Carrying medical supplies and medication on flights is a necessity for many passengers with chronic illnesses or health restrictions – but it also involves numerous uncertainties.
Between security checks, restrictive baggage regulations, and inconsistent airline regulations, misunderstandings often arise, placing a strain on those affected. This is especially true for conditions such as diabetes, incontinence, or mental health issues, which are sometimes invisible but involve significant organizational effort.
Just in time for the surge in Easter travel, the low-cost airline Wizz Air is setting an example for greater health awareness in civil aviation with its "Fit to Fly – Medically Well Prepared" initiative. With approximately 4.000 flights planned over the extended Easter weekend alone, the airline sees a special responsibility to its passengers – especially those with health restrictions. The new campaign aims to raise awareness of preventative health measures before air travel and reduce the number of medical incidents on board.
Increasing health risks in air transport
In recent years, the number of medical incidents during air travel has increased worldwide. According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, a serious medical incident occurs on approximately one in 600 flights. The causes are as diverse as the passengers themselves: from circulatory problems and allergic reactions to acute illnesses such as thrombosis or even heart attacks. The limited availability of medical care in the aircraft cabin makes prevention all the more important.
Vivien Peto, Wizz Air spokesperson and ambassador, explains: "As previously announced through our Customer First Compass program, our goal is to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for all passengers. Through early awareness—especially before the Easter travel surge—we can help prevent avoidable incidents on board and ensure everyone arrives safely and on time to their loved ones."
Principle: Medically necessary items may be taken with you – but only with proof
Carrying medical devices, aids, and medications on board is generally permitted. However, many airlines and airport security authorities require proof of medical necessity. This can be provided in the form of a medical certificate or a so-called "fit-to-fly" certificate. This document should be as current as possible and be in English or the local language of the departure or destination airport.
The certificate can be requested at check-in, at security checks, during boarding, or on board. Those carrying large quantities of medical aids such as catheters, urine bags, diapers, or medications should keep them separate and within easy reach in their hand luggage – ideally along with a packing list and medical certificate.
Medical suitability – often underestimated
A central component of the "Fit to Fly" initiative is providing information about medical fitness to fly. Travelers with pre-existing medical conditions, pregnant passengers from the 28th week of pregnancy, and those who have recently undergone surgery should, in particular, seek a medical assessment before traveling. In certain cases, a "Fit to Fly" certificate is mandatory. This requirement applies to nearly all airlines in Europe and is supported by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as part of its general safety requirements.
Cabin crew have a duty – but only limited ability to act
Although Wizz Air's cabin crew is prepared for emergencies and regularly undergoes training to raise awareness of medical incidents, the ability to provide first aid in the cabin quickly reaches its limits. Modern commercial aircraft are equipped with defibrillators and standardized emergency kits, but invasive procedures or medical treatment are not possible during the flight.
An unscheduled landing due to a medical emergency is associated with high costs and significant organizational complications. In such cases, the affected passenger bears the responsibility for both further medical treatment and the organization of the return journey – which is why the airline expressly recommends taking out travel insurance.
Practical advice for healthy travel
In addition to the formal aspects, the campaign also provides concrete recommendations for passengers. These include:
- Medicines in hand luggage: Necessary medicines and medical documents should always be carried in your hand luggage and ready to hand.
- Comfortable clothing: Breathable, loose clothing helps to minimize the risk of circulatory problems.
- compression stockings: Their use is recommended, especially on longer flights, to prevent thrombosis.
- fluid intake: Drinking water regularly is crucial as the humidity in the cabin is very low.
- Movement in the cabin: Short walks or simple stretching exercises promote blood circulation.
- Planning medication intake: In case of time differences, medication intake should be adjusted accordingly and coordinated with reminder functions.
- Mouth and nose protection for colds: Even without a legal obligation, consideration is expected – anyone traveling with a cold should wear a mask.
- Aids for rest periodsNeck pillows, sleep masks and noise-reducing headphones help against aircraft noise and lack of sleep.
Target group in focus: Older travelers and families
Older people, pregnant women, and families with small children are particularly exposed to greater stress while traveling. Easter travel is considered particularly stressful, as many passengers have limited flight experience or are making unplanned, short-notice trips. Travelers recovering from medical procedures are also more likely to experience complications.
By specifically targeting these groups and providing informational materials, Wizz Air aims to have a preventative effect. The campaign is being implemented both online via the company website and directly through communication with passengers at check-in and during boarding.
Industry-wide significance of the initiative
Wizz Air is not alone in taking this measure. Other European airlines such as Ryanair, Lufthansa, and easyJet are also paying increasing attention to the increase in medical incidents on board. According to the German Aviation Association (BDL), the trend has intensified since 2019. Demographic change, the increase in individual travel among older people, and longer flight distances are contributing to the increased health burden.
The "Fit to Fly" initiative is therefore seen as a model for similar measures in aviation. Whether this will lead to industry-wide standardization remains to be seen—but the reactions from the industry have been overwhelmingly positive.
Incontinence on flights: An invisible but real problem
Incontinence affects millions of people in Europe, yet is largely socially taboo. Those affected, who rely on pads, catheters, a change of clothes, or absorbent aids, require additional equipment when traveling—especially on long-haul flights.
Limiting baggage allowance often presents a practical problem. Diapers, pads, and protective pads take up a lot of space, and on trips lasting several days or weeks, the need for them increases significantly. Many airlines are understanding in this regard and, upon presentation of a medical certificate, grant an additional baggage allowance for medical aids.
No additional baggage allowance with Wizz Air and Austrian Airlines
Unlike several other European airlines, Wizz Air categorically refuses to grant additional baggage allowance for incontinence. Passengers must place all medically necessary aids in their regular carry-on or checked baggage. A medical certificate does not change this policy.
Austrian Airlines, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, is also less than accommodating in this regard. While Lufthansa, Swiss, Eurowings, and Discover Airlines grant additional baggage allowances for medical supplies upon request and with proof, Austrian Airlines generally refuses.
This regulation particularly affects older people and those with chronic or temporary incontinence, for example, after surgery, childbirth, or neurological disorders. While the medical requirement is generally recognized, it remains logistically unconsidered—with noticeable disadvantages for those affected.
"Wizz Air is committed to providing a comfortable and safe travel experience for all passengers, including those with special medical needs. We recognize that some travelers have special conditions, such as incontinence, and we strive to make their flight as smooth and comfortable as possible. While such passengers do not need to make any special arrangements before travel, for safety reasons, they must be able to manage their medical condition independently, for example, by wearing adult diapers so they can remain seated while the seatbelt sign is activated. Our standard baggage regulations remain in effect: passengers without Wizz Priority are allowed one piece of hand baggage measuring 20×30×40 cm, and passengers with Wizz Priority are allowed an additional piece of trolley baggage measuring 23×40×55 cm. The carriage of dangerous goods on board is prohibited according to the Dangerous Goods Directive," a Wizz Air spokesperson said on this matter.
"Unfortunately, we currently do not offer any special, free additional baggage allowances for incontinent passengers. However, our guests can bring one free piece of hand luggage (max. 8 kg and max. 55 x 40 x 23 cm) and one personal item (40 x 30 x 10 cm) on board each flight. Additional baggage can be booked for an additional fee if required. We always strive to ensure that all our guests feel comfortable on board and are happy to assist wherever possible," explains an Austrian Airlines spokesperson.
"Condor offers guests the option of taking medical aids as free excess baggage in their hand or checked baggage. Guests are asked to contact Condor as early as possible, but no later than 48 hours before departure, to register their need. All information on excess medical baggage can also be found on our website under Accessible Travel | All Information | Condor. There, guests will also find the official registration form (Registration Form for Assistance - Condor) for booking free assistance or taking excess medical baggage for the duration of their planned trip. Once all information, including a medical certificate, has been submitted via the registration form or to Condor Customer Service, the guest will receive written confirmation. This confirmation should be carried with them throughout the entire flight," said a Condor spokesperson.
Further challenges: discretion, disposal and access to sanitary facilities
Discretion is especially important for those affected by air travel. Insoles and aids should therefore be well organized and carried as discreetly as possible. Many aircraft have limited space in the onboard restrooms, making changing difficult.
Disposing of medical aids is also problematic: There are no dedicated disposal facilities on board for diapers or catheter bags. Discreet handling of this matter by cabin crew is desirable, but not guaranteed. It is recommended to carry disposable bags that are odorless and hygienically sealable. A spare set of clothes and disinfectant wipes should also be in your hand luggage.
Obligation to transport persons with reduced mobility
Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2006 regulates the rights of disabled people and persons with reduced mobility in air transport within the EU. It requires airlines to transport these people at no additional cost, unless there are compelling safety reasons to the contrary.
Airports and airlines are required to offer assistance upon prior notification, such as providing a wheelchair, assistance with boarding and disembarking, or assistance with using restroom facilities. Notification must be made at least 48 hours before departure.
Mobility aids such as rollators, walking frames, or oxygen devices may also be transported free of charge – provided they are registered and comply with safety regulations. The transport of accompanying persons or medically necessary assistants is also possible free of charge under certain conditions.
Inform airlines in advance and report your needs if necessary
Carrying medical aids and medications on flights requires careful preparation from those affected – especially in the case of invisible conditions such as incontinence or mental health issues. Airlines' regulations vary in their strictness. While some airlines allow generous exemptions upon request, others – such as Wizz Air and Austrian Airlines – are inflexible.
People with special needs should familiarize themselves with their airline's baggage policies early on, prepare the necessary medical certificates, and label all medical supplies accordingly. This is the only way to largely avoid inconveniences while traveling.
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