to provide information about your fitness to fly. Please contact their secretary to request this.
Contact Your Airline First: Check with your airline to see if they have their own specific form or require a letter from a private travel clinic.
Private Travel Clinics: You will need to contact a private healthcare provider that specialises in travel medicine. These clinics can perform the necessary assessments and provide you with the correct documentation. You can find these services by searching online for “private fit to fly letters” or “aviation medicine specialists”.
For Pregnant Patients: If you are pregnant, your midwife or obstetrician may be able to provide the necessary information. Please contact them directly.
We understand that this may be an inconvenience, but our priority is to provide safe and appropriate medical care to our patients. By following this guidance, you can ensure you get the correct and necessary documentation for your travels.
We wish you a safe and healthy journey!