The health of our passengers is very important to us. We therefore take numerous measures to ensure that flying does not put your health at risk. As a passenger, you can contribute by finding out about the relevant points in advance.
Healthy travelling
Medical flight clearance
We generally advise passengers with health issues to consult their treating physician to clarify they are fit to fly.
A medical fit to fly certificate from the Austrian Airlines medical service is required:
- after major surgery;
- in the first weeks after the onset of a severe illness;
- for passengers who are carried on board lying down;
- for passengers who require additional oxygen or other medical devices on board; or
- for passengers travelling for medical treatment.
In these cases, it is essential that you write to our Special Cases Desk at specialcases@austrian.com.
The Medical Care Form provides the basic information for a medical fit to fly certificate. Please have this completed by your doctor.
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Medical assistance on board
There are standard recommendations for onboard equipment throughout Europe. Austrian naturally complies with all of these. Standard on all flights:
- Emergency medical kit (a type of large doctor’s bag);
- First aid kit with first aid equipment; and
- Onboard pharmacy (additional feature on some airlines) containing useful medications for everyday use.
Austrian is also part of the Lufthansa Group’s “Doctor on Board” programme. Participating doctors are able to assist if medical help is required on board.
We also wish to appeal to the responsibility of passengers to assess themselves whether they are fit to fly and make any necessary arrangements.
Doctors can register free of charge and can enjoy award miles and other benefits as a result. Further details on the registration process can be found on the
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Medical Travel Companions
In cooperation with Medical Travel Companions, we make every travel wish come true. Book a Medical Travel Companion with your flight to handle your personal requirements. You will be assisted professionally either by a nurse, paramedic or doctor, both on your journey to the airport and throughout your trip.
Traveller’s Thrombosis
With a flight duration of more than three to four hours, an increased risk of thrombosis is possible under certain conditions. The risk of thrombosis increases with factors such as various underlying diseases, genetic factors, pregnancy or increasing age. You should therefore consult your treating physician before commencing your flight.
Causing factors of traveller’s thrombosis:
- Prolonged sitting without moving about in a confined space causes increased pressure on the thighs.
- The low air humidity on board and a lack of fluids can lead to a thickening of the blood.
The following measures help prevent traveller’s thrombosis:
- Abundant intake of fluids in the form of mineral water, still water, soft drinks, herbal tea or similar drinks – an additional one to two litres, depending on the flight duration.
- Avoid excessive intake of coffee, black tea and alcohol, as these drinks have a dehydrating effect.
- Exercises in the aircraft help to accelerate the flow of blood in the veins.
- Wear clothing that is loose and comfortable to avoid restricting the blood flow in the veins.
- Isometric exercises
- Compression stockings of compression class 1 to 2 are recommended, even if the risk for thrombosis is low. Most of the time, calf-length stockings are sufficient. Please note: Expert advice is absolutely necessary prior to purchasing because poor quality material or a bad fit at the back of the knee together with folds are unsuitable for prevention.
- Anticoagulant drugs – low molecular heparin can be subcutaneously injected to the fat tissue of the abdominal wall or upper thigh shortly before the flight. The passenger must be shown how to self-inject by a doctor and should also be aware of the side effects and contraindications.
Additional information is provided on all Austrian Airlines long-haul flights in the form of a video featuring fitness tips and an accompanying announcement.
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- Movement exercises, e.g. foot tapping; isometric exercises; if possible, walk a few steps
- abundant intake of fluids (avoid alcohol intake)
- avoid use of sedatives and hypnotic pills (“sitting still”)
- aged over 60 years
- clinically relevant heart disease
- proven thrombophilia/family susceptibility to thrombosis
- large varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency
- ovulation suppressors, post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy
- obesity (BMI > 30)
- exsiccosis
- Calf-length compression stockings of compression class 1 (or the appropriate medical compression stockings for patients with venous insufficiency)
- in individual cases, e.g. pregnancy or thrombophilia, low molecular weight heparin can be given (see Category 3)
- history of known venous thromboembolism, even a long time ago
- manifest malignant or other severe disease
- leg injuries requiring the immobilization of the limb
- recent surgical intervention involving a high risk of thrombosis
- in addition to general measures (see Category 1) and compression (see Category 2)
Vaccinations
We recommend that you obtain individual advice from your family doctor before travelling abroad.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also provides comprehensive information on its website about infectious diseases, the vaccination protection required where necessary and the global malaria situation.
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The American website, Traveler’s Health, was set up by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an agency of the US Department of Health and Human Services. This website is a reliable source and contains detailed, up-to-date information and useful tips.
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Portable electronic medical devices
Portable electronic medical devices are dangerous goods that you may only take on board under certain conditions.
Passengers with impaired pulmonary function can take a personal portable oxygen concentrator (POC) with them on board. The conditions for this are:
- the device must be registered no later than 48 hours before departure and
- medical fit to fly certificate. Please contact specialcases@austrian.com.
Please provide:
- your booking number and/or ticket number
- Brand and exact type designation of the device
- The type of batteries or accumulators used and their output
Please note:
- The manufacturer and device type must be clearly visible on the device.
- There are restrictions on taking devices with lithium batteries over 100 Wh or 2 g lithium content.
- If continuous use during the flight is required, sufficient battery power for 150% of the total flight duration must be ensured (if the flight duration is 4 hours, battery power for 6 hours is required).
Important: an electronic medical device cannot be connected to the electrical supply in the aircraft because a constant electric supply cannot be guaranteed. - Replacement batteries must be carried in your carry-on baggage. Please pack them in such a way that they are protected against short circuits and physical damage.
The following portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) have been tested and approved for safe use on board but must still be registered. Non-approved devices may be taken on board but must not be used during the flight.
Manufacturer and device description
- AirSep FreeStyle
- AirSep LifeStyle
- AirSep Focus
- AirSep Freestyle 5
- (Caire) SeQual eQuinox / Oxywell (model 4000)
- Delphi RS-00400 / Oxus RS-00400
- DeVilbiss Healthcare iGo
- Inogen One
- Inogen One G2
- lnogen One G3
- Inogen One G5
- lnova Labs LifeChoice Activox
- International Biophysics LifeChoice / lnova Labs LifeChoice
- Invacare XPO2 / XPO100
- Invacare Solo 2 Oxylife Independence Oxygen Concentrator
- Precision Medical EasyPulse
- Respironics EverGo
- Respironics SimplyGo
- Sequal Eclipse
- SeQual SAROS
- X) VBox (3B Medical) Trooper (Aer X) Oxygen Concentrator
If you suffer from sleep apnoea syndrome and wish to take your sleep therapy device (CPAP device) with you on board, you must register it via specialcases@austrian.com no later than 48 hours before departure. You can take your sleep therapy device on board with you in addition to your usual carry-on baggage (max. 8 kg), just as you would a laptop bag.
Please provide:
- your booking number and/or ticket number
- The type of batteries or accumulators used and their output
- Ongoing or only partial use on board
Please note:
- Use of your device may be restricted on board for safety reasons (for example during take-off, landing or on the instructions of the flight crew).
- The device must comply with our carry-on baggage dimensions.
- There are restrictions on taking devices with a lithium battery above 100 Wh or 2 g.
- Replacement batteries must be carried in your carry-on baggage. Pack them to ensure they are protected against short circuits and damage.
Keeping medications cool
Some medications are sensitive to high temperatures. The Cube ensures you always maintain your medication at the correct temperature when you are travelling.
The Cube – developed by our partner Tec4Med – can be stowed as additional hand luggage under the seat in front of you during the flight. You can check the temperature of your medication at any time via the relevant app.
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Allergen labelling on food products
Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers came into effect on 13 December 2014. The purpose of the regulation is to ensure that consumers with food allergies or intolerances are informed about the use of allergenic ingredients in food products. All airlines departing from EU countries, Switzerland and Norway must be able to provide clear information to passengers about the presence of possible allergens in the meals provided on board.
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The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has produced a list of 14 potentially allergenic substances for this purpose.
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Austrian Airlines provides all passengers on board EU flights and flights from Switzerland and Norway with the required information about possible allergenic ingredients in our onboard food and drinks. If you have a food allergy or similar concerns, we recommend that you talk to your doctor before travelling. Austrian Airlines does not accept any responsibility for allergic reactions you might have to foods served on board one of our flights.
Austrian Airlines offers you a selection of different special menus that you can book free of charge on all Austrian Business Class flights and in Economy Class on medium and long-haul flights. Our meals are always freshly prepared, so you must place your order no later than 24 hours before departure.
You can submit your request at the same time as booking your flight through your travel agency or on austrian.com. You can also place your order later. You can do so easily via My bookings or by phoning the Austrian Service Center.
FAQs about flying and health
Please ask your treating physician about the procedures at security control and other possible risks before you travel. If you have a heart pacemaker, you must submit a medical certificate at the security control.
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