A complete guide to fit to fly medical certificates—which conditions require one, what your doctor assesses, how quickly you can get one, and where to get it in Surbiton.
March 2026 | 6 min read | Lambert Medical Practice Clinical Team
Planning a holiday or business trip but concerned about your health and whether you're safe to fly? If you have a medical condition or have recently undergone surgery, your airline may require a fit to fly certificate from your doctor. This official document confirms that you're well enough to travel by air. At Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton, we issue fit to fly certificates quickly, often within 24 hours, so you don't need to postpone your travel plans.
A fit to fly certificate is an official medical document issued by a registered GP confirming that a patient is medically fit to travel by air. The certificate typically includes the patient's name, date of birth, the doctor's assessment of their current health status, and confirmation that flying poses no serious medical risk.
Whilst many people can fly without requiring a certificate, airlines are entitled to request one from passengers with certain medical conditions, particularly those that might be affected by cabin pressure, immobility, or the aeroplane environment.
You only need a fit to fly certificate if your airline specifically requires one. Not all conditions require certificates, and requirements vary between airlines. Always check your airline's website or contact them directly before your appointment to confirm whether you need a certificate for your condition.
Different airlines have different policies, but here are the most common situations where a fit to fly certificate is required:
Most airlines require a fit to fly certificate from pregnant women after 28 weeks of pregnancy. Some airlines restrict flights after 32 weeks. The certificate confirms that there are no complications and that the pregnancy is progressing normally. If you're expecting and planning to fly, contact your airline early—some require the certificate issued within 2 weeks of travel.
If you've had surgery recently (typically within 2 weeks), airlines may require a certificate confirming that you've recovered sufficiently. This applies to major surgery, but sometimes even minor procedures require clearance. Your surgeon or GP can advise, but a fit to fly certificate reassures the airline that your wound is healed and you're not at risk of complications during flight.
Conditions affecting the heart, lungs, or blood vessels often require certificates, particularly if you've had a recent event (heart attack, stroke, blood clot). Airlines need confirmation that your condition is stable and that flying won't trigger complications. These include:
If you have asthma, COPD, or other breathing conditions, particularly if poorly controlled or recently exacerbated, airlines may want confirmation that you won't experience severe breathing difficulties at altitude. However, well-controlled asthma rarely requires a certificate.
If you have a contagious condition (for instance, chickenpox, measles, severe bronchitis, or recent COVID-19), you need a certificate confirming you're no longer contagious. This protects other passengers and crew members.
If you have a fracture, are using crutches, a wheelchair, or have recently had surgery causing reduced mobility, airlines need to know this affects your ability to evacuate the aircraft in an emergency. Depending on the situation, you may need a certificate or simply need to notify the airline.
Airlines can request a certificate for recently diagnosed psychiatric conditions or those requiring significant recent treatment changes, particularly if there's concern about behaviour during flight. This is less common but can occur.
When you attend for a fit to fly appointment, your GP will typically:
The assessment is straightforward and usually takes 10–15 minutes. You don't need extensive investigations unless your GP feels your condition requires clarification.
One of the major advantages of private GPs like Lambert Medical Practice is speed. We can often issue fit to fly certificates on the same day or within 24 hours, sometimes even within hours if your appointment is urgent.
Timeline:
We recommend booking at least 3–5 days before your flight to allow for any unexpected delays or if additional information is needed. However, if you've left it late, we'll do our best to accommodate you.
To make your appointment efficient, bring:
At Lambert Medical Practice, fit to fly certificates start from £50, depending on the complexity of your condition. Straightforward cases (e.g., pregnancy, minor post-operative check) are at the lower end. Complex cases with significant medical conditions may be more.
This is a private service, so the cost is not covered by the NHS. We'll confirm the cost when you book your appointment.
If your doctor has concerns about your fitness to fly, they have a duty to decline the certificate. This typically happens if:
In these situations, your doctor will explain their concerns and may recommend postponing travel, additional treatment, or specialist assessment. This is a safety measure—flying when medically unfit can be dangerous. However, you can always seek a second opinion from another doctor.
Even with a certificate confirming you're fit to fly, consider these precautions:
No. The certificate is only required if your airline specifically requests one or if you have a condition that might affect flying safety. Getting one unnecessarily just adds cost and time. Always check your airline's specific requirements for your condition rather than assuming.
Yes, NHS GPs can issue fit to fly certificates, but they're often busy and may take longer. Private GPs like Lambert Medical Practice often provide faster access, which is useful if you're close to your travel date. Some NHS practices charge for fit to fly certificates despite being free for many other services.
This varies by airline and condition, but typically 2 weeks to 3 months. Some airlines specify validity in their paperwork. If your certificate expires before travel, you'll need a new one. Check your airline's requirements when you receive your certificate.
If you need a fit to fly certificate and want fast, professional service from an experienced GP, Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton is here to help. We'll assess your fitness to fly quickly, issue your certificate same-day if possible, and provide practical advice for safe travel. With opening hours including Saturday mornings and urgent appointments available, we can usually accommodate your schedule.
Don't let medical concerns delay your travel. Book an appointment today to get your fit to fly certificate. Call us on 0208 133 5694 or book online—same-day appointments often available.
Have questions about this topic? Speak to one of our experienced GPs.
Book Appointment 0208 133 5694Book an appointment at Lambert Medical Practice in Surbiton. Same-day appointments available.