Aerospace Medicine

In-flight Medical Assistance

A number of factors should be considered when flying, especially for individuals with chronic medical conditions. Mayo Clinic offers consultations for commercial and general aviation travelers who may require special assistance or planning prior to embarking on a flight. At normal cruising altitudes, passengers will encounter atmospheric environments equivalent to 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level, even with cabin pressurization. This may result in clinically significant hypoxia for some people, especially those with prior respiratory ailments. The stress of close connections and musculoskeletal movements required in arriving at the airport and transporting luggage could pose considerable health risks to certain individuals. Mayo Clinic aerospace medicine specialists offer counseling and appropriate testing to these travelers to reduce safety risks.

In addition, Mayo Aerospace Medicine works with Mayo Clinic Medical Transport to support Mayo Clinic Executive Travel Response, a program that offers expert consultation to flight crews while in flight. For example, Mayo Clinic provides consultations for Northwest Airlines, as well as for NetJets, the largest private fractional share ownership airline in the world.