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Medical equipment and oxygen

At airBaltic, we know that travelling with medical needs can take extra planning. We’re here to help you feel safe, supported, and ready – from booking your flight to landing at your destination.

Planning your flightAt the airportDuring the flightAfter the flight

Planning your flight

Do I need medical clearance before flying?

Some passengers need permission from airBaltic before they can fly. This is called medical clearance. You need to get it if you:

  • Have a contagious illness
  • Need special medical care or equipment during the flight
  • Have a condition that could get worse in the air
  • Can’t sit upright in a normal seat
  • Have a full leg cast or a fused knee

To get medical clearance, ask your doctor to fill out a Medical Information Form and send it to airBaltic at least 2 working days before your flight.

NB! If you have cerebral palsy, you don’t need to fill out a form or get clearance.

Personal medical devices

If you're bringing medical equipment like a portable oxygen concentrator CPAP, POC, nebulizer, or automated external defibrillator AED, here’s what to know:

  • You must tell airBaltic at least 48 hours before your flight
  • Devices must fit carry-on size: 55x40x23 cm
  • Devices must be battery-powered – no charging is available on board
  • You can bring up to 2 batteries in your hand luggage
  • Devices can usually be used during the flight – not during takeoff or landing
  • You can bring one extra carry-on bag for medical equipment, free of charge, if you have a doctor’s note
  • You must include a detailed description of the device and any batteries it uses when notifying airBaltic. This information is mandatory for approval. Not all types of batteries are permitted in the cabin, and we need to review the specifications and battery capacity in advance

Onboard medical oxygen

airBaltic provides oxygen for free, but you must:

  • Let us know at least 2 working days before your flight
  • Send us a Medical Information Form from your doctor showing how much oxygen you need
  • Plan ahead for oxygen at the airport or during layovers (we only provide oxygen on the plane)
  • Travel with a qualified medical personnel, if you need oxygen during the flight

Who can travel with you

If you need help during the flight, you must be accompanied by a capable assistant. This person can be a nurse, doctor, or any other responsible adult, depending on your medical condition and needs. This person:

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Can’t need help themselves (no reduced mobility)
  • Can’t also take care of another passenger (like a baby or another person needing assistance)
  • Must sit next to you on the plane
  • The standard ticket terms apply.

Seat assignment

You’ll be given a seat that is not next to an emergency exit. If you’re travelling with a medical personnel, we’ll do our best to seat you together.

At the airport

Assistance on the ground

Let us know in advance if you need help at the airport. Airport staff can assist with:

  • Boarding and deplaning
  • Getting to your connecting gate

Please note: We cannot provide full-time monitoring at the gate. If medical supervision is needed, you must travel with a qualified personnel.

Security Checks

All passengers must go through airport security.

If needed, security staff can do a manual check instead of using machines.

During the flight

Cabin crew support

Our cabin crew is here to help, but there are some things they cannot do:

  • They can’t feed you, help with personal hygiene, or give medicine
  • They can’t lift or carry passengers
  • They can help you walk to and from the toilet (but won’t carry you)

If you need help with any of the above, bring a medical personnel with you.

Our aircraft staff are trained to recognize life-threatening situations and administer first aid until medical assistance arrives. They know basic life-saving algorithms (such as CPR - cardiopulmonary resuscitation), how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and how to help in sudden illness, injury or other acute situations.

Medication Tips

  • Keep your medicines in your carry-on bag, not in checked baggage
  • Bring a doctor’s note (in English) for all medication or syringes
  • If your medicine needs to stay cold, bring a cooling bag or thermos – there are no fridges on board.

After the flight

Aftercare and health considerations

After air travel, especially if you’ve used in-flight oxygen or other support:

  • Check your health status: If you experience any changes in symptoms or feel unwell, contact a medical professional immediately.
  • Stay hydrated and rest: Cabin air is dry and travel can be physically demanding. Drink fluids and take time to recover.

Airport support on arrival

If you’ve requested assistance for your arrival airport, airBaltic will coordinate with local ground services to help you:

  • Exit the aircraft safely and comfortably
  • Reach your next mode of transportation (e.g., connecting gate)
  • Navigate customs and baggage claim (when available)

Please note: While our team will assist with mobility support on the ground, we do not provide medical supervision after the flight. If ongoing care is needed, ensure a qualified person is travelling with you.

FAQ