AIR TRAVEL

Has anyone ever been asked to obtain a letter from their doctor for fitness to fly, because of having a pacemaker.

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Thanks for comments for further information I have booked a holiday 24/1/20 to Tenerife from Cardiff. This will be 6th time since June 2017, same hotel. I can't do aircraft steps  due to arthritis, knee and hip replacement and waiting for further knee replacement. Also have 12 stents fitted. Very infrequent angina. Travel insurance ok only requirement is fit to travel note on your medical notes. Requested and given assistance at airport no problem previously until this time. Always disclosed full medical condition.Fuss pot now  says I need fit to fly letter from doctor as security may refuse me at gate.Written on booking form.

Waiting a reply from TUI to complaint made. Letter will cost £50.

 

 

6 Comments

No

by AgentX86 - 2019-11-25 12:19:49

It took a month to get all the paperwork done to get an MRI but flying? How would they know?

No

by Tracey_E - 2019-11-25 12:33:12

Who's asking?? We get an id card to use at security but newer pacemakers can go right through both the metal detectors and the 3D scanners. In 25 years of being paced, and I fly about once a month, I've never needed the id card. 

papers please

by ROBO Pop - 2019-11-26 14:01:08

Nah, if you die during the flight they just charge you an excess baggage weight fee which can be pretty stiff...get it?

 

The doctor says I can

by Gotrhythm - 2019-11-26 14:45:10

No, and I really can't imagine what would be going on for someone to ask this question.

Let's assume you DID need a note from your doctor. Who do you think you would be asking for it? Who would you have to show it to? How would they know you have a pacemaker and so they need to ask?

Or do you imagine walking into an airport, waving your doctor's letter, and yelling "I can fly--I can fly!"

All I can imagine is that someone, who doesn't want you to fly, told you you couldn't and gave the excuse that you didn't have a doctor's permission.

Let us be clear. To fly commercially in the US, no matter who you are or what your condition is, all you need is an ID and a ticket. To fly outside the US you will need a passport and a ticket.

If you are looking for an excuse not to fly--sorry. A pacemaker puts so few limitations on us that  it's fundamentally worthless as an excuse.

But if you want to claim you can't vaccuum or rake leaves because you have a pacemaker, go for it. :-)  I'll even lie and back you up. Be warned, though. In a very short while you will be caught malingering since it will be obvious to everyone that you are able do anything you want to.

travel insurance

by dwelch - 2019-11-27 14:18:43

Is this specifically a travel insurance thing?

Perhaps there are some countries with folks that dont understand pacemakers, but I have not heard of this.  Makes no sense whatsoever.

 

YIKES!

by Gotrhythm - 2019-11-28 15:11:29

I didn't know such a thing could happen.

Who is the fussbot? The insurance, or someone else?

Like you I require assistance and have always gotten it without any trouble. I don't doubt that some people take advantage of the service, but I've never had to prove I was entitled.

50 pounds for a letter from your doctor? YIKES!

You know you're wired when...

You always have something close to your heart.

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Since I got my pacemaker, I don't pass out anymore! That's a blessing in itself.