Blog Banner
Divider

United Airlines Sick Travel Guide: Policies, Medical Certificates & Support

United Airlines Sick Travel Guide: Policies, Medical Certificates & Support

July 02, 2025

united airlines passengers sick

If you have been physically ill from a permanent disease, infectious disease, or just a normal viral infection, and have to take a flight for medical assistance, a family visit, or any other emergency. With United Airlines, you can travel with fewer restrictions and lots of facilities. In this blog, we will discuss the United Airlines passenger sick regulations in detail. And get detailed knowledge about this policy. Read this policy and get all the answers to travel smoothly.

What are United Airlines' passenger sick regulations?

While traveling with United Airlines, sick passengers have to follow these specific regulations. These regulations are applied to make sure that the sick passenger is safe and that the other passengers and crew members are also safe. Here are the regulations to follow:

  • Passengers suffering from a transferable disease must provide a medical certificate within 48 hours of the flight.
  • If you require any special assistance, please provide advance notice to the airline.
  • Airlines' staff can deny boarding to passengers who are sick under certain conditions.
  • Pregnant women have to provide a medical certificate to fly if they are 36 weeks pregnant or have a high-risk pregnancy.

What are the requirements for a medical certificate?

The passengers who have any transferable disease or are in a condition where they can’t complete a flight without needing proper medical assistance, have to provide a medical certificate. Here are the requirements:

  • The medical certificate must be issued within 10 days of the initial flight.
  • This certificate will contain an assurance from the doctor that the passenger can travel the full flight without needing any urgent medical care.
  • Additionally, any device or assistance that the crew or travel companion must be aware of for the journey.

In which cases can airlines deny boarding?

United Airlines passengers sick policy provides that the airline can deny boarding of passengers in these scenarios:

  • If they feel that your health will be affected during the flight and can interrupt the flight, they can deny your boarding.
  • They can also deny your boarding if there is a chance that your disease can spread and affect other passengers or crew.
  • If the passengers haven’t submitted the medical document on time.

Special assistance:

United Airlines passengers sick rules state that if any passenger needs special assistance on board the flight, they have to inform the airline before. Here are some of the services you can get on a flight:

  • Passengers can ask for a preferred seat or book two seats for themselves.
  • If you require wheelchair service, it is available both on board the flight and at the airport. They have an onboard wheelchair, which can help you access the lavatory, an airport wheelchair, and an aisle wheelchair, which will help you in getting into or out of your seat.
  • If you want to carry medical oxygen onboard, please inform the airlines beforehand, and they will make the necessary preparations for it.
  • If you need to bring your service animal for your assistance, you are allowed to bring it, but make sure it is trained.
  • You are allowed to carry portable oxygen concentrators if they follow the FAA guidelines.
  • If you are suffering from any cognitive or invisible disability, you will definitely receive help from our agents; ensure to buy a non-stop flight, reach the airport on time, and reach out to the United agents if you feel stuck.
  • Passengers can bring medical equipment like a portable dialysis machine, ventilator, respirator, CPAP machine, or any other equipment with them. However, the equipment must meet FAA guidelines.

Tips while traveling:

  • According to United Airlines, passengers who are sick and need service today may find it a little difficult, as arrangements can take some time. That’s why it is essential to inform beforehand.
  • If your disease is transferable, please don’t travel if it’s not important; it can affect you and others.
  • According to United Airlines, passengers who are sick on Reddit posts state that passengers don’t take precautions and fail to care for other passengers.
  • Please ensure that you submit a medical certificate on time.
  • Don’t hide your illness from the airlines, as it can be problematic during the flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recent Posts

Contact Us