Can I fly with a heart condition?
Written by Dr Ellen Welch
NHS GP and resident medical expert
Reviewed by Tracey Culwick
Travel Insurance Expert
Published
Updated
Short answer: most people with a heart condition can fly. UK guidance from the British Cardiovascular Society concludes that most people with a stable, well-controlled heart condition can travel safely by air. Some people need extra help, such as assistance at the airport or oxygen on board, and a smaller group with severe or unstable heart disease should wait until their condition has settled.
Whether you are fit to fly depends on your specific condition, how stable it is and whether you have had a recent heart attack, procedure or change in treatment. This guide sets out the current UK guidance for the most common heart conditions, what to do before you book, and how to get travel insurance that covers you.
Always speak to your GP, cardiologist or heart nurse before booking a flight. The timings in this article are general guidelines, not personal medical advice, and airlines can set their own rules.
Key takeaways
- Most people with a stable heart condition can fly without special arrangements.
- Atrial fibrillation (AF): you can usually fly if your heart rate and symptoms are well controlled. Continue taking prescribed medications, including anticoagulants of schedule.
- Heart failure: Most people with stable heart failure can fly. Those with significant breathlessness or more severe disease may need an assessment to establish whether in-flight oxygen or other support is required.
- After a heart attack: the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) suggest some carefully selected, low-risk patients may be able to fly after as little as three days. Others need to wait longer, depending on their recovery, heart function and risk of complications. Always follow your treating team's advice.
- When to delay flying: Unstable angina, uncontrolled arrhythmias and worsening heart failure are recognised conditions that may influence an individual's ability to undertake air travel
- Travel insurance: Always declare your heart condition and any other relevant medical conditions when arranging insurance. Failure to disclose required information could affect your cover or lead to a claim being declined.
Can you fly with heart problems?
- Having a heart problem does not automatically stop you from flying. The key question is whether your condition is stable. In practice, that usually means:
- you haven't had a recent change in symptoms (such as new chest pain or worsening breathlessness)
- your medication hasn't recently been changed
- you aren't waiting for urgent tests or treatment
- you can walk a short distance, such as from check-in to the gate, without significant breathlessness or chest pain
If you can tick all of these, flying is very likely to be fine. If not, talk to your doctor before you book.
How does flying affect the heart?
Aircraft cabins are pressurised, but not to sea level. They are typically kept at the equivalent of around 6,000–8,000 feet, so your blood has slightly less oxygen during a flight. A healthy heart copes easily, but if your heart is already working hard, this small drop in oxygen can bring on breathlessness or chest pain.
Other things that can put extra strain on the heart when travelling include:
- carrying heavy bags and long walks through airports
- stress and anxiety, which can raise heart rate and blood pressure
- dehydration from dry cabin air
- sitting still for long periods, which raises the risk of blood clots (DVT)
- disrupted medication routines when crossing time zones
Can you fly with atrial fibrillation?
Most people with atrial fibrillation (AF) can fly safely, as long as their AF is well controlled. That means your heart rate is controlled, you don't have significant symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or severe breathlessness, and you're settled on your medication.
You should speak to your doctor before flying if:
- you've been newly diagnosed, and treatment hasn't been settled yet
- your symptoms have recently got worse
- you've just had a cardioversion or an ablation
- you've recently started or changed a blood thinner
Can I fly with heart failure?
Most people with heart failure can fly, provided their condition is stable and well controlled on treatment. NICE guidance says most people with heart failure can travel by plane, although swollen legs and ankles and breathing difficulties are more common during flights for people with severe heart failure.
Doctors use the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification to describe how much heart failure affects everyday activities. This can help guide decisions about fitness to fly, although individual assessment is important.
| Your heart failure | What it feels like | Flying guidance |
| Recent acute heart failure | A recent episode of worsening heart failure, sometimes requiring hospital treatment | Delay flying until your condition has stabilised. Your treating team can advise when it is safe to travel. |
| NYHA class I–II | No symptoms during ordinary activities, or mild breathlessness with normal physical activity | Flying is generally safe if your condition is stable and well controlled. |
| NYHA class III | Significant breathlessness or fatigue with less than ordinary physical activity, but comfortable at rest | Seek medical advice before flying. You may need an assessment to determine whether in-flight oxygen is required. |
| NYHA class IV | Breathlessness or other symptoms even at rest | Flying is generally not recommended unless your condition has been assessed and appropriate medical support arranged. |
Can I fly after a heart attack?
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) provides guidance on when people may be able to fly after a heart attack, depending on their recovery, heart function and risk of complications.
| Risk level | Typical profile | When you may fly |
| Low risk | First heart attack, successfully treated, good heart function and no complications or further treatment planned. | 7–10 days after an uncomplicated heart attack |
| Medium risk | Heart function reasonably well preserved, no ongoing chest pain or breathlessness, and no further investigations or treatment planned | Usually after 10 days, provided recovery is uncomplicated |
| High risk | Significantly reduced heart function, symptoms of heart failure, ongoing complications or further treatment required | Significantly reduced heart function, symptoms of heart failure, ongoing complications or further treatment required |
These are general guidelines rather than fixed rules. Your cardiologist or treating team can advise when it is safe for you to fly, taking into account your recovery, any complications and the length of your journey.
Can I fly after a stent or heart surgery?
- Angioplasty and stent (planned, uncomplicated) After a planned, uncomplicated procedure, you may be able to fly after around three days. If the procedure was performed following a heart attack, or there were complications, you may need to wait longer. Follow your cardiologist's advice.
- Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and other open-heart surgery. You will usually need to wait at least 10 days after uncomplicated chest surgery before flying, and often longer depending on your recovery. Air trapped in the chest following surgery needs time to resolve, as it can expand at altitude.
- Pacemaker or ICD fitted: Flying may be possible within a few days of implantation if your condition is stable and there have been no complications. However, you should check with your treating team before travelling, particularly if there is any concern about a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) or other complications.
Can I fly with angina?
Most people with stable, well-controlled angina can fly safely, provided their symptoms are predictable and haven't recently worsened. Keep your GTN spray or tablets in your hand luggage so they're easily accessible during the flight.
You should not fly if you have unstable angina, including new or worsening chest pain or pain occurring at rest. If you experience angina with very little exertion, seek medical advice before travelling to check whether you're fit to fly.
Can I fly with a pacemaker or ICD?
At airport security:
• Carry your device ID card and show it to security staff.
• Walk-through scanners are generally safe – walk through at a normal pace without lingering.
• Take care with handheld metal detectors. Ask security staff not to hold them directly over your device for prolonged periods. You can request an alternative security check if preferred.
Mobile phones and in-flight Wi-Fi are generally safe to use, although you should follow your device manufacturer's advice and avoid holding electronic devices directly over your implant.
Can I fly with high blood pressure?
Most people with high blood pressure (hypertension) can fly safely, provided their blood pressure is reasonably well controlled. Continue taking your prescribed medication as usual, including when travelling across time zones.
If your blood pressure is very high or poorly controlled, speak to your doctor before flying. Severely elevated blood pressure, particularly when accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness or a severe headache, requires urgent medical assessment.
When should you not fly with a heart condition?
You may need to postpone flying if you have:
- unstable angina or chest pain at rest
- Uncontrolled arrhythmias, particularly if they cause dizziness, fainting, chest pain or significant breathlessness.
- poorly controlled or worsening heart failure Poorly controlled or worsening heart failure, especially if you are breathless at rest
- a recent heart attack or surgery and haven't yet passed the recommended waiting period
- planned tests, procedures or device fitting that haven't happened yet
Do I need to tell the airline about my heart condition?
You don't need to tell the airline about a stable heart condition that requires no special arrangements. You do need to contact them in advance if you:
- need in-flight oxygen
- need assistance at the airport or boarding
- have had a recent heart attack, surgery or procedure
- need to carry medical equipment
The airline may ask you or your doctor to complete a medical clearance form. Each airline has its own rules, so check before you book.
Checklist: flying with a heart condition
Before you book
- If your heart condition is unstable, your symptoms have recently changed or you've had a recent cardiac procedure, ask your treating team whether you're fit to fly.
- Check your airline's medical policy, particularly if you need oxygen or other assistance.
- Buy travel insurance that covers your heart condition, making sure you declare all relevant medical conditions.
Before you travel
- Order enough medication for your trip plus a few extra days
- Carry a copy of your prescription or an up-to-date medication list. A medical letter may be useful if you have complex medical needs or require specialist equipment.
- Arrange airport assistance and in-flight oxygen in advance if needed
- Apply for or renew your GHIC if travelling to a country where it is accepted
On the day and during the flight
- Keep essential medication, including GTN spray, in your hand luggage.
- Arrive early and avoid carrying heavy bags
- Stay hydrated and limit alcohol, but follow any fluid restrictions recommended by your healthcare team.
- Walk around when possible and do seated leg exercises regularly on longer flights.
- Take your medication as prescribed, planning ahead for time zone changes where necessary.
Can I get travel insurance with a heart condition?
Take your medication as prescribed, planning ahead for time zone changes where necessary.
Specialist insurers like goodtogo cover a wide range of heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation, heart failure, angina and people who have had a heart attack, stent or bypass surgery.
The most important thing is to declare all of your medical conditions when you get a quote, including your heart condition and any medication you take. If you don't, and you need to claim, your insurer may refuse to pay – and medical treatment or an air ambulance home can cost tens of thousands of pounds.
A GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) gives you access to state healthcare in many participating countries, but it doesn't replace travel insurance. It won't cover private treatment, repatriation to the UK or cancelling your trip if your heart condition flares up before you go.
Get a quote for travel insurance with a heart condition
This article is for general information only and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor.