Flying with dialysis: what to know before you board

Flying is usually fine on dialysis. The main thing is timing: arranging your sessions so you're well dialysed before you fly and don't go too long before your next one when you land.

Time your sessions around the flight

Where you can, dialyse the day before you fly, or on the morning of a short flight, and book your first session at your destination for the day after you arrive. That gap should never be longer than your normal longest gap between sessions.

For long-haul flights, count the hours from door to door, not just the flight time. Add the journey to the airport, check-in, connections and the transfer at the other end. A 10-hour flight is often an 18-hour day.

Time zones

Crossing time zones changes when your next session "should" be. Work it out in hours since your last session, not by the clock. If you're flying east and losing a day, you may need your first session sooner than you think. Your visiting unit can help you plan the first week.

Fluids and food on the plane

Cabin air is dry and it's tempting to drink more than usual. Stick to your fluid allowance. Bring your own snacks, since airline meals are often salty. If you're diabetic, carry fast-acting sugar in your hand luggage.

Looking after your access

• Don't let anyone take blood pressure on your fistula arm, and avoid tight straps or bags on that arm
• Check your fistula's thrill regularly during a long flight
• If you have a central line, keep the dressing dry and carry spare dressings

Circulation on long flights

Sitting still for hours raises the risk of blood clots. Get up and walk when it's safe, do seated leg exercises, and ask your renal team whether compression stockings are appropriate for you.

What to carry in your hand luggage

• All your medications, in original packaging, with enough spare for delays
• A letter from your renal team describing your condition and treatment
• Your dialysis booking confirmation and the unit's address and phone number
• Copies of your recent results and prescription (the visiting unit should already have them, but carry a set)
• Your travel insurance documents

Flying on peritoneal dialysis

PD patients have more to think about: fluid and supplies. Most people have supplies delivered to their accommodation rather than carrying them. If you do an exchange during a long journey, plan where. Some airports have medical rooms, and a clean airport lounge or accessible toilet can work. Many airlines give extra baggage allowance for medical supplies if you ask in advance. See peritoneal dialysis abroad.

Book the dialysis before the flight

It's tempting to find a great fare first and sort the dialysis later. Try to do it the other way round, or at least book flexible fares until your sessions are confirmed. Popular holiday units fill up, and non-refundable flights to a place with no chair are an expensive mistake.

Common questions

This article is general information, not medical advice. Always check your plans with your own renal team.