Important Patient Notice: Fit-to-Fly, Sports Fitness Letters & Flying Medication
To ensure safe and consistent care, our GPs do not provide the following:
1. Fit-to-Fly Certificates
We are unable to issue letters confirming that a patient is “fit to fly.” Airlines have their own medical forms and procedures, and they are best placed to assess what is required for travel.
2. Fitness Letters for Extreme or High-Risk Sports
Our clinicians cannot provide letters stating you are medically fit to undertake activities such as:
scuba diving
skydiving
marathon or endurance events
other extreme or high-risk sports
Specialist assessments are usually required for these activities, and providers often have their own medical processes.
3. Benzodiazepines for Flying
We no longer prescribe benzodiazepines (such as diazepam, lorazepam, or similar medications) for use during flights. This is due to safety concerns, including:
increased risk of blood clots on long flights
reduced awareness during emergencies
breathing difficulties at high altitude
dependency and other side effects
Airlines recommend alternative strategies for managing flight anxiety, such as structured breathing techniques, psychological support, and fear-of-flying courses.
If you need documentation for travel or sports providers, please check their specific requirements and seek advice from the relevant PRIVATE specialist or organisation. Hathaway Medical Centre cannot advise you on these.