When arranging a medical flight for yourself or a loved one, packing can feel overwhelming. Your focus is likely on the medical situation, hospital coordination, and emotional stress. However, understanding what you can bring on a medical flight ensures a smoother, safer, and more comfortable journey.
Medical flights on air ambulance jets have different luggage rules than commercial airlines. Knowing these guidelines ahead of time allows you to pack the essentials without delays or complications.
Why Air Ambulance Flights Have Luggage Limits
Medical aircraft are smaller than commercial planes, and the cabin is designed primarily for:
- The patient
- Medical equipment such as ventilators, monitors, oxygen tanks, and emergency supplies
Weight and balance are critical for safety. Pilots calculate total weight including the patient, medical crew, equipment, fuel, and luggage. Exceeding limits can prevent the aircraft from taking off.
Cabin space is limited, and luggage cannot block aisles, emergency exits, or access to medical equipment.
General Luggage Guidelines
Global Air Ambulance domestic flights typically allow 2 carry-on bags, while intercontinental flights on larger aircraft may allow 3 regular and 3 carry-ons. Limits depend on aircraft size and patient needs.
- Carry-on bags should be roughly 18” x 14” x 8”.
- Soft-sided bags fit more easily than hard cases.
- Always confirm luggage allowances when scheduling.
What to Pack for the Patient
Focus on essentials, comfort, and documents. The patient will be under care, so minimal personal items are needed.
Essential Documents:
- Recent medical records, test results, medication lists, surgical reports, and advance directives
- Insurance cards, ID, and any hospital or medical alert information
Comfort Items:
- Change of comfortable clothing (soft pants, shirt, slip-on shoes)
- Personal hygiene items: toothbrush, glasses, hearing aids
- Phone charger and small items for emotional comfort, like a family photo
Medications:
- Bring a current list of all medications
- Flight crew provides medications during transport
What to Pack for Family Members
Clothing:
- One change of clothes
- Comfortable, layered clothing
- Light jacket or sweater
Personal Items:
- Phone, charger, and portable battery pack
- Wallet with ID, insurance, and some cash/credit cards
- Prescription medications in original bottles
- Basic toiletries
Entertainment and Comfort:
- Book, tablet, or phone
- Snacks for shorter flights
- Notebook and pen for medical notes
Items That Are Prohibited
Dangerous or Hazardous Items:
- Weapons, pocket knives
- Flammable liquids, aerosols
- Illegal substances
Large or Bulky Items:
- Oversized suitcases or sports equipment
- Large electronics like desktop computers
Valuable Items:
- Expensive jewelry, large amounts of cash, irreplaceable heirlooms (better left at home)
Traveling with Wheelchairs and Mobility Equipment
Manual wheelchairs: Usually allowed; foldable and secured in cargo area.
Power wheelchairs/scooters: Challenging due to size, weight, and battery restrictions; may need to be shipped separately.
Other aids: Walkers, canes, crutches, and prosthetics are typically allowed.
Tip: Provide full details about dimensions, weight, and battery type in advance.
Traveling with Pets
Service animals: Allowed with documentation; must stay in designated areas.
Emotional support animals and pets: Restricted due to space and flight safety; may need alternative care arrangements.
Special Considerations
Pediatric patients: Bring a favorite toy, blanket, or pacifier for comfort.
Long-distance flights: Pack slightly more clothing; essential passport/visa documents.
Extended hospital stays: Pack only essentials for first few days; additional items can be shipped later.
How to Pack Efficiently
- Roll clothes instead of folding
- Use travel-size toiletries
- Wear bulky items during the flight
- Keep documents and medications in an accessible bag
- Make a packing list: documents, clothing, toiletries, electronics, medical items
What Happens to Additional Belongings
- Shipping: Send items to hospital or nearby hotel
- Family: Have relatives bring items on commercial flights
- Leave behind: Temporarily store items at home or hospital
Priority is always the patient’s medical care; material belongings can be retrieved later.
Communicating with the Flight Service
- Ask about size and weight limits
- Specify any unusual items or equipment
- Confirm accommodation of medical devices like CPAP machines or wheelchairs
The Day of the Flight
- Have bags ready and accessible
- Keep documents and medications separate and with you
- Place labeled bags together for quick loading
Arriving at Your Destination
- Focus on patient transfer to the receiving facility
- Ensure you retrieve all your bags
- Hospitals can store family belongings while attending to medical admissions
Final Thoughts
Packing for a medical flight is different from vacation packing. Bring only what is truly needed:
- Documents
- Medications
- Basic comfort items
Everything else is secondary. Ask the flight crew if unsure—they can guide you on what’s allowed.
By packing smart, you reduce stress and allow the focus to remain on supporting your loved one and ensuring safe, efficient transport.