Too Sick to Fly? What to Do If You Get Sick Before Your Flight

You’ve booked your flight, packed your bags—and then it happens: you get sick just days or even hours before takeoff. Whether it’s the flu, food poisoning, or something more serious, flying while unwell isn’t just uncomfortable—it can sometimes be dangerous and may even get you denied boarding depending on airline policies and health regulations.

The good news? You have options to protect your health and your wallet. This guide explains what to do if you’re too sick to fly, how to avoid losing your fare, and the steps you can take to rebook or get a refund.

5-Step Quick Checklist

• Check airline policies — Review ticket rules and health restrictions.
• Call the airline — Notify them early for the best rebooking or refund options.
• Provide medical proof — Doctor’s notes or test results can help.
• Look for insurance coverage — Credit cards and travel policies may reimburse costs.
• Prioritize recovery — Your flight can wait; your health cannot.

1. Should You Fly While Sick?

Flying with mild symptoms (like a mild cold or allergies) is generally allowed. However, airlines can deny boarding to passengers who appear visibly ill, especially if there’s a concern about contagious illnesses.

Avoid flying if you:

• Have a fever of 100.4°F / 38°C or higher.
• Experience vomiting, severe diarrhea, or intense pain.
• Have a diagnosed contagious illness (e.g., flu, COVID-19, measles).
• Are unable to wear a mask (if required) due to respiratory issues.

Tip: Not only can flying sick be risky for your health, but it also puts fellow passengers at risk. When in doubt, consult both your doctor and the airline.

2. Contact the Airline Immediately

If you know you’re too sick to fly, call the airline as soon as possible—ideally before your flight departs. Acting early improves your chances of avoiding fees.

Depending on your ticket type and the airline’s policy, you might receive:

• Waived change or cancellation fees.
• A travel credit for future use.
• Free rebooking, especially if you provide a doctor’s note.

Documentation the airline may request:

• Doctor’s note verifying illness.
• COVID-19 or other test results.
• Hospital or pharmacy records.

Pro Tip: The sooner you notify the airline, the more flexible they can be with rebooking or credits.

3. Check Your Fare Rules and Refund Options

Not all tickets are refundable, but many provide partial credits or rebooking options if you cancel before departure.

Refund Options by Fare Type

Fare Type	Refund or Credit Options
Basic Economy	Usually none; some allow credits with fees.
Main Cabin/Standard	Credit or change option (may require documentation).
Flexible/Refundable	Full refund or free rebooking.

Tip: If you booked through a third-party site like Expedia, you’ll likely need to process cancellations directly with them, not the airline.

4. Check Travel Insurance or Credit Card Coverage

Travel insurance or premium credit cards often cover trip cancellations due to illness. Coverage may include:

• Reimbursement for non-refundable flights or hotels.
• Trip interruption benefits.
• Medical coverage if you fall ill abroad.

Action Step: Review your travel insurance policy or credit card perks to see if you’re covered. Keep receipts and medical documents for proof.

External Resource: The U.S. Travel Insurance Association offers helpful guidance on travel insurance benefits.

5. Reschedule Instead of Canceling (If Possible)

Most major airlines now allow one free flight change—a policy introduced during the pandemic. If you want to keep your trip but delay it:

• Request a rebooking for a later date (up to one year from the ticket issue date on many airlines).
• Be aware of fare differences that may apply.
• Ask for a waiver code if the airline requires it to bypass change fees.

Pro Tip: Rebooking rather than canceling often saves you from losing the value of your ticket.

6. What If You Show Up Sick at the Airport?

If you arrive visibly sick, gate agents or airline staff may:

• Deny you boarding for safety reasons.
• Request a doctor’s note or test result.
• Offer to rebook your flight or issue a credit.

Tip: Airlines prefer to avoid medical emergencies mid-flight. Being upfront about your illness may actually work in your favor when negotiating a future credit.

Tips to Avoid Losing Money When Sick

• Purchase travel insurance when booking flights, especially for expensive trips.
• Choose flexible tickets when possible.
• Book directly with the airline for simpler policy management.
• Sign up for airline alerts to easily rebook if illness affects your plans.

Steps for Sick Travelers

Step	Why It Matters
Notify the airline	Early notice increases options.
Provide documentation	Supports refunds or credits.
Check ticket rules	Refunds depend on fare type.
Use insurance	May cover lost travel expenses.
Prioritize health	Avoid risking severe illness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can airlines deny boarding if I’m sick?
Yes. Airlines can refuse boarding to passengers who are visibly ill, particularly if they suspect a contagious disease.

Will I lose all my money if I cancel due to illness?
Not necessarily. Depending on your fare type, airline policy, and documentation, you may get a refund, travel credit, or free rebooking.

Does travel insurance cover illness before a flight?
Most travel insurance policies cover cancellations due to verified illness. You’ll need a doctor’s note or other proof.

What if I test positive for COVID-19 before my flight?
Most airlines allow rebooking or full credit if you provide proof of a positive test. Some waive change fees in these cases.

Final Thoughts

Getting sick before a flight can feel like a travel disaster, but it doesn’t have to derail your plans—or your finances. By acting quickly, providing proper documentation, and understanding your airline’s rules, you can often rebook or secure credits with minimal hassle.

Your health should come first. Don’t risk flying sick—airlines and insurance providers are often willing to work with you when you communicate early.