Complete Cruise Solution

Can I fly if I have a pre-existing medical condition, reduced mobility or any disability that requires assistance?

If guests have any mobility or medical requirements, they must complete our "Your on board needs" questionnaire so that we can ensure that their travel arrangements run smoothly. It's important that they complete the questionnaire fully and accurately, as we'll liaise with the airlines on their behalf to ensure their needs can be met.

In some situations, the airline will request that guests contact them directly to go through their needs in more detail - especially when travelling with battery operated mobility equipment, as some carriers have limited storage capacity on board the aircraft.

Guests with reduced mobility

If the guest requires any mobility assistance at the airport or on the flight, they must make this clear on the "Your on board needs" questionnaire. Three types of airport mobility assistance are available (summarised below) - only one option should be requested.

Guests travelling with a wheelchair, mobility aid or medical equipment

• If the guest intends to bring their own wheelchair, mobility aid or medical equipment, they must make this clear on the "Your on board needs" questionnaire. They should provide all relevant information about the mobility aid, including dimensions and weight where necessary.
• In order to comply with Civil Aviation Authority regulations, guests must advise us at time of booking if they plan to carry an electrical mobility aid on board their flight(s). These include, but may not be limited to, electric wheelchairs and electric scooters. Assessments will then be made as to the safety of carrying an electric mobility aid on-board the aircraft.
• Electrical equipment must be battery operated, as airlines can't provide a power supply.
• When travelling with electric wheelchairs or scooters, TUI requires that guests contact them directly so they can run through their screening process to ensure the equipment meets their own regulations and can be carried on the flight(s).
• All mobility scooters must be checked in with guest's baggage and will be transported to and securely stored in the aircraft hold.
• Wheelchairs may either be checked in with guest's baggage or taken from them at the aircraft gate. This varies by airline and departure airport, and guests will be advised by the airline.
• At airports where it's not possible to take a wheelchair/mobility aid to the departure gate, the airline may have to secure the item at check-in and return it when the guest lands at their destination. In these circumstances, another wheelchair will be provided to transport the guest from check-in to the aircraft and from the aircraft to the baggage hall upon arrival.

Guests who have a pre-existing medical condition or have been hospitalised within the last six months

For some medical conditions, guests will need to get medical clearance before they can fly. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Recent illness, hospitalisation, injury or surgery.
• Existing unstable medical condition.
• A need for additional oxygen or use of medical equipment on board.

If the guest has recently experienced any of the above or are about to undergo treatment, then they must let P&O Cruises know as soon as possible - please don't wait for the "Your on board needs" questionnaire to be returned.

Some airlines may request a Fit To Fly Certificate and may also wish to speak with the guest directly to confirm that they're able to travel.

If the guest is required to wear a plaster cast, they're are permitted to travel providing it's a split plaster cast and is not been fitted or changed within 48 hours of departure. Casts fitted within 48 hours will need to be split by the doctor or hospital. For further advice, we recommend that the guest contacts their GP directly.

Guests who require additional oxygen during their flight

• Should the guest require additional in-flight oxygen, they must let us know via the "Your on board needs" questionnaire.
• Some airlines are not able to provide in-flight oxygen on all their flights. If the guest has already confirmed their booking with flights prior to notifying us that they require oxygen, we may have to amend their flights to an alternative airline.
• Guests should refer to the airline’s website for their most up-to-date information.

Guests who have a life threatening allergy

• Guests must provide details on their "Your on board needs" questionnaire so that we can pass the information to the airline. We can't guarantee a nut-free environment or prevent other guests from bringing their own food on their flights or on the ship.
• If guests have any special meal requests, they should be aware that airlines have limited options and therefore it may be necessary for them to supply their own food. 
• We recommend that guests speak to the airline’s welfare/special assistance team (details can usually be found on their website).

Guests who are pregnant 

Airlines may be less restrictive than our ships. Please see "Can I travel when I am pregnant?".