How can we help

You’ll need medical clearance to fly if you:

• Suffer from an actively contagious condition
• Have recently had a major medical incident
• Suffer from unstable physical or psychological condition
• Need a stretcher
• Have a medical condition which may be adversely affected by flying
• Have a condition that is a potential hazard to the safety of other guests or punctuality of the flight
• Need special assistance or are unable to care for yourself
• Need in-flight oxygen, a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) or ventilator
• Need battery-powered* medical equipment (except for CPAP) or a medical procedure during the flight

*Only dry cell battery operated devices are accepted on board. Please ensure they have sufficient charge to last one and a half times the duration of your flight.

If you have any doubt, always consult your doctor before flying.

If you need medical clearance to fly, you must submit a MEDIF form (Medical Information for Fitness to Travel) and most recent medical report at least 72 hours before your flight. 

You can bring your own wheelchair for free in addition to your checked baggage allowance. The height of the wheelchair should not exceed 120cm. Some battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids require prior approval.

If you have a physical or cognitive disability, remember to visit etihad.com/manage to request medical assistance before you book your seat. Then, select your seat for free online or by calling us.

Alternatively, you can select your seat any time before you fly at etihad.com/manage, and it’s free when you book a Comfort or Deluxe fare. If you choose not to select your seat before online check-in opens, we’ll automatically assign you a suitable seat free of charge.

If you have a disability or mobility impairment, you will not be permitted to sit in an emergency exit seat, or in a row behind or in front of an emergency exit.

It’s also important to note that the number of passengers unable to assist with their own emergency evacuation must not exceed the number of passengers who are able to. People able to assist in an emergency evacuation are defined as being aged 18 or older, without any physical or mental disability or reduced mobility, and travelling without infants or pets.

If you’re travelling with a medical condition, we’ll do everything we can to make your journey as smooth and comfortable as possible. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, we advise that you see your doctor before you fly.

Always make sure that you have valid and health insurance for your trip.

Nurse on board

Fly with peace of mind thanks to our onboard nurse service. Our fully-trained nurse will be on hand throughout the entire journey; they’ll ensure that all medical forms and documents are in place, assist with boarding and offer medical assistance during the flight

To book, call +971 600 555 666 or complete a MEDIF form.

Medication

Always carry medication in your cabin baggage with a prescription or letter from your doctor. Regulations will vary depending on the country that you are visiting so always familiarise yourself with what medication you can or cannot take with you on your trip. Medication cannot be refrigerated onboard. Guests who have to administer injections onboard are urged to dispose of needles and syringes responsibly by informing a cabin crew member.

Allergies and anaphylaxis

We cannot guarantee a cabin environment or food that will be free of specific allergens. If you have any dietary requirements, please request a meal before you fly.

If you are at risk of anaphylaxis due to allergens, you must:

• Carry an auto-injector device (for instance, an EpiPen) or syringe in your cabin baggage and ensure that you or an escort are willing and capable to administer it. Ensure that you have enough medication for the duration of your flight.
• Present a medical certificate or doctor's letter to the airline confirming your need for an auto-injector device – the certificate or letter must not be older than three months from the date of travel
• Ask for a preventative treatment from your doctor and complete a MEDIF for clearance to fly
  

Arthritis

If you suffer from arthritis, you do not need medical clearance to fly. However, if your mobility is severely impaired, a medical report and MEDIF is required.

Artificial limbs

Medical clearance is not required for guests who can use aircraft facilities on their own.

Asthma

If you suffer from asthma, you do not need medical clearance to fly. However, if you require oxygen, a medical report and MEDIF is required.

Always make sure to carry your medication in your cabin baggage.

Blind or visual impairment

If you are blind or have a visual impairment, please let us know at least 48 hours before your flight so that we can make arrangements to assist you during your trip. When you arrive at the airport, please notify our staff so that we can help you get to the gate and board the aircraft. On board, our cabin crew will read the menu for you, help you identify food items, place them on your tray and assist with opening packages if you need it.

You do not need medical clearance to fly unless:

• You are temporarily blind
• You are travelling as part of a group of visually impaired guests

Deaf, hearing impairment or mute

If you are deaf, have a hearing impairment or are mute, please let us know at least 48 hours before your flight so that we can make arrangements to assist you during your trip. On board, our cabin crew will update you when we make announcements. You do not need medical clearance to fly.

Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you do not need medical clearance to fly. However, if you require a specific meal or treatment during the flight, please let us know at least 24 hours before your flight.

Always carry medication, including insulin, appropriately packaged in your cabin baggage with a prescription or letter from your doctor. Regulations will vary depending on the country that you are visiting so always familiarise yourself with what medication you can or cannot take with you on your trip. Please always dispose of needles and syringes responsibly by informing a member of our cabin crew.

You may require medical clearance if your condition is unstable or you have recently been admitted to hospital.

Fractures

If you have a fracture and a cast (the cast must be at least 48 hours old), you will require a medical certificate to fly.

Plasters should be split for fresh injuries (48 hours or less) which could swell inside the cast on a long flight.

Extra legroom for leg elevation is not possible in our Economy cabins. If you need to keep your foot elevated, please consider booking one of our premium cabins.

Lung or heart disease

If you suffer from a cardiopulmonary condition which causes dyspnoea on walking more than 100m, or which has resulted in requiring oxygen in hospital or at home (or previously required in-flight), you may require supplemental oxygen on board.

Aircraft oxygen is for emergency use only.

If you request continuous oxygen or the use of a stretcher, you must provide a recent and detailed medical report, including the oxygen saturation on room air, on supplemental oxygen and oxygen flow rate, along with your MEDIF certificate.

Physical disabilities and supporting devices

We have a number of wheelchair options available to help guests with limited mobility. Please simply request assistance in advance to avoid delays at the airport. Electric wheelchairs must be dry-cell operated in order to meet our cabin safety requirements.

Assistive devices such as canes, crutches and foldable walkers are allowed in the cabin, but they must be securely stored before take-off and landing. Cabin chairs are available on board all of our flights to assist non-ambulatory guests to move to and from the aircraft toilets. The majority of our aircraft are also equipped with accessible toilets.

Civil Aviation Rules require all guests to be able to keep the aircraft seat with the seat back in the upright position when required. The following supporting devices are acceptable for upper torso support

• CARES Harness for children over 1 year old and weighing up to 20kg (Economy only)
• SPECIAL CARES Harness for adult guests with special needs and children weighing more than 20kg
• CRELLING Harness (Model 27)
  • Economy cabin only: Type 27I (2-5 years) and Type 27A (5-8 years)
  • All cabins: Type 27B (9 years - adult)
• CRELLING Shoulder Strap (HSB1)
  • Economy cabin only: Type HSB1 (2 years - adult)

Decompression sickness

Decompression sickness occurs if diving is followed immediately by travel to altitudes above sea level. If you have been scuba diving, we advise you delay your travel by 24 hours and by 48 hours after decompression diving.

If you’re suffering from decompression sickness, you will need to obtain medical clearance through MEDIF. Refer to our Fitness to fly guidelines to understand how soon you are able to travel after suffering from decompression sickness.

In some cases, you may be required to travel with a safety assistant or a personal care attendant. An escort must be above the age of 18 years old and both physically and mentally capable of attending to the guest.

Safety assistant

A safety assistant will help a guest to exit the aircraft in the case of an emergency evacuation or will establish communication with our cabin crew for the safety briefing. A safety assistant will not look after a guest’s personal needs.

A safety assistant is required in the following situations

• Stretcher case: The safety assistant must be capable of attending to the medical needs of the guest
• Mental disability or impairment: The guest is unable to comprehend or respond to safety instructions
• Severe mobility impairment: The guest is unable to evacuate without help
• Severe hearing and vision impairments

Personal care attendant

A personal care attendant should be fully familiar with the condition and requirements of the guest and is capable of attending to their needs throughout the flight. This includes administering medication, eating and drinking and help with using the toilet facilities.

Guests who are not self-reliant are strongly recommended to travel with a personal care attendant.

Approved devices

All medical devices intended to be used on board must be labelled by the manufacturer to reflect that it has been tested to meet applicable United States Federal Aviation Authority/Department of Transportation requirements for medical portable electronic devices.

Alternatively, you may provide a compliance letter or certificate from the manufacturer stating the FAA approval. All medical devices must be dry-cell battery operated with sufficient battery supply for 1.5 times the flight duration.

All ventilated cases require prior submission of MEDIF to obtain medical clearance and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Etihad Airways Medical Centre. If approved, all ventilated cases must be accompanied by a physician experienced in aeromedical transportation.

Battery requirements

Lithium battery powered medical devices with a watt rating between 100Wh – 160Wh, or with a lithium metal content between 2g – 8 g, require prior approval. If approved, you may carry a maximum of two spare batteries. Please get in touch with our Global Contact Centre at least 48 hours before your flight. 

For all other battery powered medical devices, you must carry sufficient battery supply to power the device for 1.5 times the flight duration. This includes lithium batteries with a Wh rating of up to 100Wh, or with a lithium metal content of up to 2g.

Spare batteries must be carried in cabin baggage only. They must be individually packaged in a way that protects them from damage and that all terminals are insulated. 

If you are carrying a battery-powered medical device on board but do not intend to use it during the flight,  or if you are carrying the device in your checked baggage, the device must be properly switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode) and protected from damage or unintentional activation.

Portable oxygen concentrator

If you intend to use your own device on board, you must submit a MEDIF to obtain medical clearance at least 72 hours before your flight. You must use your own Personal Oxygen Concentrator (POC) before boarding, after landing and during transit.

We provide oxygen (with a simple facemask or nasal cannula at 1L, 2L, 3L, or 4L/min) for use onboard our aircraft. 4L/min may not be available on certain long-haul routes. We use the “Zero Two” oxygen cylinder which is compatible with other medical equipment. You can find more details and specifications here.

You must also present a medical certificate, signed by a licensed physician, at check-in at least one hour before your flight.

The medical certificate must state

Whether the user of the device has the physical and cognitive ability to see, hear and understand the device’s aural and visual cautions and warnings and is able, without assistance, to take the appropriate action in response to those cautions and warnings

Whether or not oxygen use is medically necessary for all or a portion of the duration of the trip

Specify the maximum oxygen flow rate (corresponding to the pressure in the cabin of the aircraft under normal operating conditions)

GCAA Authorised/ FAA Approved Brands

The following devices are currently permitted for use on board our aircraft

• AirSep Focus
• AirSep FreeStyle
• AirSep FreeStyle 5
• AirSep LifeStyle
• DeVilbiss Healthcare iGo
• Inogen One
• Inogen One G2
• Inogen One G3
• Inova Labs LifeChoice; or
• International Biophysics LifeChoice
• Inova Labs LifeChoice Activox
• Invacare XPO2
• Invacare XPO100
• Invacare Solo2
• Oxlife Independence Oxygen Concentrator
• Oxus Inc. RS-00400; or
• Delphi RS-00400
• Precision Medical EasyPulse
• Respironics EverGo
• Respironics Simply Go
• SeQual Eclipse
• SeQual SAROS
• SeQual Qxywell (model 4000)
• Sequal eQuinox (model 4000)
• VBOX Trooper

If your device is newly approved by the United States Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and is not listed above, please submit a MEDIF to obtain medical clearance at least five days before your flight and provide the supporting documents.

If you are a carrying a battery-powered, personal oxygen concentrator on board as cabin baggage but do not intend to use it during the flight, the battery must be removed. It must be packaged separately unless the concentrator contains at least two protective features to prevent accidental operation during transport.

Carrying and using personal oxygen concentrators

Personal oxygen concentrators may be carried on and used on board under the following conditions

• The device does not cause interference with electrical, navigation or communication equipment
• No smoking or open flame is permitted within 10 feet of any seat row where a person is using a portable oxygen concentrator
• During taxi, take-off and landing, the unit must either be stowed under the seat in front or in another approved stowage location so that it does not block any aisle, entryway or row
• If operated by the user, the device must only be used at a seat location that does not restrict any guest’s access to, or any required emergency or regular exit, or the aisle(s) in the compartment
• No person using a portable oxygen concentrator is permitted to sit in an exit row seat
• Whenever the pilot in command turns off the seatbelt sign, guests operating their portable oxygen concentrator may continue to operate it while moving about the cabin

If you’re using a portable oxygen concentrator, you must comply with the following conditions to use the device on board the aircraft

• The user must be capable of hearing the unit’s alarms, seeing the alarm light indicators
• They must have the cognitive ability to take the appropriate action in response or be travelling with someone who is capable of performing those functions
• The user must ensure that the portable oxygen concentrator is free of oil, grease or other petroleum products and is in good condition, free from damage or other signs of excessive wear or abuse
• The user must inform Etihad Airways Reservations Department that he or she intends to use a portable oxygen concentrator onboard the aircraft and must allow the crew of the aircraft to review the contents of the physician’s statement
• Only lotions or salves that are oxygen-approved may be used if you are using the portable oxygen concentrator device
• The user, whose physician statement specifies the duration of oxygen use, must obtain from the aircraft operator, or by other means, the duration of the planned flight
• The user must carry a sufficient number of batteries to power the device for the duration of the oxygen use specified in the user’s physician statement, including a conservative estimate of any unanticipated delays
• The user must ensure that all portable oxygen concentrator batteries carried on board the aircraft in cabin baggage are protected from short circuit and are packaged in a manner that protects them from physical damage
• Batteries protected from short circuit include:
• 
  
  • Those designed with recessed battery terminals
  •  
  • Those packaged so that the battery terminals do not contact metal objects (including the battery terminals of other batteries).

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure devices (CPAP/BIPAP)

Carrying and using CPAP/BIPAP devices

Prior medical clearance is not required to carry or use a CPAP/BIPAP device on board, provided the following conditions are met:

• The device should display a manufacturer’s label that indicates it has been tested to meet the applicable FAA requirements for medical portable electronic devices or otherwise accompanied by an FAA compliance letter from the manufacturer
• The maximum weight and dimensions (56cm x 36cm x 23cm) of the device must not be larger than the allowed cabin baggage limits so that it does not block the aisle way or the entryway into the row 
• The device must be used only at a seat location that does not restrict an emergency or regular exit, or the aisle(s) in the cabin compartment 
• The user is not permitted to sit in an exit row seat 
• Battery operated or electric-powered devices are permitted 
• Electric-powered devices may be connected to an in-seat power supply, available only on selected aircraft 
• An in-seat power supply is not available on all A320, A321 and A350 aircraft, selected B787 aircraft and The Residence bedroom on the A380 

On aircraft with an in-seat power supply, it is important to note

• power is not available while the aircraft is on the ground
• power may not be available for the duration of flight due to unforeseen circumstances
• the electrical power rating may vary on different aircraft and the average output is 100-120 VAC/55-65Hz
• guests must ensure they have necessary power adaptors to use the in-seat power
• If using battery powered devices, it must comply with the battery requirements below

Our check-in staff will ensure that the device is in compliance with these conditions.

Respirators and ventilators

Prior medical clearance through the MEDIF system is required to travel with a respirator or ventilator.

If you intend to use the device on board, you must notify us at least 72 hours before your flight.

If you need to use a ventilator you will usually be accompanied by a physician or experienced nurse. The appropriateness of a nurse or doctor escort will be evaluated by the Etihad Airways Medical Centre, based on the provided medical reports.

You must also present a medical certificate, signed by a licensed physician, at check-in at least one hour before your flight.

The medical certificate must state

• Whether the user of the device has the physical and cognitive ability to see, hear and understand the device’s aural and visual cautions and warnings and is able, without assistance, to take the appropriate action in response to those cautions and warnings
• Whether or not oxygen use is medically necessary for all or part of the trip
• Specifies the maximum oxygen flow rate (corresponding to the pressure in the cabin of the aircraft under normal operating conditions).

Carrying and using respirators and ventilators

Respirators and ventilators may be carried on and used on board under the following conditions

• Prior medical clearance through the MEDIF system has been obtained
• The particular ventilator, respirator or continuous positive airway pressure device(s) must be labelled by the manufacturer to reflect that it has been tested to meet applicable United States Federal Aviation Authority(FAA) / Department of Transport requirements for medical portable electronic devices
• The maximum weight and dimensions (length, width, height) of any device to be used by an individual that can be accommodated in the aircraft cabin; under seat, overhead stowage or secured against lateral and / or vertical movements
• The device must be used only at a seat location that does not restrict any guest’s access to, or any required emergency or regular exit, or the aisle(s) in the cabin compartment
• The user is not permitted to sit in an exit row seat
• The user carries an adequate number of batteries, including spares, to power the device, which are packaged in accordance with applicable safety regulations

Portable dialysis devices

Portable Dialysis devices are permitted as cabin or checked baggage, as long as they comply with all safety and security regulations. The device must be within our maximum cabin dimension to be carried as cabin baggage. If the device does not meet the required regulations to be carried on board, it must be carried as checked baggage with no extra charge.

The device must not be used at any time during the flight. It must be properly switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode) and protected from damage.

Accessible toilets

Our A380, B787, B777, A350 aircraft are equipped with accessible toilets.

Onboard wheelchairs are also available on all flights (excluding A320Neo aircraft) to help non-ambulatory guests move to and from the aircraft toilets. Our cabin crew are unable to assist guests using the toilet facilities.

Travelling with your own wheelchair

You can bring your own wheelchair for free in addition to your checked baggage allowance. The height of the wheelchair should not exceed 120cm. Some battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids require prior approval. Find out more below or get in touch.

Electric wheelchairs and battery requirements

Lithium battery powered medical devices with a watt rating between 100Wh – 160Wh, or with a lithium metal content between 2g – 8g, require prior approval. Call us at least 48 hours before your flight.

If approved, you may carry a maximum of two spare batteries.

For all other battery powered medical devices, you must carry sufficient battery supply to power the device for 1.5 times the flight duration. This includes lithium batteries with a Wh rating of up to 100Wh, or with a lithium metal content of up to 2g.

Spare batteries must be carried in your cabin bag only. They must be individually packed and protected from damage, with all terminals insulated.

If you’re carrying a battery-powered medical device on board but do not intend to use it during the flight, or you’re carrying the device in your checked baggage, the device must be properly switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode) and protected from damage or unintentional activation.

Lithium-ion batteries

• Batteries must be UN tested and certified
• Battery must be either securely attached with the electrical circuits isolated or removed, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If the battery is removed, this must be placed in a protective pouch and carried in your cabin baggage – The removed battery must not exceed 300 watt hours.
• One spare battery, not exceeding 300 watt hours or two spares each not exceeding 160 watt hours each, can be carried in your cabin baggage

Spillable batteries

If your wheelchair or mobility aid is powered by a spillable battery, the battery may remain securely attached to the wheelchair if all electrical circuits are isolated. We must also be able to load, stow, secure and unload the aid in an upright position at all times. This may depend on the aircraft type.

All Etihad Airways aircraft operating to and from the US have a priority space in the cabin for the stowage of one folding wheelchair. This space is available on a first come, first served basis.

All other batteries

Batteries may remain securely attached to the wheelchair, with all electrical circuits isolated.

If the wheelchair is designed with a detachable battery, you may remove the battery, package it in a strong rigid packaging and carry it as checked baggage only.

You are permitted to carry one spare wet, non-spillable battery or two spare nickel-metal hydride batteries or dry batteries, safely packaged in a strong, rigid packaging and carried as checked baggage only.

Other mobility aids

Mobility aids, such as canes, crutches and foldable walkers, and assistive devices are permitted on board. You can carry mobility aids for free, as well as any medical equipment, in addition to your checked or cabin baggage allowance. Devices must be no longer than 81cm and securely stowed before take-off and landing. Mobility aids exceeding 33cm x 91cm x 106cm can be checked for free in addition to your standard baggage allowance.

Assistive devices must meet all safety and security regulations.

Storing wheelchairs and mobility aids

If you’re travelling on any of our wide body aircraft, you may be able to store your manual wheelchair, mobility aid or other assistive device on board.

Storage is available on a first come, first served basis for items up to 33cm x 91cm x 106cm. Electric wheelchairs must be dry-cell operated. If your wheelchair that does not fit in the cabin, it will be accepted as checked baggage. Find out on which aircraft type we can accept your wheelchair depending on its size here.

Other mobility aids such as canes, crutches and foldable walkers can be stored in the overhead lockers.

Due to weight or size, there may be circumstances where the device is not accepted on board.

Checking in your wheelchair or mobility aid

You can opt to put your wheelchair in the hold for free in addition to your checked baggage allowance. At check-in, we’ll tag your wheelchair, then you can choose to receive it at the aircraft door or collect it at the baggage belt when you land.

At the airport, you can use your wheelchair to the boarding gate. We’ll then assist you to your seat on an airport or cabin wheelchair.