Although many people have decided against travelling abroad, many reading this may still want to fly. Before you start booking flights, it is important that you have the necessary documentation, and while the Covid-19 pandemic is still causing problems throughout the world that includes Fit-to-Fly Certificates. However, you may be aware that many airlines required Fit-to-Fly Certificates from their passengers, even before Covid-19 first became a problem. You may be a little confused or just curious about the difference between standard and Covid-19 Fit-to-Fly Certificates. That is what we are going to discuss in the following post.
What Are Standard Fit-to-Fly Certificates?
First things first, standard Fit-to-Fly certificates are documents that provide proof that your GP has given you the okay for airline travel. This means that they have assessed any pre-existing medical condition you have, and they believe it will not be negatively affected by you travelling by plane.
Airlines normally require standard Fit-to-Fly Certificates in the following situations:
- You have recently been discharged from hospital
- You are currently recovering from a surgical procedure or operation
- You are over 28 weeks pregnant
- You are travelling for medical reasons
These certificates may be required if you are travelling and suffer from a variety of conditions, from infectious diseases to broken bones. Therefore, you should consult with airlines as much in advance as you possibly can. Women who are pregnant need a special certificate for travelling with many airlines after they have passed their 28 th week. In that situation, you would need a midwife or GP to confirm:
- You are in good health
- You are experiencing a normal pregnancy
- The expected delivery date
There are some airlines that require you or/and your GP to complete a more comprehensive form
regarding your condition. For instance, British Airways is one such airline and will often request clarification on if you need special medical devices or additional oxygen to travel. So it is important to make sure to begin this process as far in advance before your departure as possible.
What Are Covid-19 Fit-to-Fly Certificates?
There are several airlines that now request that passengers provide a certification that they have had a recent negative Covid-19 test before they are allowed to fly. These certificates provide evidence that you have tested negative for Covid-19 and do not clear you as a risk of flying because of other pre-existing medical conditions.
Although you will be able to get a Covid-19 test for free through the NHS in a location near you, if you are suffering from any of the symptoms of the virus, Covid-19 tests from the NHS will not clear you for international airline travel. That is when you would need to arrange for a private test through an organisation like Pure Testing.
How Long Are Fit-to-Fly Certificates Valid?
The Fit-to-Fly Certificate, like those available from Pure Testing are only valid for a relatively short length of time, and it is important to check out the guidelines related to your travel destination and airline, before you book your test.
