Etihad Airways offers special medical assistance, such as wheelchairs, oxygen and stretchers, to all guests with special medical requirement, subject to mandatory medical clearances. If you require any of these services, please place your request when you make reservation or at least 72 hours prior to the departure of your flight.
Please contact your local Etihad office for more information.
The principal factors to be considered when assessing a patient’s fitness for air travel are:
• Reduced atmospheric pressure. Cabin air pressure changes greatly during 15-30 minutes after takeoff and before landing, and gas expansion and contraction can cause pain and pressure effects.
• Reduction in oxygen tension. The cabin is at a pressure equivalent to an altitude of 6,000 to 8,000 feet and oxygen partial pressure is approximately 20% less than on the ground.
Conditions that require medical clearance
Guests with the disabilities listed below require medical clearance from Etihad Airways:
• Guests who require a stretcher.
• Guests who require Etihad Airways to provide in-flight oxygen at a pre-determined level, or who are using their own Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) or ventilator/respirator.
• Guests who have a communicable disease, infection or condition that poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others on the flight.
• Guests whose medical condition is such that reasonable doubt exists as to whether or not they can complete the flight safely without requiring extraordinary medical assistance. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Guests who suffer from unstable medical conditions (physical or psychological).
• Guests who have recently had major medical incidents (heart attack, heart failure, stroke, respiratory failure).
• Guests who require the use of battery-powered medical equipment, or who need to undertake any medical procedure during the flight e.g. require injections to be administered.
• Guests who suffer from thrombophlebitis.
• Guests with a complicated pregnancy.
• Guests who are travelling with an infant aged 7 days or less, a premature infant (who does not require an incubator) or an infant with medical condition.
• Unaccompanied Minors with medical conditions.
Conditions usually considered unacceptable for air travel
Although these are suggested limiting factors, each individual case must be considered on its merits and is dependent upon whether or not the passenger is accompanied by a professional escort.
• Severe anaemia, otitis media or sinusitis.
• Acute, contagious or communicable disease.
• Congestive Cardiac Failure (CCF) or other cyanotic conditions which are not fully controlled.
• Uncomplicated Myocardial Infarction (MI) within 2 weeks of onset or complicated Myocardial Infarction (MI) within 6 weeks of onset.
• Severe respiratory disease or recent pneumothorax.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) lesions which may cause heamatemesis, melaena or intestinal obstruction.
• Post-operative cases:
a) Within 10 days of simple abdominal operations.
b) Within 21 days of chest or invasive eye surgery (not laser).
• Fractures of the mandible with fixed wiring of the jaw (unless medically escorted)
• Unstable mental illness without escort and suitable medication for the journey.
• Uncontrolled seizures (unless medically escorted).
• Pregnancies beyond the end of the 36 weeks.
• Infants within 7 days of birth.
• Introduction of air to body cavities for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes within 7 days.
US rule for non-discrimination on the basis of disability
Etihad Airways is covered by this rule for any flight to or from a US airport. A full copy of the rule is available for viewing on request at our airports serving the US. An accessible copy of the rule can also be obtained from the US Dept of Transport directly using the following methods:
• For calls made from within the United States, by telephone via the Toll-Free Hotline for Air Travelers with Disabilities at 1-800-778-4838 (Voice) or 1-800-455-9880 (TTY)
• By Telephone to the Aviation Consumer Protection Division at 202-366-2220 (Voice) or 202-366-0511 (TTY)
• By mail to the Air Consumer Protection Division, C-75, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., West Building, Room W96-432, Washington, DC 20590
• On the Aviation Consumer Protection Division's Web site - http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov
Notes on other specific cases
The MEDIF form mentioned below is available to download here
Lung or Heart Disease: Guests suffering from cardiopulmonary disease which causes dyspnoea on walking more than 100m on the flat, or which has resulted in them requiring oxygen in hospital or at home (or in-flight previously) may require supplementary oxygen. The aircraft oxygen is for emergency use only. Guests with serious cardiopulmonary diseases and guests requesting continuous oxygen and the use of a stretcher should enclose a recent detailed medical report with their MEDIF requests.
Physical Disabilities: There is no need to complete the MEDIF form if you simply require a wheelchair as far as the aircraft door; the travel agent can indicate this when making your reservation. Note: Civil Aviation Rules require all passengers to be able to keep the aircraft seat with the seat back in the upright position when required.
Fractures: All guests with new long bone fractures and leg casts (the cast must be at least 48 hours old) require medical certificates. Plasters should be split for fresh injuries (48hours or less) which could swell inside the cast on a long flight. Extra leg room for leg elevation is not possible in economy class. Any guests who needs to keep his or her foot elevated should consider the benefit of booking in premium zones.
Arthritis: Any guest suffering from arthritis may travel without medical clearance as a non-meda case. However, if his or her ability to move is severely impaired, they must complete a 'MEDIF' form and submit this, together with their latest diagnosis report from the treating doctor, to their nearest Etihad Airways Reservation/Ticketing Office.
Artificial Limbs
Medical clearance is not required for guests who can use aircraft facilities on their own.
Blind Guests
Permanently blind guests are allowed to travel without medical clearance, but indications of their needs must be mentioned at the time of making the reservation. Groups would require special clearance.
Temporarily blind guests are advised to have a medical clearance through 'MEDIF'.
If a blind guest wishes to take his or her guide dog on the aircraft, he or she may contact any Etihad Airways Reservation and Ticketing Office for details. Dogs trained to lead the blind are accepted for carriage in the aircraft hold or cabin free of charge (country restrictions apply).
Deaf (Hearing Impaired) and Mute Guests
Deaf and Mute guests need not complete 'MEDIF'. However they can request for Meet and Assist service during the time of reservation.
Diabetics
Guests suffering from diabetes do not require medical clearance for travel on Etihad Airways. However, you may require special diets and treatment during travel. You should have a medical report from your doctor if you are carrying any medication or syringes in your hand luggage. This is to ensure that you do not have a problem with clearance at the security checks.
Medical clearance (through MEDIF) is required for unstable conditions.
Divers
Decompression sickness occurs if diving is followed immediately by travel to altitudes above sea level. Guests who have been deep-sea diving may be advised to delay their travel by 24 hours. Guests who have recently been suffering from, or are currently suffering from, decompression sickness will need to obtain medical clearance through 'MEDIF'.
Intellectual Deficiency: Intellectually deficient guests can travel on Etihad Airways if accompanied by an adult escort. A 'MEDIF' must be completed by the treating doctor and approved by the EAMC.
Siamese / Conjoined Twins: Siamese (or Conjoined) Twins are treated as special cases and their weights and ages will determine the seating. They are treated as one guest when the fare is applied to the ticket. Siamese / Conjoined twins need to obtain medical clearance through 'MEDIF' in order to travel with Etihad Airways.
Elderly Persons/ Senior Citizens
Elderly persons may request the use of a wheelchair because of their age or because they are not able to walk.
Special Meals
Special diets for religious or other medical reasons can be ordered direct from your travel agent without using this form. Please refer to our http://www.aeromedicgroup.com
Stretcher
Etihad Airways provides stretcher assistance to guests on all of our flights in Coral Economy Class. All stretcher cases must be escorted. The MEDIF must be completed and submitted, together with the diagnosis report, at least 72 hours before travel is due to commence.
Wheelchairs
Etihad Airways provides wheelchair assistance to our guests and the service is categorized as:
• Ramp Wheelchair - For guests who can climb steps and walk in the cabin.
• Step Wheelchair - For guests who cannot climb steps but can walk in the cabin.
• Cabin Wheelchair - For guests who cannot climb steps and cannot walk in the cabin.
Etihad Airways will accept guest’s own wheelchair as baggage without charge and in addition to the free baggage allowance provided that they operate with dry cell. Etihad aircraft (ordered after 13 May 2009 or delivered after 13 May 2010) operating to and from a U.S airport shall have a priority space in the cabin for stowage of one guest’s folding wheelchair. This space is available on first come, first serve basis.
Bassinets
Bassinets are available on all Etihad Airways aircrafts, but are limited in numbers and their availability depends upon the aircraft type. Limited numbers of bassinets are available onboard on a first-come, first-served basis and all requests must be made at least 24 hours prior to your travel date.
Bassinets can accommodate infants up to 10kg and/or 10months (exceptions are based on special requests from Etihad Medical Centre). Your infant’s own shawl or blanket and waterproof sheet should be used.
Dimensions of a baby bassinet:
Length - 29 inches
Width - 13 inches
Height - 8.5 inches
Bassinets are not available on Diamond First Class on Etihad Airways Aircraft, with the exception of A332 (33B) (config-12/24/180).
Medical Assistive Devices
The MEDIF form mentioned below is available to download here
The MEDIF and the diagnosis report must be submitted to the Etihad Airways Ticketing Office 72 hours before the travel is due to commence at the latest. Further investigation reports might be requested by the Etihad Medical Centre if required for assessment of the case.
The MEDIF should be completed based on guest’s condition within 10 days from the date of commencement of air travel. ETIHAD must be notified immediately of any change in the patient’s condition prior to travel. In the event of sudden change in the guest’s condition during the trip, we shall ask the guest to obtain another medical information form in order to confirm that they are fit to continue travelling by air.
Therapeutic Oxygen:
Guests who require oxygen or need to use their personal oxygen concentrator for travel on Etihad Airways require medical clearance for travel. This service must be requested at least 72 hours prior to departure. Etihad uses the “Zero 2 Plus” oxygen cylinder which is compatible with other medical equipment. For details and specifications please refer to the website of our provider http://www.aeromedicgroup.com
Etihad provides pulse dosed oxygen flow of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5 and 6LPM.
For Safety reasons, Etihad Airways does not provide Zero 2 Plus Oxygen cylinders to guests travelling on Pearl Business Zone expect on A319/320 aircrafts.
Portable Oxygen Concentrator
A portable oxygen concentrator (POC), also called a portable concentrator is a portable device used to provide oxygen therapy to a patient at substantially higher concentrations than the levels of ambient air; POC treats low oxygen levels in the blood. These devices may be carried on and used by a passenger on board an aircraft provided the aircraft operator ensures certain safety conditions and device(s)’ operating requirements are conformed to.
Note: Prior medical clearance through the MEDIF system is required (Etihad Medical Certificate).
Authorized/ Approved Brands
The following brands are FAA approved and authorized by GCAA to be used onboard
Etihad Aircraft:
• Inogen One
• AirSep LifeStyle
• AirSep FreeStyle with a DO 160 placard
• SeQual Eclipse
• Respironics EverGo
• Delphi RS-00400
• Invacare XPO2
If you are flying on a code share flight (operated by another carrier), please contact the operating carrier for all assistance. Etihad Airways cannot guarantee the service on other carriers not operated by Etihad.
Carriage and Usage
Portable Oxygen Concentrator device(s) may be carried on and used by a passenger on board an aircraft provided the following conditions are conformed to:
1. The device does not cause interference with electrical, navigation or communication equipment;
2. No smoking or open flame is permitted within 10 feet of any seat row where a person
is using a portable oxygen concentrator;
3. During taxi, take-off and landing, the unit must:
• Either be stowed under the seat in front of the user, or in another approved stowage location, so that it does not block the aisle way of the entryway into the row; or
• If it is to be operated by the user, be used only at a seat location that does not restrict any passenger’s access to, or any required emergency or regular exit, or the aisle(s) in the passenger compartment;
4. No person using a portable oxygen concentrator is permitted to sit in an exit row;
5. Whenever the pilot in command turns off the ‘Fasten Seat Belt’ sign, or otherwise signifies that permission is granted to move about the passenger cabin, passengers operating their portable oxygen concentrator may continue to operate it while moving about the cabin;
6. The user of the portable oxygen concentrator 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 and have the cognitive ability to take the appropriate action in response to the various caution and warning alarms and alarm light indicators, 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 Reservations Department that he or she intends to use a portable oxygen concentrator on board the aircraft and must allow the crew of the aircraft to review the contents of the physician’s statement.
• The user must have a written statement, to be kept in that person’s possession, signed by a licensed physician that:
i. States 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;
ii. States whether or not oxygen use is medically necessary for all or a portion of the duration of the trip; and
iii. Specifies the maximum oxygen flow rate corresponding to the pressure in the cabin of the aircraft under normal operating conditions.
• Only lotions or salves that are oxygen approved may be used by persons 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 on the flight 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; and
• The user must ensure that all portable oxygen concentrator batteries carried onboard the aircraft in carry-on baggage are protected from short circuit and are packaged in a manner that protects them from physical damage. Batteries protected from short circuit include:
(1) Those designed with recessed battery terminals; or
(2) Those packaged so that the battery terminals do not contact metal objects (including the battery terminals of other batteries).
When a battery-powered oxygen concentrator is carried onboard aircraft as carry-on baggage and is not intended to be used during the flight, the battery must be removed and packaged separately unless the oncentrator contains at least two effective protective features to prevent accidental operation during transport.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Devices (CPAP)
Positive airway pressure (PAP) is a method of respiratory ventilation used primarily in the treatment of sleep apnea, a disorder where the patient has noticeable deep snoring; this device eases breathing by opening airways during sleep. No prior medical clearance required.
Respirators/Ventilators
Respirator or Ventilator is a machine that mechanically assists someone who can not breathe by themselves; the device is usually connected by a tube in the neck (tracheotomy).
Carriage and Usage – CPAP and Respirators/ Ventilators
The device(s) may be carried on and used by a passenger on board an aircraft provided the following conditions are conformed to:
1. Prior medical clearance through the MEDIF system is required (Etihad Medical Certificate) for carriage of ventilators and respirators only.
2. The particular ventilator, respirator or continuous positive airway pressure device(s) must be labeled by the manufacturer to reflect that it has been tested to meet FAA requirements for medical portable electronic devices.
3. 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, over head stowage or secured against lateral and/or vertical movements.
4. The device(s) to be used only at a seat location that does not restrict any passenger’s access to, or any required emergency or regular exit, or the aisle(s) in the passenger compartment; and the user is not permitted to sit in an exit row.
5. The requirement to bring an adequate number of batteries to ensure that extra batteries carried onboard to power the device, are packaged in accordance with applicable safety regulations.
6. Check-in staff ensures the devices are in compliance with the above mentioned conditions.
Medical Certificate
Etihad Airways Medical Centre issues a Medical Certificate with approval, which is handed over to the guest through the respective Ticketing Office. Guests may be asked to show the certificate at any time during their trip and so are advised to keep this easily available. A separate MEDIF might be required for the return journey (as advised by Etihad Airways Medical Centre).
Please download MEDIF form by clicking here