When traveling by air, passengers with medical conditions often need to carry essential medical equipment and supplies. ‘Medical luggage’ refers to these necessary items, which can include mobility aids, medications, medical devices like CPAP machines, and other health-related apparatus.
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Airlines typically have policies allowing passengers to bring such equipment onboard, often without additional charges, but the specifics can vary. I have tried to list some of the major airlines used globally alongside their rules around medical luggage.
What is medical luggage?
Medical luggage or baggage is any type of luggage you intend to transport that relates to your disability. This can be mobility aids like a wheelchair or cane, it could be safe foods for autistic passengers or those with a food allergy, it might be a cushion for someone with chronic pain to sit on… what it is can vary between people and it really depends on what their disability is and what it is that they need to make their travels more comfortable.
Who can bring medical luggage?
The simple answer would be to say whoever needs to bring medical luggage can bring it, but it is a bit more complicated than that and it seems to come down to the airline and what they will or will not approve. The best thing to do is to contact your airline in advance and ask them about their medical luggage policy and what documentation they need for you to be able to bring extra luggage that is medical items.
Because our children are still young enough to bring a pushchair as a child, we have only once had to notify an airline that we would be bringing a mobility aid for our child. This was with Ryanair and we brought it from Edinburgh to Venice and then from Bologna to Edinburgh with them. They were fine with it because we had notified them in advance but were slightly curious as to what it was because we had actually brought a pushchair wagon. It folds as small as a pushchair so maybe that is why they had no problem with it.
General Guidelines for Carrying Medical Luggage:
- Advance Notification: Inform your airline ahead of time about any medical equipment you plan to bring. This ensures they can accommodate your needs and advise on any specific requirements or restrictions in advance of your planned day of travel.
- Documentation: Carry a letter from your healthcare provider detailing your medical condition and the necessity of the equipment. This is particularly important for items that might raise security concerns, such as syringes or liquid medications over 100ml. It is also advisable to bring a copy of any prescriptions you have available for the medication you are carrying.
- Packaging and Labelling: Ensure all medical items are properly labelled and, if possible, kept in their original packaging. Medications should have your name and dosage instructions clearly visible. In the UK, prescription medication comes with a sticker from the dispensing pharmacy – always keep this on the box for the medication and carry medication with this original box.
- Security Screening: Be prepared for additional screening at security checkpoints. Inform security personnel about your medical items to facilitate the process. Be aware of medication rules for any countries you plan to visit because this can change how you should approach security or may come with an expectation to be carrying certain paperwork or certifications that you need to apply for before you travel.
- Battery-Powered Devices: If your equipment uses batteries, check the airline’s policy on battery types and the number of spare batteries allowed.
Airline Policies on Medical Luggage:
While many airlines permit passengers to carry medical equipment free of charge, policies can differ regarding weight allowances, required documentation, and notification procedures. Below is an overview of policies from several major airlines:
| Airline | Medical Luggage Allowance | Required Documentation | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | Medical equipment can be carried free of charge with prior approval. | Medical Equipment Baggage Waiver Letter obtained by contacting the Special Assistance team with a doctor’s letter confirming the need. | Items must be packed separately and available for inspection at the airport. |
| Air Europa | One bundle of medical equipment under 23 kg can be carried free of charge. | Certificate from a doctor issued within 10 days of flight departure confirming the necessity of the equipment. | Equipment must be packed separately from normal baggage for identification at check-in. |
| Virgin Atlantic | Medical equipment allowed; passengers should contact the Special Assistance team in advance. | Letter from a medical practitioner detailing the medication and equipment, including the generic drug name and prescribed doses. | Medications should be in original packaging with pharmaceutical labels. Passengers should carry enough medication for the journey plus a few extra days in case of delays. |
| British Airways | Passengers can carry necessary medical equipment; advance notice is recommended. | Doctor’s letter detailing the need for the equipment. | Some equipment may require pre-approval. Passengers should check specific requirements for battery-powered devices. |
| Lufthansa | Medical equipment can be carried free of charge; prior notification required. | Medical certificate confirming the necessity of the equipment. | Certain devices may need technical approval from the airline. |
| Emirates | Allows medical equipment; passengers should inform the airline in advance. | Medical information form (MEDIF) may be required. | Some equipment might need to be checked if it cannot be accommodated in the cabin. |
| Delta Air Lines | Permits medical equipment; advance notification recommended. | Documentation from a healthcare provider may be requested. | Battery-powered devices must comply with FAA regulations. |
| American Airlines | Medical equipment allowed; passengers should notify the airline ahead of time. | Medical certificate may be required for certain equipment. | Some devices may need to be checked if they cannot be stowed in the cabin. |
| United Airlines | Accepts medical equipment; advance notice is advised. | Physician’s statement may be necessary. | Passengers should ensure devices meet FAA requirements. |
| Air France | Medical equipment can be transported; prior approval recommended. | Medical certificate confirming the need for the equipment. | Some equipment may require technical approval. |
| KLM | Allows medical equipment; passengers should contact the airline in advance. | Doctor’s letter detailing the necessity of the equipment. | Battery-powered devices must meet safety regulations. |
| Qantas | Permits medical equipment; advance notification required. | Medical clearance form may be needed. | Some equipment may not be allowed in the cabin and must be checked. |
| Singapore Airlines | Medical equipment accepted; passengers should inform the airline prior to travel. | Medical information form (MEDIF) may be required. | Certain devices may need approval from the airline’s medical team. |
| Cathay Pacific | Allows medical equipment; advance notice is advised. | Medical certificate confirming the need for the equipment. | Some equipment may require technical approval. |
| Turkish Airlines | Medical equipment can be carried; passengers should notify the airline in advance. | Doctor’s letter detailing the necessity of the equipment. | Battery-powered devices must comply with safety regulations. |
| Etihad Airways | Permits medical equipment; advance notification recommended. | Medical clearance form may be required. | Some equipment may need to be checked if it cannot be accommodated in the cabin. |
| Qatar Airways | Medical equipment allowed; passengers should inform the airline ahead of time. | Medical information form (MEDIF) may be needed. | Certain devices may require approval from the airline’s medical team. |
| ANA (All Nippon Airways) | Accepts medical equipment; prior notification is advised. | Medical certificate confirming the necessity of the equipment. | Battery-powered devices must meet safety standards. |
| Japan Airlines | Allows medical equipment; passengers should contact the airline in advance. | Doctor’s letter detailing the need for the equipment. | Some equipment may require technical approval. |
| Korean Air | Medical equipment can be carried; advance notice recommended. | Medical clearance form may be necessary. | Certain devices may need approval from the airline’s medical team. |
| Air Canada | Permits medical equipment; passengers should notify the airline ahead of time. | Medical certificate may be required for specific equipment. | Battery-powered devices must comply with safety regulations. |
| Alaska Airlines | Allows medical equipment; advance notification is advised. | Physician’s statement confirming the need for the equipment. |
I have put together as much information as I can find about medical luggage and broken it down into two categories depending on where you plan to travel:
- Medical luggage policies for the top 25 European airlines
- Medical luggage policies for the top 25 global airlines
It is worth mentioning that the law about disabilities in the places you travel from and to are usually what helps to decide the policy on medical luggage. Typically, I have found that the law tends to protect those with a disability and often states that someone with a disability should be able to travel barrier free and at no extra cost compared to someone without a disability. This usually covers medical luggage in terms of allowing at least some extra luggage or transport of mobility aids at no extra cost.
Did you know about this? I hope it helps!
Do you plan to fly soon with a disability? These posts may help you plan your trip: