Frequently asked questions: Health

You can travel on a SWISS flight until the end of the 36th week of pregnancy or four weeks before the predicted date of delivery. If you are expecting a multiple birth and your pregnancy is progressing without complications, you may fly until the end of the 32nd week of your pregnancy. You will find further information on this topic under Health guide.

Discuss your trip with your doctor in advance. He or she will be able to tell you whether you need to take an additional dose of insulin with you or should use a lower dose, and whether you should have an additional meal. Important: Please present a valid prescription for insulin when you go through the security check. You will find further information on this topic under Health guide.

If people sit for long periods of time without moving around, there is a risk of blood clotting in the veins. To prevent thrombosis, drink plenty during the flight, move around as much as you can, and stretch and bend your legs frequently. Patients who are at risk of a DVT should seek medical advice before travelling.

Ask your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before traveling whether you require any particular vaccinations for your destination. The same applies to any other necessary precautions. 

Be especially careful if you are acutely ill or have recently had surgery. Traveling by air is physically tiring. Postpone your flight if you do not think you can handle it at the moment. We advise passengers with acute illnesses or who have recently had surgery to ask a doctor to check them and confirm their Medical clearance to fly in advance. You will find further information on this topic under Health guide.

In the following cases (this list is not exhaustive) you need a medical certificate (MEDIF Form) to confirm that you are fit to fly:

a) If you need to be transported on a stretcher.
b) If you require oxygen during the flight for medical reasons.
c) If the state of your health causes concern as to whether you will survive the flight safely and without additional medical assistance.
d) If you are suffering from a contagious disease or infection that presents a direct risk to the health and safety of the other passengers.

For further information on this topic and other situations when you need to carry a medical certificate with you, please refer to Health and Travel 

You will find information on how to deal with jetlag in our tips for your flight.

We know that some passengers are allergic to nuts. We do serve nut products, and there may be traces of unspecified nut ingredients in any of our meals and snacks. We make no provisions to be nut-free. It is also possible that other passengers might bring nuts on board with them. We are therefore unable to guarantee a nut-free environment on a SWISS-operated flight. We recommend that you consider the extent of your allergies and other health-related problems, and then decide whether air travel is the right choice for you in view of your allergic reactions.