The UK Civil Aviation Authority guidelines on fitness to fly state patients may fly:
- 24 hours after colonoscopy/laparoscopy
- 24 hours after application of plaster cast if flight <2 hours; 48 hours after if flight >2 hours
- 3 days after CVA (but should ideally wait 10 days)
- 5 days after angioplasty
- 7 days after neurosurgery
- 7 days after uncomplicated MI
- 10 days after CABG 10 days after abdominal surgery
- 14 days after resolution of pneumothorax
Pregnant women may fly:
- Up to 36 weeks in singleton pregnancy
- Up to 32 weeks in multiple pregnancy
Medical certificate often required by individual airline after 28 weeks.
Small print gem: intestinal gas expands by 30% at 8000 feet
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