Can you fly with a broken bone?

Is it safe to fly with a broken bone?

Typically, it is safe to fly with a broken bone. However, it is important to consult with a doctor before you board a plane. Flying with a broken bone will not cause alarming dangers, but there are a few elements (like pain and swelling) to be mindful of.

Does it hurt to fly with a broken bone?

Flying with a broken bone will almost certainly make the pain worse. This is because when your body experiences altitude changes at a rapid pace (for example when flying), your body swells due to peripheral edema (the accumulation of fluid trapped in the body’s tissues). You may have noticed swelling in your hands, face, and legs during or after flights. This condition is typically harmless. However, if you add a broken bone to the equation, this can become a problem. Indeed, swelling can cause increased pain and discomfort, and in extreme cases blood clots and highly reduced blood flow.

Can you fly with a cast?

Flying with a plaster cast can lead to increased complications. The swelling still occurs, but with the physical barrier, your body can’t stretch in a comfortable and safe way, causing increased pain. If the swelling is severe, flying with a cast can lead to a medical emergency known as compartment syndrome which occurs when dangerous pressure buildup in the muscles cuts off blood flow to the affected area. Besides extremely painful, if untreated in a timely manner, the damage can be permanent. This may result in needing to split the cast before your body has time to heal, or when possible, switching to a splint in order to allow for swelling. 

How long is it recommended to wait to fly after fitting a cast?

After getting a cast fit, it is recommended to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before boarding a plane. 24 hours is recommended for flights of less than 2h, and 48 hours is recommended for longer flights. If the flight is urgent, your cast will need to be split to allow expansion of your limb to accommodate for the extra pressure from flying. This split will need to run the entire length of the cast to be viable for flying.

Can I go through airport security with a cast?

Yes, you can go through airport security with a cast. However, you should expect extra attention from the airport security staff, as they need to take the precaution of checking your cast for potential hidden items. This extra screening can include more extensive screening, hand-held metal detector screening and swabbing of your cast and hands for illicit materials. It is therefore recommended to be patient and cooperative, so as to avoid any unnecessary stress!

Do you need to buy more seats when flying with a cast?

Some airlines (typically budget airlines) require you to buy more than one seat if you have a full leg cast, such as Ryanair, that require you to buy 3 seats. If your leg is broken, you may need to consider booking an extra seat to keep it elevated as this will help control swelling.

In any case, it is always a good idea to inform the airline you are flying with about your medical condition. They need to be aware of when your broken bone occurred, if you have a cast, and if so, when the cast was fitted. Some airlines do not accept flyers that had their casts fit within a day of the flight. Furthermore, contacting the airline allows them to accommodate your needs and anticipate potential special assistance needs, such as wheelchair service. If you have a broken leg, it is also beneficial to contact your airline as leg casts require more space, and you may need to arrange for better seating. Ideally, a seat at the front of the plane, with extra legroom would be good to accommodate for a leg cast. A seat where you can try to move around is also good, as long periods of immobility can also cause increased discomfort, therefore an aisle seat is also preferable to easily get up and sit down for short walks. 

Tips for flying with a broken bone

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  Before flying, consult your doctor. It may be typically safe to fly with broken bones, but your doctor may recommend a different course of action.

• If your cast was applied within 48 hours of your flight, a split cast should be considered. This is when the cast is cut lengthwise to relieve potential pressure, allowing your limb to swell without restrictions.
• A tip to help reduce swelling is to keep hydrated. Dehydration causes more severe swelling, which in the case of broken bones can be harmful. Keep a refillable water bottle with you, and avoid alcoholic drinks, as these exacerbate dehydration. If electrolytes are available in a shop nearby, they would also be good to keep on hand.
• Keep some pain medication on you (as recommended by your medical practitioner) to keep the pain in check, as well as snacks and other essentials to minimise the need to move around too much (especially within the airport). If you are travelling alone, perhaps ask your neighbour to help you if you have trouble opening any items.
• If you start to feel extreme discomfort or pain, alert a flight attendant as they are trained to deal with medical situations and can help minimise pain.

Do I need to declare a broken bone on my travel insurance?

Yes it is always recommended to declare your broken bone for your travel insurance. Failing to do so may invalidate you for certain claims. Indeed, failing to declare it may result in you covering all the costs of unforeseen treatments during your trip, should something happen. Furthermore, declaring your injury allows for your insurance to determine the premium you receive with your insurance.

Final Thoughts: Can I travel with a broken bone?

Short answer: yes. However, be mindful of the potential complications when flying with a broken bone, and always consult a medical practitioner before flying with this type of injury, specifically if you have had a cast fit. Be aware of the swelling that occurs during flights, and its impact on your fracture or break. Contact your airline to accommodate for your condition, and plan for potentially necessary extra seats (in case of a broken leg). Always declare broken bones on your travel insurance to ensure that any potential complications are covered by your insurance during your trip.

Flight delayed or cancelled?

Under EU and UK law, you could claim up to €600 per passenger if your flight was delayed by 3+ hours or cancelled less than 14 days before departure — as long as the airline was at fault (not due to things like bad weather). You may have up to 6 years to make a claim.
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