Do you have any serious medical conditions and are afraid to travel via air? And thinking about how to fly WestJet with medical conditions? If yes, then this blog is absolutely for you.
In this blog, you will get all the answers to your queries. Here, I will tell you about ways through which you can accomplish your travel journey. Apart from that, I will also guide you with some precautions that you must take before boarding your flight. So, without wasting any other second, let’s take a look at the article below:
How to Get Medical Clearance?
If you have any of the following diseases then you have to submit the medical information form to the airline authority and you must consult with your physician about whether you are eligible to fly or not. All these things you have to do before you board a WestJet Airlines flight.
- If you have active infections then you are required to submit the medical form.
- If you have any blood condition, where you experience blood clotting issues and require constant monitoring.
- If you have a broken bone or fracture or cast limb within 48 hours of flight departure.
- In case, if you have active cancer treatment.
- If you have any cognitive, behavioral, or psychological conditions.
- In case, you have any ear, throat, or nose disorders.
- If you have had any nasal surgery within 10 days of flight departure.
- If you had any jaw surgery that too within a week of departure.
- In case, you had an abdominal surgery within 14 days or had bleeding within 10 days of the scheduled departure time.
- If you are traveling with any infant who is a premature kid, or less than 7 days old.
- If you have any neurological conditions such as head trauma in less than 48 hours, seizures within a month, or stroke within 14 days of departure.
How to Fly WestJet with Medical Conditions?
WestJet Airlines is always committed to providing safety and a comfortable journey to all its passengers, including those with medical conditions. Here are some privileges given by WestJet.
- Fill out the WestJet Medical Information Form. This form can be found on the WestJet website. The form must be completed by a doctor and submitted to WestJet at least 14 days prior to travel.
- Bring your medications on board the plane. Medications must be in their original containers and labeled with your name.
- Check any equipment you need with WestJet at least 48 hours prior to travel. This includes wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, and CPAP machines.
- Request accommodations at least 48 hours prior to travel. WestJet can provide accommodations for passengers with medical conditions, such as an aisle seat or a seat with extra legroom.
Note: It is advisable to do a thorough body check-up before you proceed with WestJet Check-in Procedure.
When Do I Have to Submit the Medical Information Form?
If you have any medical condition or illness that may get worse during the flight journey, then you have to submit the medical information form. Some examples of diseases are heart, active infectious, neurological, or unstable psychiatric illnesses. Along with these, if you have any contagious infectious diseases like tuberculosis, chicken pox, or influenza.
Even if you don’t have these diseases but had any recent surgeries, then also you are required to fill out the medical form. Apart from that, if you have any other issues like recent epistaxis, severe respiratory disease, or recent pneumothorax then also you are obliged to submit the form.
Note: If you have some serious health issues, then you are not allowed to sit in the emergency exit row.
Medical Information Form: Required for US Travel?
In case, if you are flying to/from the United States, then the submission of the medical information form is optional. In exchange, you can get a medical certificate from your physician. However, the certification should be issued within 10 days of the scheduled flight departure time.
The medical certification should state that you are safe to fly on board and no extraordinary medical assistance is required. Apart from that, the certification should also state that you do not have any indication of a contagious disease that can risk the lives of other passengers and crew on the board.
Medical Equipment at Airports: Compliance and Screening Procedures
There are many portable electronic medical equipment that are required to be checked. The list includes;
- If you are carrying Automated external defibrillators (AED), Blood sugar monitors, Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), External or transcutaneous nerve stimulators (i.e. TENS machine), or Heart rate monitors then you have to submit these types of equipment for security checking before you take these on board.
- Security checking is also required for Nebulizers, Neurostimulators, or Portable oxygen concentrators (POC).
- If you are going to carry portable Suction devices and aspirators, Syringe/feeding pumps, or Ventilators on board then before that you have to complete the security procedure.
Note: Exceptions are there. If you have hearing aids, watches, or pacemakers, then you do not need any approval from the airline or airport authority.
Understanding Restrictions on Medical Devices During Travel
If you are traveling with any of the approved medical devices, then make sure it is in good condition and will not prompt any threat during the journey. Along with that, the devices should be small enough to fit under the front seat given to you or should be stowed in the overhead bin. Some electronic devices are only permitted to be used after the plane reaches 10,000 feet in the air. Generally, the flight reaches in about 10 minutes after the take-off.
However, some devices are restricted by WestJet Airlines. In the below-given table, you will get the items that are allowed and restricted as carry-on or checked items.
| Medical Items | Carry-on Baggage | Checked Baggage |
| Vaporizers | Allowed | Not-Allowed |
| Non-powered Wheelchairs | Allowed | Not-Allowed |
| Wheelchairs, powered by lithium batteries | Allowed | Not-Allowed |
| Compressed air/oxygen tanks for medical use | Not-Allowed | Not-Allowed |
Note: If the flight pilot asks for the device to turn off during the flight then you have to turn it off immediately.
Additional Tips to Travel Safe with Medical Conditions
Some additional tips for your convenience are given below;
- Let your airline know about your condition in advance. So that they can help you with the accommodations you need.
- Put a medical kit in your carry-on baggage. In the kit, you must pack all the medicines that you will need during the flight.
- Stay hydrated and eat regular meals to avoid any unforeseen health conditions.
- Get up and move around every few hours. To prevent blood clots.
- Before flying, make sure to consult with your doctor. If they sense anything serious then, they will provide you with the safety measures.
Final Thought
Always do a thorough body check-up, before boarding a flight. By doing so, you will be able to prevent any serious health issues that might occur during the flight journey. Apart from that, you must also check the restrictions on the medical devices to avoid any surprise at the airport.
If you know someone who has some medical conditions and is going to board a WestJet flight, then share this helpful article with them. Have a safe journey.
