FROM CHEST PAINS TO SORE EARS... WHEN YOU REALLY SHOULDN’T FLY

DO NOT ignore signs of ill health before flying, medical experts warn.

As well as being out of reach of hospital, doctors say the change in pressure during a flight can be dangerous to those with underlying health conditions. GPs will advise people who have had a stroke or heart attack in the previous two months not to fly.

Likewise, anyone who is experiencing chest pains and breathlessness should see a doctor before flying. Women who are more than 36 weeks pregnant, or 32 weeks with multiple pregnancies, are generally not allowed by commercial airlines to travel due to the risk of an unexpected birth while in the air. Those suffering from ear or sinus infections are also advised not to fly.

According to Dr David Strain, the length of a flight is important. ‘When you fly long distances overseas, the plane cruises at really high altitudes, to the point where the pressure is akin to standing at the top of a mountain.’

Experts say too many people ignore health issues when flying. ‘People just want to get home or don’t want to miss a hotel reservation,’ says Dr Paulo Alves, global medical director of aviation health at remote health support firm MedAire. ‘That can sometimes be a dangerous decision. Flying is not a threat to your health, but your underlying condition can be.’