Advance notice and medical approval

View medical approval and advance notice requirements for itineraries between Canada and the US.

For all other itineraries:
You must provide at least 48 hours’ advance notice (72 hours for certain destinations ) and contact Air Canada Reservations to obtain medical approval before travel if one of the conditions below applies to you. We will also make a reasonable effort to accommodate any requests made within 48 hours.

Allergies to cats/dogs (severe)

You are severely allergic to cats or dogs and would like to request a buffer zone in order to help avoid the risk of exposure.

Allergies to peanuts or nuts (severe)

You have a severe allergy to peanuts or nuts and would like to request a buffer zone in order to help avoid the risk of exposure.

Although medical approval is not required for severe allergies to peanuts or nuts, please provide at least 48 hours’ advance notice to the Air Canada Medical Assistance Desk (see contact information below), regardless of your itinerary, if you wish to request a buffer zone.

Anaemia

You have severe anaemia (hemoglobin level below 90 g/L).

Attendant

You are travelling with an attendant.

  • Your attendant must be 16 years of age or older and capable of assisting you with your personal and physical needs during the flight.

Cast or recent fracture

You have recently suffered a major fracture (for example, to your spine or pelvis).

A cast was placed on a part of your body within 48 hours of your scheduled flight.

  • Your cast must be bivalved.

Cognitive or medical impairment

You have a cognitive or medical impairment (for example, Down syndrome, Alzheimer's disease).

  • We offer a Service for Unaccompanied Adult Requiring Assistance. You may need to travel with an attendant. Contact Air Canada Reservations for more information.

Epilepsy / seizures

You have had a seizure within 4 weeks of your scheduled flight.

Heart / lung disease

You have chronic obstructive lung disease (for example, emphysema) or a chronic heart condition.

  • A change in cabin pressure at high altitude may worsen your medical condition

Infant

You are travelling with an infant aged 7 days or less, a premature infant, or an infant less than 12 months old with a significant medical condition, who has recently undergone medical treatment.

Infectious / contagious disease

You have an infectious or contagious disease (for example, tuberculosis or chicken pox) that could pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others on your flight.

Major medical incident

You have suffered from a recent major medical incident (for example, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, respiratory failure).

Medical equipment

You require the use of battery-powered medical equipment (for example, CPAP/BPAP machine) or another type of medical device during the flight.

Medical incident on board a previous flight

You have had an incident on board a previous flight or at the airport and may require medical attention.

Obesity, disability caused by

You are disabled by obesity.

  • View special seating information.

Oxygen

You require medical oxygen or need to use an approved Personal Oxygen Concentrator.

Surgery

You have undergone surgery (for example, appendectomy or gall bladder surgery) within 2 weeks of your scheduled flight.

Thrombophlebitis (D.V.T. – deep venous thrombosis)

You have had thrombophlebitis (i.e. blood clots in your veins) in the 2 weeks preceding your scheduled flight.

Unaccompanied minor with a medical problem

You are an unaccompanied minor and have a medical problem. You may need to travel with an attendant.

  • View important information if it is determined that your child must travel with an attendant.

Unstable medical condition

You suffer from an unstable medical condition, either physical or psychological.

Vision and hearing impairment, severe

You have both a severe hearing and a severe vision impairment but wish to travel without an attendant because you feel you have sufficient residual hearing and/or residual vision to be able to receive and understand safety instructions.

To contact the Air Canada Medical Assistance Desk

Phone:
1-800-667-4732 (Toll-free between Canada and the U.S.)
1-514-369-7039 (long distance charges apply)

Hours of operation (Eastern Time):
Monday to Friday: 6am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday: 6am to 6pm

Important

Even if your situation does not require advance notice and medical approval, but you feel you need special assistance at the airport or in flight, please let us know in advance. Contact Air Canada Reservations and we’ll make sure your needs are met.