Restrictions for air travel

Hello. I had my PM implanted on Dec 16, 2015. I need to go back to my workplace which is a one-hour plane ride from where I am now. When is it advisable to take this plane ride? Will the altitude have any effect on the PM? Are the airlines ok with passengers who had this surgery for less than a month? Thank you so much for your help. Btw, I am female, 61 y/o with a stressful managerial job.

6 Comments

Hi

by Bionic Beat - 2016-01-02 05:01:02

Call one or both the airline and your doctor. The airline might want medical clearance that soon after implantation and the doc will know if it's advisable.

Also, if you are changing geographical areas such as borders, make sure you have medical coverage just in case of emergency.

Don't forget to carry your pacemaker card and do NOT let them wand you at the airport. You may need a physical pat down to maintain your pm settings.

Take it easy with your stressful job.

wear a sling

by silver star - 2016-01-02 06:01:17

I traveled 5 weeks after surgery and wore a sling so the airline knew I couldn't raise my left arm. No matter what I always end up with a pat down anyway. The pacemaker is a piece of cake compared to air travel with a Zoll Vest, and that company isn't very helpful. The Zoll vest was a nightmare to travel with.

flying is ok

by Tracey_E - 2016-01-02 06:01:47

There are people who fly to another city to have their surgery then return home a day or two later. Juggling luggage will be the challenge, not flying itself. Altitude has no impact on the pacer, but even if it did the cabins are pressurized. Oaktree has a great idea to wear the sling. You don't really need it, but it will reduce explanations and make people more careful about bumping you.

Flying is no problem

by Hairy - 2016-01-02 09:01:41

You should have no problem flying. For your own worries, I would follow whatever guidelines your doc gave you. I currently fly cross country every week or so. Both domestically and internationally, I have never had to display my pacemaker card.

In the US, I either go through the larger scanner (full body scanner where you hold your hands above your head). With a pacemaker, you should not go through the smaller scanners that basically detect metal. If a full body scanner is not available, tell them that you have a pacemaker and they will pat you down. In Europe, full body scanners are often not available and they willingly pat you down.

Still check before flying...

by Bionic Beat - 2016-01-02 11:01:26

Hi again,

The pacemaker is not the problem. The short time between implant and flight OR the type of heart condition you have may be problematic.


Please call your doctor or the airline for proper information.

The cabins are not fully pressurized and the in cabin oxygen saturation levels are often only at 90% which is not enough for some cardiac issues and can leave you mildly hypoxic.

Once fully healed, most....most people are fine to travel with implanted devices. But, not all.....

Hope you are fine for clearance.

Can someone address cabin pressure some more?

by mick655 - 2016-03-10 12:03:06

I have not flown since 2011 -- PM implant year. This is the first I've heard of potential cabin pressure issues, from Bionic Beat.

Can someone with knowledge of electro biophysics and airplane cabin pressure address this?

Thanks! I just got an airline ticket for my birthday. :- \

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My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.