AVOID AN IN-FLIGHT EMERGENCY

Know when you shouldn’t go.

In-flight emergencies can be difficult to predict and more difficult to avoid. Generally, you should avoid flying if you’re sick, recovering from a serious illness or have a condition that is easily exacerbated by the stress of flying, according to medical experts.

Don’t fly if you’re contagious.

If you think you might have an infectious disease, stay home. Airlines will issue a credit and may waive the change fee if you can prove you were sick at the time you were supposed to fly. Boarding a flight while you’re contagious can spread disease.

Avoid flights that could divert.

Some flights are likelier to experience a medical emergency than others, particularly those to destinations that tend to attract retirees or passengers in poor health. Flights to Las Vegas, Miami and Fort Lauderdale may fall into that category. It’s still not a large percentage of flights, but these routes have encountered their share.