Unable to Fly Due to Medical Reasons? Here's How to Avoid Fees (2024)

FAQs

Unable to Fly Due to Medical Reasons? Here's How to Avoid Fees? ›

Getting a doctor's letter stating you are unable to fly due to medical reasons can save you from paying high cancellation fees. Airlines often charge these fees when passengers cancel their flights. A valid doctor's letter proves your condition, making it easier for airlines to waive these costs.

Documentation: Typically, if you need to cancel your trip due to a medical reason, you'll need to provide documentation from a qualified medical practitioner confirming the necessity to cancel the trip. This could include a doctor's note or medical records.

Most people's best case scenario will be to obtain a credit for future travel, rather than an outright refund. Keep in mind that the airline reps do have a certain amount of latitude in what they will allow a passenger to recoup, but outright refunds are usually reserved for only the most serious situations.

If you would like to cancel your flight due to medical reasons, please contact the airline directly with a copy of your medical certificate requesting them to waive any applicable cancellation fees.

Ask your doctor (or a nurse or someone at the front desk) politely, and make it as easy for them as possible to provide a doctors note. Provide the airline with as much information as possible about your medical condition, ask nicely, and follow up to check on the process of your cancellation fee waiver claim.

The most common covered reason is unforeseen illness, injury, or death of the traveler, a traveling companion, or a non-traveling family member. Other common covered reasons include terrorism, inclement weather, or a natural disaster, among others.

Let's look at some of the medical issues and physical ailments that can prevent you from flying. Cardiovascular and respiratory conditions come first. These include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension (high blood pressure), and heart disease.

I am writing to ask for your consideration to cancel their pending flights with you due to unforeseen medical circ*mstances. If you need additional clarification, or if additional information is required, my office will be happy to provide it. You may contact our clinic at [OFFICE PHONE NUMBER].

Airlines explicitly state what happens to no-shows in their contract of carriage, which is a legal document that explains the terms and conditions of the fare. In general, if you are a no-show for your flight, any subsequent flights on the same itinerary will be canceled without a refund.

Do airlines check doctor's notes? ›

There is a chance that you could get in trouble if your airline finds out your doctor's note is fake. You may be asked to leave the plane, and you could also face legal penalties. It is important to be honest with your airline and provide them with accurate information.

Some examples of covered reasons could be: Sickness, injury, death, or quarantine of a member of your travel party. A delay that causes you to miss or interrupt any part of your covered trip due to weather, mechanical reasons, or travel advisory.

Depending on the airline's policies, they may be willing to refund you, or at least be willing to waive the cancellation fee if you had to cancel your flight ahead of time. Check your airline's policies to see if a documented medical emergency is enough reason to waive their cancellation fee.

Ask your doctor (or a nurse or someone at the front desk) politely, and make it as easy for them as possible to provide a doctor's note. Provide the airline with as much information as possible about your medical condition, ask nicely, and follow up to check on the process of your cancellation fee waiver claim.

Doe, a patient under my care, suffered a serious injury that rendered him unable to travel on his planned date. As his attending physician, I can attest to the severity of his condition and the urgent need for him to receive medical treatment.

You may also require medical clearance to fly with certain preexisting conditions or if you require special in-flight accommodations for medical reasons. Regulations may vary from airline to airline, so travelers and their physicians should check with the airline's medical department.

Common covered reasons for trip interruption are injury or sudden illness to you or a traveling companion, severe weather en route to or at your destination, a family death or a life-threatening emergency at your home.