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Patient journey

Glossary term

Fit-to-Fly Certificate

Reference only — not medical advice. See disclaimer.

A signed declaration from the treating clinician confirming that a patient is medically stable to undertake commercial air travel after surgery or significant treatment. Airlines may request such certification within set windows after major surgery (commonly 4-10 days for thoracic and abdominal procedures, longer for some cardiac and neurological events) per IATA medical guidelines. The certificate should specify the procedure, recovery progress, and any in-flight precautions such as oxygen or DVT prophylaxis.

Related procedures

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