Can I Get a Fit to Fly Certificate Same-Day?

If you’ve ever struggled to board a flight because of an unexpected illness, injury, or recent medical procedure, you’ll know how stressful it can be. A Fit to Fly Certificate—also known as a medical certificate for travel—can make the difference between being allowed to travel or being turned away at the gate.

So, can you get one the same day you need to fly? The answer is usually yes—but it depends on a few important factors.

What Is a Fit to Fly Certificate?

A Fit to Fly Certificate is a document written and signed by a registered doctor confirming that you’re medically fit to travel by air. It’s commonly required for:

• Recent surgeries or fractures.

• Late-stage pregnancy (usually after 28 weeks).

• Recent illness or hospital discharge.

• Chronic conditions requiring oxygen, mobility aids, or medication during flight.

Airlines use these certificates to assess whether it’s safe for you to travel and to comply with their own medical policies.

Same-Day Fit to Fly Certificates: How It Works

At DrNote, we understand travel plans are often last-minute or disrupted unexpectedly. That’s why we offer same-day Fit to Fly certificates—with most requests handled within hours of booking.

Here’s how it typically works:

1. Online assessment: Complete a short medical questionnaire and upload any supporting documents (e.g. discharge notes or hospital letters).

2. Doctor review: A GMC-registered GP reviews your information, may contact you via video call if needed, and confirms your fitness to fly.

3. Certificate issued: Once approved, you receive a signed Fit to Fly certificate by email as a downloadable PDF—often within a few hours.

If you’re flying today or tomorrow, it’s best to book your appointment early in the day to allow time for assessment, follow-up questions, and airline documentation checks.

What to Prepare in Advance

Preparing properly helps ensure same-day turnaround. Have these ready:

• Your flight details (airline, destination, and departure time).

• A copy of any recent medical notes or discharge summaries.

• A list of your current medications.

• The airline’s medical clearance policy (requirements can vary).

Providing these upfront prevents delays and ensures your certificate contains everything the airline needs.

How DrNote Makes It Easy

Our online platform combines trusted UK GPs with flexible telemedicine tools to deliver fast, reliable documentation. Every certificate includes:

• Your name, DOB, and passport number.

• A clear medical statement confirming your fitness to fly.

• Doctor’s name, GMC number, and digital signature.

• Issue date and validity period.

That means you can handle the whole process remotely—whether you’re at home, at work, or already at the airport.

Key Takeaway

Yes, you can usually get a Fit to Fly Certificate the same day—as long as you have the necessary medical details and access to an online doctor who can assess you promptly.

At DrNote, we specialise in fast same-day medical certificates for travel, work, and sickness—so your plans don’t have to be grounded by paperwork.