Aerospace Medicine

In-flight Medical Assistance

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 rushing to catch flights and transporting heavy luggage can pose considerable health risks to certain individuals. Mayo Clinic aerospace medicine specialists offer counseling and appropriate testing to travelers to reduce safety risks.

In addition, Mayo Aerospace Medicine works with Mayo Clinic Medical Transport to support Mayo Clinic Preferred Response, a program that offers expert consultation to flight crews while in flight.