There are probably other posts about this but a search isn't turning them up.
I've been in persistent AF for probably a year (except for three days in February when I had a successful cardioversion before I fell back out of sinus rhythm). Now waiting for another cardioversion while on the list for an ablation (if tomorrow's echogram doesn't render me ineligible for ablation).
My mother, in her mid-80s, is in failing health and I am going to see her. It's a long-haul flight, nearly 12hrs. I am dreading it and would not choose to do it right now, but -- I only have one mother.
Apart from the obvious advice (buy travel insurance, stay well hydrated, get an aisle seat, bring all my drugs, wear anticompression socks and DON'T STRESS -- easier said than done), does anyone have anything to say about flying while actively in AF?
Many thanks, and for those of you of a prayerful disposition, please pray that (1) I have some time with her and (2) that I myself don't have an emergency while I'm there.
Written by
Redactrice
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Other than getting up for a short walk every once to two hours and/or doing some seated leg exercises I think you pretty much have it covered.
Also, at least in the US, many carriers allow you to order a wheelchair in advance (and attendant if you're alone) on both ends, which can take a lot of effort and stress moving around in the airports. Don't be bashful asking for one, you do not have to have a broken leg!
Since you're in persistent afib, and presumably with a controlled rate, you should already know about how you will feel.
You mentioned having an emergency. I don't know your medical history but may be a good idea to check with your doctor before the trip to see if they have any thoughts.
Good luck with your flight and I'm sure you will be fine. Your mom is lucky she has such a good daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thank you for kind words, Jim. I did actually have a broken foot the last time I flew, and was unimpressed with wheelchair services at both ends -- outsourced like everything else. I am trying to get away before UK schools break up, so the outbound flight should not be too bad, I hope. The trip coming back (overnight flight, against the clock, in summer hols) may be brutal. It makes sense to book a chair because I'm likely to be depleted and ripe for an episode of fast AF.
Yes, I will discuss fitness to fly when I'm at the cardiology department tomorrow.
I've just noticed a list of posts down the right-hand side that are all about travel advice, so I will check those out.
You seem to have this trip pretty well down in your head, which is more than half the battle. Assuming you get your medical clearance tomorrow, you should be just fine.
Try and get a seat near the toilet since AF often increases the frequency of needing that.
SamAdminAdministratorArrhythmia AllianceAF Association
Good afternoon Redactrice
Thank you for your post on Atrial Fibrillation support forum.
As the other messages below suggest, keep on moving around the plane, it sounds like you are pretty much in control of what you need to do for this trip, we advise you to speak to your Consultant or Doctor before taking the 12 hour flight to see your mom.
If is really beneficial you manage your anxiety and try not get too stressed, I have attached a link to our ‘Mindfulness and Health Living with AF’ booklet that you might find beneficial.
If you would like to keep in touch with the charity please follow the link below.
You seem to have everything covered to help yourself and that is great. Only other thing I can think of is a good book, crosswords, watch a film etc. Anything to distract you from time. I wish you a safe trip and a happy and loving time with your mother.
I do the exercises in my seat as well as walking around, often the in flight magazine shows them, or they're on video entertainment. Stuff like flexing and straightening legs, reaching up your arms to straighten out/stretch the diaphragm, anything that keeps the blood flowing, especially in the legs. Even if you normally tolerate alcohol, I wouldn't have a drink either before, or during the flight. The biggest thing for me is to stay as calm as possible, so get to the airport in plenty of time, often we stay overnight at/near the airport just to avoid any stress. I get lounge access wherever I can (I get it with my credit card), but you can pay in some airports too. Just gets you away from the crowds and stir. Or on longhaul, we decide to upgrade to a calmer, more peaceful cabin. I hope it goes smoothly for you, and you have some time with your mother.
The pressure you must feel to visit your poor mum will be immense and most unpleasant. How awful for you. The risks to your system are likely to be no more than anyone else's, all else being equal (i.e. such as your AF is not linked to other cardiac issues), however.
That said, as always, your doctor should be your guide, but I think, from a health viewpoint, assuming you have thus far stayed, as they say, "haemo-dynamically stable" during your AF, (i.e. with healthy blood pressure and circulation, and no fainting episodes), your GP ought to approve and all should be well.
I’ve flown whilst in AF that is been in for a week and awaiting CV 2 weeks later when I returned. No problems at all I took my prescribed meds metoprolol, Flecainide and Apixiban. 7 hour flight and landed in the tropics 90% humidity but focused on enjoying myself mind you hard at times. I’ve also flown. about 5 days after a CV did the same and no problems. Just use commonsense don’t rush around and over eat and practice mindful breathing through the nose has made the world of difference with every day life
My flight is a long one - better that than the upset of stopping off enroute with all that worry.
Assistance I have asked for so will not get lost in finding the right departure number. Happened in Germany. Had to walk and walk through customs, on a train etc to be told I was at the wrong departure then told to go back to another. I gave up waiting for assistance in a wheelchair. Plane left without me.
I had to stay the night.
Assistance was given and I was pushed to the correct departure number. But plane was full and I had to wait for a 'no turn up'. I just made it.
I probably had AF then.
Now diagnosed. So won't let that happen again.
Yes, pills in carryon bag. Drink water. get assistance. Feel relaxed and you will be OK. I like the window seat. More air ciculating.
Told Travel Insurance I don't need cover for CONTROLLED AF or checks on thyroid cancer return.
Cover More do it with Air New Zealand.
I wish your dreams to come true. Make sure you have COVID jabs uptodate. I travel in October to Japan direct. I have my 8th jab late July.
I travelled whilst in AF, not great, the worst bit was walking around various parts of two airports to get from A to B. I ended up in a wheelchair which I probably should have done from the beginning. The actual flying was Ok but only a 4 hour flight. Good luck
Thanks for feedback, everyone. I had a good echogram today -- no enlargement, so (1) I will be approved for ablation and (2) for travel, I'm as good to go as I can be until I have the ablation. The only fly in the ointment is that my consultant cardiologist/EP has just retired! I'll worry about that after I get back. Thank you all for the support.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Airline Travel in Permanent Afib
flying/travel with afib
URINATE A LOT WHILE IN AFIB 
Worse, more frequent bouts of Afib and much higher pulse rate while in Afib, advice please.
Low blood pressure while in AFib
