Airplane travel after AFib ablation

[Jon_Carm]

Hello everyone,

I created this account to ask a question on behalf of my mother. She recently underwent an AFib ablation about a week ago. She’s 60 years old and has never taken any medication, either before or after the procedure. Fortunately, she’s been feeling well, with only minor discomfort around the incision site but no other major issues.

A month ago, before the procedure was scheduled, she booked a trip to Mexico. She’s now wondering whether flying would be safe for her. The trip is in about two weeks, and the flight duration is approximately five hours each way.

We've tried looking for a clear answer online but haven’t found anything definitive. If anyone has experience with this or any helpful information, we’d greatly appreciate your insights. It would help her decide whether she can travel safely or if it’s best to cancel the trip.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and for any advice you can share!

[CDreamer]

Flying itself is not a problem - just watch for DVT’s - stay well hydrated and do the leg exercises every hour and stay calm. Whether or not she will feel well enough is another and very personal matter as everyone’s recovery is different. I flew (3 hour flight) 10 days following ablation but wasn’t up to doing much for a few weeks.

I am assuming she will still be taking anticoagulants? If so she should take advice on advisability of taking prophylactic asprin.

[Sixtyslidogirl in reply to CDreamer]

My travel insurance went down once I had had my ablation so apart from the usual precautions on long flights I haven’t heard of any issues about Afib and flying. Plenty on here have done it. But she can ask her doctor if concerned.

[Desanthony]

Ask the Doctors who did her ablation.

[RichMert]

I would speak to Consultant. I suspect the answer will be 'no'. From memory, I could not drive a car for a fair few weeks after Ablation. You would need to be on blood thinners in either case and the travel insurance would be expensive given the risk.

I would not disagree with CDreamer but, like all flights and operations, you take your chances. You can take a chance but you would have to lie to the Insurance company.

[Peony4575]

My 84 year old mother in law flew three weeks after her ablation and has been flying about since without problem. That said personally I would ring the secretary of whoever did the ablation and get the green light from her doctor for peace of mind

[ForensicFairy]

My husband and I fly very regularly. He’s had an ablation and I have ongoing issues with conduction. We fly long haul flights 1-2 times every year.medical insurance costs more but birthed of us have ever had a problem.