Aerospace Medical Association Updates Air Travel Guidelines for People with Epilepsy

Posted: June 30, 2003

The Aerospace Medical Association has recently revised the epilepsy section of their Medical Guidelines for Airline Travel in a manner consistent with the Epilepsy Foundation's recommendations and guidelines.

While the organization didn't accept all of the Foundation's recommendations, it did revise the first paragraph to state that, in general, there is no reason why a person with epilepsy cannot fly. Though the change is short in length, it marks substantial progress. It reads:

"In general, most patients with epilepsy can fly safely. However, patients with uncontrolled, frequent seizures should be cautioned about air travel including the attendant risk of limited medical care capability inflight. Individuals with seizures sufficiently frequent to cause immediate concern should consider traveling with a companion…"

Previously the Aerospace Medical Association had recommended that no travel at all be allowed if someone had frequent or uncontrollable seizures and required a companion if seizures were less frequent.

The guidelines have also been revised to make clear that people with frequent or uncontrollable seizures should be cautioned about the risks of flying given the limited access to medical treatment on board, and that if seizures are severe, the individual should consider flying with a companion. These guidelines are consistent with the Epilepsy Foundation's air travel guidelines.

In the past, private airlines have used the previous guidelines to deny passage or seriously delay the travel of passengers with epilepsy. Because the airlines showed a good faith effort to obtain medical advice, there was little recourse for the passenger. The Epilepsy Foundation hopes that airlines will revise their policies in light of this change in the guidelines, thereby enabling more air travelers with epilepsy to enjoy their right to travel free of discrimination.

For information about federal anti-discrimination law, the right to travel, and tips for ensuring your passage is a safe one, see our fact sheet.