Air travel with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) can take some extra planning, as fatigue and other PNH symptoms may feel more noticeable when traveling by plane.
Fortunately, with the right preparation, you can make your trip more comfortable and reduce potential risks.
Air travel risks with PNH
If you have PNH, fatigue, a higher chance of blood clots, and a greater risk of infections can all play a role during air travel.
Some things to keep in mind include:
Limited cabin space can make it harder to move around, which may increase the risk of blood clots.
Lower oxygen levels on planes can sometimes bring on or worsen shortness of breath.
Discomfort due to restricted legroom can contribute to fatigue and prevent you from sleeping well.
Being close to multiple people in the airplane cabin can expose you to respiratory infections.
Before you book your trip, talk to your healthcare team. They can assess your overall health and let you know if it is safe for you to fly.
Your provider can also help you in other ways by:
providing documentation for your trip, including information about your condition and treatment in case you need medical care while traveling
adjusting your medications if needed
giving tips on managing fatigue and other symptoms during your trip
recommending local doctors and hospitals at your destination
sharing vaccination advice
How to prepare
The prospect of air travel with PNH can be daunting, but careful preparation can help to ease potential anxiety and prevent issues.
If your doctor approves your travel plans, you can take these steps to prepare:
Choose a direct flight if you can.
Book extra legroom and an aisle seat if available.
Pack any medications you may need during the flight.
Bring a medical information card with your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Explore travel insurance options with PNH.
Pack items that can make the flight more comfortable, for example, a neck pillow and a blanket.
Schedule rest periods before and after the flight to manage fatigue.
If you receive any treatment infusions or injections for your PNH, schedule them before you leave. For longer trips, identify local medical facilities where you could receive treatment.
During the flight
Once you’re on board, the main things to watch for with PNH are blood clots and infections.
To support circulation and prevent the risk of blood clots:
Walk the aisles every hour or so.
Try wearing compression stockings.
Make sure to stay hydrated.
To help protect yourself against infections:
Wear a mask on the plane and at the airport.
Ensure your vaccinations are up to date.
Wash your hands as often as needed and carry a hand sanitizer.
Use disinfecting wipes to clean your seat, armrests, and tray table before settling in.
At the destination
Once you have arrived at your destination, continue to prioritize your well-being.
Some recommendations include:
Follow your treatment or medication schedule.
Take short walks every day to support circulation.
Air travel with PNH requires careful planning and preventive measures to deal with fatigue and other symptoms.
By communicating with your healthcare team, scheduling treatments, and managing symptoms, you can travel safely and confidently.
PNH News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
