Flying after surgery

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There is the general idea that a successful surgery means that you are out of danger. You think that surgery will completely cure you and you can carry on with your life right afterward. This might be true to a certain extent, on the condition that the golden window of recovery is not neglected. After surgery, a patient is still at risk and needs to take certain precautions to ensure that they have completely healed. There are certain precautions that you must take just after the surgery

patient undergoing surgery

Can you fly after surgery? 

Flying after surgery comes with risks and it is not recommended to fly immediately after an operation. The recommended waiting times must be adhered to before boarding a commercial plane.

The recovery after surgery may take a long time, depending on the type of surgery and other factors such as your general health, your support system, your level of activity or other lifestyle habits after the operation and your dedication to the recovery process. To prevent any complications after surgery, it is essential that you do not skip your follow-up appointments and take the necessary precautions to prevent an infection. 

Make sure that you inspect your incision and look out for signs of infection at the wound site (bleeding, pain, swelling, ruptured stitches, increased redness, dark wounds or anything unusual). Do not miss a follow-up appointment, care for your incision, listen to the recommendations of your doctor, maintain a healthy diet, take your medications and try to do some mild exercises - as approved by your doctor. 

However, it is essential that you do not exert yourself too much since overdoing it can cause complications and make your recovery longer and harder. Some common recommendations are to avoid certain exercises or activities, not to lift items that are heavier than 10 pounds or to avoid physical strains or multiple trips up and down the stairs. Be mindful of pain and fatigue signals: these are signs that your body is telling you to slow down. You need to rest to allow your body to heal properly. 

patient after surgeryConsidering the precautions that you have to take following surgery, can you fly after an operation? What about the level of exertion involved? Can flying cause complications? What are the dos and don’ts of flying after surgery? 

This guide by Medical Air Service will answer your most pressing questions for patients and relatives of patients who have undergone various surgical procedures, will look at key risks of flying after surgery and will discuss medical transportation options for those who may require transport.

Important things that you should know when flying after surgery

  • Depending on the surgery that you have had and how much time has passed since the surgery, flying can entail several complications
  • Due to the cabin pressure and other factors, the probability of blood clots forming after surgery is greater
  • Blood clots are dangerous since they can travel to your lungs and block your arteries
  • Always take your doctor’s recommendation in consideration when flying after surgery and wait for the necessary amount of time to pass before boarding a plane
  • Fly with a medical escort or on an air ambulance for safe patient transportation. 

What are some of the most common types of surgery? 

Some of the most common types of surgery, both minor and major, are: 

  • C-section: surgical delivery of a baby through an incision
  • Appendectomy: surgery to remove the appendix 
  • Joint replacement surgery: procedure to remove a damaged joint and replace it with an artificial one
  • Broken bone repair surgery: fixing a broken bone using metal screws, pins, rods or plates 
  • Heart surgery: can be in the form of different types of procedure performed on the heart
  • Cancer surgery: done to remove a tumor from the body. 
  • Eye surgery: done for conditions such as cataract, glaucoma, retinal tears and others 
  • Chest surgery: Thoracic surgery including a lung, heart or esophagus operation

patient after surgery

Why might flying after surgery cause complications?

Surgical procedures have become normal due to medical advancements and patients around the world are taking to it. Most of the patients prefer that their surgeries are performed by specialized veteran surgeons even if they have to travel abroad for it. Other patients happen to need surgery while abroad on holiday or on a business trip. Post-surgery traveling becomes very crucial since patients are very sensitive after a surgical operation

Whether it is safe to fly or not greatly depends upon the type of procedure that is performed. Flying after small/minor surgeries is rarely dangerous and poses little risk of post-surgical complications. But shortly after major surgery traveling by air can be really detrimental to a person’s health. In many cases, this can lead to infection, deep vein thrombosis or blood clots.

Flying in a commercial airliner after surgery can be especially dangerous. The cabin pressure is different from the air pressure on the ground, which can lead to a variety of problems. In case of complications, you cannot receive proper medical supervision while on the plane. The lack of medical facilities on a commercial flight and the lack of a medical professional with you at such a crucial time can lead to adverse health outcomes. It is always recommended that you consult a doctor before using air travel after surgery.

flying after surgeryFurthermore, the airline conducting the flight may not allow you to enter the plane if they think that you aren't well enough. You need to contact the airline beforehand so that they can assess your medical condition and decide if you are fit to fly.

With over ten years of experience, at Medical Air Service, we have conducted flights for hundreds of patients after surgery; procedures mentioned above and more. The following sections will look at the possibility of flying after specific procedures, safety tips and tricks and our safe traveling options. 

Flying after C-section

It is generally recommended to avoid strenuous activities such as flying commercially for 3 to 6 weeks following a C-section, a complicated pregnancy or high-risk pregnancy. This recommendation is to avoid complications such as excessive vaginal bleeding. 

The strain and stress linked to flying after a C-section and the environment in a plane cabin can be harmful to both mothers and newborns. Some risks are blood clot formation, barotraumas or hemorrhage. Moreover, the risk of contracting an infectious disease is higher among babies and newborns

patient after C-sectionIn case of complications or if you need to fly immediately after a C-section, an air ambulance is the safest traveling option. Ideal for mothers after a cesarean surgery, our air ambulances can also be transformed into neonatal intensive care units for the safe transportation of newborns. 

Flying after an appendectomy 

This surgery is done to remove the inflamed appendicitis. Usually, patients whose conditions are stable and have an elective appendectomy can travel. However, in cases of acute appendicitis, presenting symptoms such as intense abdominal pain, fever or a rigid abdomen, flying should be avoided

If you need to fly after an appendectomy, you should be aware of the following risks: wound complications, pain, impaired healing, increased risk of infection or blood clot formation and you should wait for at least 7 to 10 days before boarding a plane. 

Flying after Joint Replacement surgery

The risks of flying after joint replacement surgery are blood clots, infections, damage to the nerves surrounding the replaced joint or dislocation. It is recommended to wait three to six weeks or until the use of a mobility device is not necessary before flying. When making travel plans after joint replacement surgery, make sure to obtain your doctor’s approval. 

Depending on your condition and your recovery progress following the joint replacement surgery, you can fly with a medical escort or an air ambulance to ensure your safety. A medical escort will provide you with assistance on commercial flights, whereas a private medical jet will provide you with ICU care if needed. 

bone fracture

Flying after broken bone repair surgery

Broken bone repair surgery is needed in cases of broken bones (fractures). Based on the type of bone fracture repair surgery that you have had, you might have to wait for 2 days to 3 months before being able to fly. For instance, while you can fly 2 days after keyhole surgery if there are no complications, a total hip replacement surgery requires a waiting period of 3 months. 

When flying after broken bone repair surgery, patients should be aware of the increased risks of DVT, pulmonary embolism, wound infection and compartment syndrome. As such, when flying, a commercial medical escort or an air ambulance,  patients can travel safely, under medical supervision. 

Flying after heart surgery 

There are several types of cardiovascular surgery treating varying conditions related to the heart or to the blood vessels that are linked to it. While heart surgery is essential and life-saving and can range from being minimally invasive to a major open-heart procedure, it is risky with complications such as bleeding, pneumonia, arrhythmias, damage to organs and more if the necessary precautions are not taken. 

Always take the recommendation of your cardiologist before flying after heart surgery. Even if you are considered fit to fly, be mindful of the impact that severe stress and fatigue can have on your health, especially after a procedure. Flying with a medical escort for heart patients gives you the added peace of mind and benefit of having a medical professional assisting you, supervising your condition, remaining on the lookout for symptoms of emergencies, caring for you and providing you with emergency treatment if needed. On the other hand, an air ambulance protects you from the low oxygen levels, changes of air pressure, risks of complications and the general stress of boarding a commercial flight. 

heart disease

Flying after chest surgery

Thoracic surgery, more commonly called chest surgery, involves organs in the chest such as the heart, lungs, esophagus, trachea and thymus. Common types of chest surgery are coronary artery bypass grafting and cancer. A minimally invasive surgery involves a recovery time of 3-4 days whereas a major surgery requires up to a month of recovery time. 

Flying should be avoided for 10 to 13 days after chest surgery to avoid complications such as pneumonia, pneumothorax or a collapsed lung, especially for long-haul flights. If you need to fly immediately after chest surgery, an air ambulance, with ICU medical equipment and a professional medical team is the safest and most ideal option or you can opt for a medical escort when boarding a commercial flight. 

Flying after breast cancer surgery

The early stages of breast cancer do not prohibit flying commercially. However, if you have had breast cancer surgery, you should wait for a minimum of 6 weeks after the operation to board a plane. 

When making travel plans, take the necessary precautions to avoid an infection or potential complications during the flight.  Opt for a medical escort or an air ambulance, equipped as an ICU and with a medical team onboard to ensure your safety when flying after breast cancer surgery, whether for a short or long-distance trip. 

breast cancer

Flying after abdominal surgery

Various types of abdominal surgical procedures are performed to treat infections, tumors or bowel diseases related to different abdominal organs such as the stomach, small intestines, spleen, appendix or colon. 

According to the FAA, you should wait for 4 to 5 days to fly after a simple abdominal surgery and at least 10 days after complex procedures. Some of the risks of flying after abdominal surgery are bleeding, infections around the surgical wound, perforation, hemorrhage or even circulatory shock. 

Medical flights are ideal for flying after abdominal surgery since at Medical Air Service, we plan your flight to provide you with optimal treatment and care and to avoid any potential complications mid-air, whether you opt for our air ambulances or our commercial medical escort. 

Flying after eye surgery 

Simple eye surgeries, such as cataract or glaucoma surgery, allow you to fly within 24 hours, whereas complex ones such as retina surgery require a wait time of 7 days. Some of the medical complications related to flying after eye surgery are eye dryness, increased risk of infection, eye barotrauma and potentially loss of vision. 

eye surgeryBesides, medical complications, navigating airports and boarding a commercial flight can be complicated if you experience difficulties with your eyesight. This is where our medical escorts come in, ensuring a seamless and comfortable flight. In case of complications, opt for an air ambulance for complete safety. 

Flying after lung cancer surgery

Lung cancer is a major surgery that generally requires weeks of recovery time. When it comes to lung procedures, waiting for the appropriate amount of time before flying is crucial because of the risk of respiratory distress, hypoxia, hypoxemia, barotrauma and other critical complications.  

The added benefit of our medical flights for patients after lung cancer surgery is our ability to pressurize the plane cabin so that it can mimic the temperature at sea level. This is essential for patients who cannot withstand changes in oxygen levels. Flying after lung cancer surgery is also possible commercially thanks to our commercial medical escorts who while caring for you can also provide you with supplemental oxygen. 

Flying after orthopedic surgery

Orthopedic surgery, or ‘Orthopedics’, refers to the treatment of injuries and diseases related to your body’s musculoskeletal system such as disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. 

Common types of orthopedic surgeries include joint replacement, spine surgery, hip and knee surgery and more. Flying is generally possible after 7-10 days following orthopedic surgery but the risks of DVT, infection and more complications are still possible. Medical flights, including commercial medical escorts and air ambulances, are the recommended travel options for patients to fly safely. 

patient after orthopedic surgery

Flying after laparoscopic surgery 

Laparoscopic surgery, also known as keyhole surgery, allows surgeons to access and examine the inside of the abdomen and pelvis. A laparoscopy helps diagnose medical conditions linked to the digestive, female reproductive and urinary systems. 

Flying after laparoscopic surgery carries the risks of pneumothorax, hypercapnia, hypothermia or respiratory failure. Because of this, when flying after laparoscopic surgery, it is essential to opt for an air ambulance or a medical escort. 

Flying after bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery, also called weight loss surgery, is a sort of modification to the digestive system which changes the way the body absorbs and processes food. Some common procedures are gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding. 

The waiting period to fly after bariatric surgery is 10 to 14 days, which allows your body to recover. Medical escorts provide patients added peace of mind and the reassurance that they will be taken care of during the flight whereas our air ambulance jets provide those who need the extra care, privacy, flexibility and an ICU environment to travel in. 

Flying after a Tracheotomy

During a tracheotomy, an incision is made on the interior aspect of your neck, to your windpipe, to create an opening allowing for a breathing tube to be inserted. This will either help transport oxygen to your lungs or to remove fluid built up in the throat. 

Adults should avoid flying for at least 6 weeks after a tracheotomy and the wait time is at least 9 months for children. The main danger for patients flying after a tracheotomy is the change in air pressure on commercial flights, which can also be fatal, which is why in a lot of cases medical flights, especially sea-level flights, are required. sea level pressure

Flying with a plaster cast after surgery 

In a lot of cases, after a fracture or following orthopedic surgery, a plaster cast is needed to protect and support the damaged bones and joints. Plaster casts are basically immobilzation devices used to hold the bone in place until it heals. 

Airlines have varying regulations about flying with a plaster cast and you should always check with your airline to see if there are any restrictions or documentation needed before the flight. Typically, if the plaster has been fitted less than 48 hours before the flight, it must be split along its entire length to avoid swelling or other complications. 

arm in a plastercastConsidering that a plaster cast can be pretty restrictive and necessitates care, a medical escort is helpful, providing assistance and care to ensure that patients can travel safely. Besides providing medical treatment, care and medication, our medical escorts will also provide assistance and wheelchair service

Patients needing intensive care, such as those with multiple fractures, polytraumas or critical injuries need ambulance jets. Flying on an air ambulance also means you do not have to wait for flight availability or in check-in lines at the airport. With our bed-to-bed service, you are transported directly to the aircraft. Our medical team transfers you directly from the stretcher in the ground ambulance to the medical jet. 

Key risks of flying after surgery: blood clots and DVT

After surgery, patients are at an increased risk of blood clots, which is further exacerbated by the act of flying on a commercial flight. According to the HSS Education Institute, there is a general risk of blood clots occurring for up to four to six weeks after surgery.

Why is there a greater possibility of blood clots occurring when flying after surgery?

When flying, the lower cabin pressure and the dryness of the recirculated air causes the blood to become thicker and more prone to clotting. This, combined with the fact that the passenger is seated for a prolonged period of time, is immobile and does not have a lot of room to stretch his legs, increases the chances of blood clots and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

blood clot

Dangers of blood clots when flying after surgery

The mild consequences of a blood clot after surgery are leg pain and swelling. However, it can quickly turn into a more serious medical emergency. For example, if left untreated, the blood clot can cause chronic swelling and potentially ulceration.

Pulmonary embolism when flying after surgery

Another serious consequence of DVT when flying after surgery is pulmonary embolism. This occurs when the clot travels to the lung and blocks the pulmonary arteries, causing shortness of breath, chest pains, a rapid heart rate, fainting or in rare fatal cases, even a heart attack.

Precautions to take when flying after surgery

Considering the risks of flying after surgery, travelers should be aware of, and take, the necessary precautions to prevent DVT or any possible complications while traveling. 

  • Before making any travel plans, talk to your doctor to see if you are fit to fly 
  • If you plan on bringing special equipment on the flight or you need a wheelchair, check with your airline whether it is allowed onboard before booking. 
  • In case you need assistance during the flight, inform your airline company beforehand. 
  • Pack enough medication to cater for travel delays or other unforeseen circumstances. 
  • Keep any fresh scars/incision areas etc. properly covered to protect yourself from germs and a potential infection.
  • Avoid wearing tight clothing or shoes that will hinder blood circulation 
  • Buy and wear compression stockings on the flight to promote blood circulation
  • Stay well hydrated both during the flight and on the following day 
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine on the flight 
  • Move your legs whenever possible; walk around the plane cabin for a few minutes every hour.
  • Perform movements while seated: extend your legs, flex your ankles or perform small elbow, wrist and hand movements.
  • Travel with a companion who is familiar with your situation and who will be able to assist you.
  • Remain on the lookout for signs of blood clots: skin redness, swelling, tenderness or pain.

small legroom

How long should you wait before flying after surgery?

Disclaimer: These are indicative guidelines and they might change based on your condition. Always take your doctor's recommendations before making travel plans. 

How long you can fly after surgery depends on the type of surgery you have had. While your state of health is also taken into consideration and suggested recovery time will vary case by case, the recommended waiting time is usually as follows:

Type of SurgeryTime required before flying following an operation
Knee surgeryFour to six weeks
Abdominal surgery4-10 days
Cataract surgery24 hours
Arthroscopic surgeryTwo weeks
Colonoscopy 24 hours 
Chest surgery10 days
Hip replacementThree months
Laparoscopic surgeryFour to five days
Stent replacement10 days 
Sinus surgeryTwo weeks
Carotid artery surgeryNo time required
StomaNo time required
Retinal tear laser surgeryTill cleared by your doctor
Brain surgerySeven to ten days
Heart surgeryOne week to 10 days
Cardiac defibrillator or pacemaker implantationWhen you are medically stable 
Hernia surgeryFour to ten days
Gallbladder removalDepends on the doctor
Orthopedic surgery with a plaster cast1-2 days
Facial fracture2 weeks 
Facial plastic surgery1-2 weeks 

Why opt for a medical escort when flying after surgery?

Flying with a companion is always an advantage, even more so when you do not feel well. You know you have someone to rely on if you need a helping hand. If you have a medical condition or you have just had an operation, flying with a medical escort is recommended. 

A medical escort is a medical professional who accompanies travelers on commercial flights. He can be a paramedic, nurse, doctor or even a specialist doctor. Also known as a flight nurse or a flight doctor, a medical escort is ideal for patients flying after surgery.

medical escort with patient after surgeryHow can a medical escort help patients after surgery? Our medescorts are trained and experienced in providing medical treatment and care to patients in flight. Patients who have had surgery can benefit from expert assistance and care from these professionals.

Our medical escorts will assist patients, whether they need help with a wheelchair, with their luggage, while checking in and boarding or they need medical treatment and care. Experts in the area, they will remain on the lookout for signs of DVT and for symptoms of a potential deterioration and provide emergency treatment. Not only do flight nurses and doctors constantly supervise your medical condition, but they also act as flying companions, providing you with moral support and peace of mind. 

In fact, in certain cases, you will be allowed to fly only if you are accompanied by a medical escort. With our medical escort service, you will have a professional right from your doorstep, until you reach your final destination. 

Why use an air ambulance if you have to fly following an operation?

After surgery there is a critical period of time when you are at increased risk of post-surgical complications. At such a time, particularly for strenuous surgical interventions, you should only fly if you absolutely have to and with your doctor’s permission. However, in case of complications or if you need to fly too soon after surgery, the safest patient transportation option is to opt for an air ambulance.

patient with ICU equipmentAn air ambulance is a private jet fitted with specialized medical equipment and with a medical team on board. Thanks to our air ambulance service, patients can enjoy benefits such as hi-tech medical equipment, trained medical personnel onboard and special drugs needed for their condition.

Moreover, flying in an ambulance jet has an additional advantage for patients who cannot withstand the change in air pressure. We can adjust the cabin pressure so that the oxygen level is similar to the atmospheric pressure at sea level. These are called sea-level flights and are essential for patients with recent surgical wounds. 

Our air ambulances are essential for patients with complications after surgery or who need to fly too soon after an operation. Our private jets can be customized with special medical equipment based on the patient’s condition to ensure complete privacy, comfort and safety for those with a medical complication. 

Our hi-tech ICU equipment and expert medical team allow the transfer of even patients needing intensive care after a complicated surgery, even if they need to travel long distances. Operating around the globe, we can reach you even if you are in a remote location a thousand miles away from home.

How do we calculate the cost of your air ambulance?

There is no fixed cost for an air ambulance flight. The cost of air ambulance services depends on several factors which are unique to your situation. The main factors that we take into account while calculating the bill for your medical flight are: 

  • Patient transportation option
  • Flight distance to be covered
  • The state of the patient’s health
  • The type of aircraft used
  • Number of people accompanying you
  • Lead time for the flight

All of these factors are considered as we prepare a customized quotation just for you. We have a transparent and honest pricing policy and we promise to be pocket-friendly and to devise a solution that suits your needs. For instance, we can provide you with an air ambulance alternative depending on your condition. 

We are available 24/7 to help you. Contact us and we will get back to you for a free consultation session so that we can learn about your situation and prepare a tailor-made quotation for you. We can even work on such a quotation for your insurance, quickly and even on holidays or weekends. Thanks to our constant availability, you do not have to worry about anything.

Will insurance cover the costs of an air ambulance?

Whether your medical flight is covered by insurance primarily depends upon the type of health insurance plan you are on. Under the best of circumstances, air ambulance costs might be covered by medical insurance plans provided by your employer or private medical companies. In other cases, you might need a specialized travel insurance.

Some insurances, however, only cover the costs of an air ambulance in very few cases. For example, if the flight is urgent, necessary, and within the country, your insurance provider may cover the full costs of your travel. However, they may not cover the costs if it involves traveling outside of the country or if they think that you can be treated competently where you are.

You must always read your insurance plan for details on medevac, medical repatriation and the use of air ambulances. Even when the company is paying for it, you may end up with some co-insurances and deductibles. This might mean that you have to pay some additional out-of-pocket expenses. Talk to your medical administrator, if you have any questions related to insurance coverage.

 However, even if you don’t have insurance or your insurance refuses to pay for your air ambulance, we will still assist you and provide you with a safe medical flight.

Why opt for Medical Air Service to fly after surgery??

We are a leading ambulance company that follows every industry standard when it comes to medical evacuation and medical repatriation. What sets us apart is the quality of our service and the added benefits that you can enjoy. We believe in high-level and compassionate medical care while you fly, and we strive to provide it to you.

 You should choose Medical Air Service for your medical evacuation and medical repatriation needs because:

  • We provide 24-hour service every day of the week, even on holidays
  • We work on tailor-made packages for each mission, ensuring to provide a customized and safe medical flight for you.
  • All our aircraft are fitted with top-of-line medical equipment.
  • Our flight doctors are experienced and trained in the aeromedical field.
  • We provide multiple patient transport options, such as commercial airliners or ambulance jets.
  • Our team, in-flight doctors and ground agents, is compassionate and cares about you. 
  • We have over a decade of experience in the field of Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
  • We operate worldwide, on every continent: be it Africa, Asia, Europe, or North America.
  • We believe in quality of service and take care of your safety above all. 
  • You can travel with your loved ones - we usually allow one free accompanying person on our private jets 
  • We offer affordable and market-competitive rates - with a transparent and honest pricing policy.
  • We have a strong network promising efficiency and rapidity: we can usually fly you out the day following your booking. 
  • Our air ambulance flights offer unparalleled privacy and flexibility.
  • We have a bed-to-bed service ensuring complete and seamless care throughout your flight.
  • We have a multilingual team who can eliminate language barriers and liaise with the relevant authorities on your behalf.

Our bed-to-bed service for patients flying after surgery

Patients after surgery can have the additional benefit of being able to enjoy complete care all throughout their medical repatriation/evacuation thanks to our bed-to-bed service. 

As the term implies, our bed-to-bed service means that we pick you up from your bed, whether you are at home or at the hospital and drop you off at home or at the hospital. In both countries, a ground ambulance will take you to and from the airport, ensuring that experts take care of your safety all throughout the transport. 

Our bed-to-bed service also implies that you do not have to worry about organizing ground transportation in a foreign country if you have had surgery abroad. You can enjoy the added peace of mind of us taking care of all the logistics for you. 

When you opt for a bed-to-bed service, besides making sure you receive expert care at all steps, we also ensure that you reach the airport without any delay. You are transferred from the ground ambulance directly to the medical jet and another one of our ground ambulances will already be waiting for you when you land in the destination country. 

ICU equipment in airplane

Medical Air Service flying surgery patients: Past missions 

Throughout the years, we have completed several missions for patients both before and after surgery. Whether you are in a critical condition flying to obtain quality treatment or flying back home after surgery, our experienced medical team has you covered. They will provide you with the necessary treatment and care to ensure that you reach your destination safely. Just a few examples: 

Flying Lily from China to the US after surgery

Lily had to undergo emergency colon surgery in China and needed to get back to the US with her family to recover and obtain treatment from her doctors. Considering that she was on supplemental oxygen and had to travel lying down, an air ambulance jet was needed for her medical repatriation from China to the US. Despite time zone differences, language barriers and the complex administrative system in China, our expert agents efficiently and safely got her back to the US, to her loved ones. 

Flying a Japanese sailor 

A Japanese sailor was injured while at sea and had to be urgently disembarked on Ascension Island. While he could obtain emergency treatment there, special orthopedic treatment and surgery were not available on the island. The sailor, who was demonstrating signs of underlying neurological deterioration, had to be flown to Cape Town, to a facility offering a higher level of care. Medical Air Service took care of the complete organization of the medical flight and ensured the safe transfer of the sailor, despite the complicated flight route and air space. 

air ambulance jet

Flying a newborn with breathing difficulties

At Medical Air Service, we can customize our flights to treat special conditions. For this particular flight, we had to deploy our special neonatal transport unit. This newborn, only a few months old, was admitted under artificial respiration in the ICU because he had difficulties breathing. We flew the baby in a portable incubator with a pediatric team onboard to ensure that he could fly in a safe environment to Germany, where he would undergo surgery to treat his condition. 

What do surgery patients say about us? 

“Thank you Oscar! I was meaning to send you and your team an email. I am grateful for your air ambulance service safely and professionally transporting my mother out of Beijing China and to Boston, Massachusetts in the United States. She was happy the crew spoke English and shared stories for the long trips with 4 fuel stops. I loved getting the email updates before and after each stop including estimated time of arrival. The ground transportation was coordinated well too. Please let everyone know she has now been transported to skilled nursing and rehabilitation to get some strength back. Next trip we would recommend getting trip insurance but not having it, we were grateful to find your service through a friend who is a travel agent.”

“I would say thank you so much for your hard work and support in the last few weeks! You have set a great example for the rest of the world's companies in great communication and cooperation and in the speed of your response in the receiving any request.” 

“Thanks indeed very much for the assistance last week. The patient was successfully delivered to the hospital at his home town. We appreciate very much the professional handling of this matter.”

How to book with an air ambulance plane

Any further questions?

Our team members have significant experience conducting various medical transportation options and assisting patients daily across the world. We can advise you on the best medical transportation options for a multitude of post-operation procedures including, stent, ACL, leg, hip replacement, prostate, heart surgery, gallbladder, eye surgery (cataract and others) and plastic surgery. 

Contact us if you need to fly after surgery

If you have had surgery and you need to fly or you are in a critical condition and you need to travel to obtain higher-quality treatment and care, get in touch with us. We are available 24/7, covering all time zones, to advise you and assist you. Our agents will recommend the best traveling option for you and will constantly work on your case to ensure your quick, safe and efficient medical flight, wherever you are across the globe. They are available by phone, mail or via the contact form on our website. 

Get in touch now