Know Before You Go
Image by sandler482 from Pixabay
Reagan national airport. Image by sandler482 from Pixabay

Airline Medical Forms, MEDIF & Pregnancy Travel Certificates

Some airlines require a medical certificate, physician statement, Medical Information Form (MEDIF), or pregnancy fit-to-fly letter before allowing passengers to travel. This guide is designed especially for American and international travelers who may need medical clearance, oxygen support, wheelchair assistance, special seating, or pregnancy-related documentation.

Important: Airline medical rules change frequently. Always check directly with your airline before departure, especially if you have a recent illness, surgery, unstable medical condition, require oxygen, use medical equipment, or are travelling during late pregnancy.
MEDIF Forms Physician Certificate Pregnancy Travel Oxygen & CPAP Wheelchair Assistance Fit-to-Fly Letters

Common Reasons Airlines Request Medical Forms

Recent Surgery

Major surgery within the last few weeks may require airline approval.

Pregnancy

Many airlines request a medical certificate after 28 weeks or for multiple pregnancies.

Portable Oxygen

Passengers requiring oxygen often need a completed MEDIF and advance approval.

Wheelchair or Stretcher

Special medical assistance sometimes requires additional medical documentation.

Heart or Lung Disease

Recent heart attack, severe COPD, or unstable medical conditions may require clearance.

Medical Equipment

CPAP machines, ventilators and battery-powered medical devices often require advance notification.

Find Your Airline

Search by airline name, country, MEDIF, pregnancy form, medical certificate, oxygen, or special assistance.

Search the airline directory below.

Popular Airlines for American & North American Travelers

Start here if you are travelling from, to, or within the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Latin America.

Southwest Airlines

Pregnancy travel guidance; Southwest recommends consulting your physician before flying and advises against air travel beginning at the 38th week.

USAPregnancyTravel Advice

Southwest Pregnancy Policy

Aeromexico

Pregnancy medical certificate guidance for passengers travelling from week 33 onward or with high-risk pregnancy.

MexicoPregnancy CertificateInternational

Aeromexico Pregnant Passengers

International Airline MEDIF & Medical Clearance Forms

These airlines are commonly used by American and international travelers on long-haul routes. Use the official airline page whenever available, as PDF links may change.

Etihad Airways

MEDIF form and special assistance for passengers with medical needs, disabilities, or complicated pregnancy.

UAEMEDIFSpecial Assistance

Download Etihad MEDIF Form

ANA All Nippon Airways

MEDIF form for passengers requiring medical clearance or special medical assistance.

JapanMEDIF

Download ANA MEDIF

Singapore Airlines

MEDIF form for passengers requiring medical clearance, oxygen, stretcher, or other special medical arrangements.

SingaporeMEDIF

Download Singapore Airlines MEDIF

SWISS International Air Lines

Accessible travel and medical clearance form options for passengers requiring assistance.

SwitzerlandSAF/MEDIF

SWISS Accessible Travel Form

LATAM Airlines

MEDIF form for passengers requiring medical clearance or assistance on Latin America routes.

Latin AmericaMEDIF

Download LATAM MEDIF

Airline Pregnancy Travel Forms & Policies

Pregnancy rules vary by airline, week of pregnancy, single versus multiple pregnancy, complications, route, and destination. Many airlines require a medical certificate after 28–36 weeks or earlier for high-risk pregnancy.

Pregnancy Travel Tip: Carry a doctor or midwife letter in English for international travel. It should usually include your estimated due date, pregnancy week, whether the pregnancy is single or multiple, confirmation of no complications, and fitness to fly.

Before You Submit a MEDIF

  • Check timing: Some airlines require MEDIF submission 48–72 hours before departure.
  • Use English: International airlines often require medical forms or certificates in English.
  • Include full itinerary: Forms may need outbound, return, and connecting flight details.
  • Carry copies: Bring printed and digital copies of your certificate or approved MEDIF.
  • Reconfirm codeshares: If your flight is operated by another airline, that airline’s rules may apply.
Medical Disclaimer Requirements differ between airlines and may change without notice. Always use the official airline links on this page to confirm the latest medical documentation requirements before travelling. Traveler-Health.com provides educational travel health information and is not affiliated with any airline.