Chickenpox is highly contagious—about 90% of people living with an infected person will contract it. To minimize the risk of transmission in confined airplane cabins, airlines enforce strict policies regarding when individuals with chickenpox are allowed to fly. Most major carriers require passengers to wait 6–7 days after the appearance of their last spots before boarding a flight.
Travel plans can quickly unravel when chickenpox is involved. Airlines like British Airways, EasyJet, Virgin Atlantic, and others have clear guidelines that travelers must follow, including waiting periods and mandatory medical documentation. This guide explains everything you need to know about flying with chickenpox—from medical certificates to the consequences of ignoring airline rules.
Airline Rules: How Long After Chickenpox Can You Fly?
Airlines treat chickenpox seriously due to how easily it spreads. In most cases, you’ll need to wait until your spots have crusted over and a set number of days have passed since your last outbreak. Here’s a breakdown of policies from major carriers:
British Airways: You may fly six days after your last blister appears, provided all spots have crusted and a doctor confirms you're not contagious.
Ryanair: Requires a seven-day wait after the last spot shows. A medical note may be requested.
EasyJet: A full seven days must pass after the last new spot appears.
Virgin Atlantic: Wait seven days after new spots stop appearing. All spots must be scabbed, and you must be fever-free.
TUI: Requires seven days after the last new spot and a "fit to fly" certificate.
Jet2: You must wait seven days from the first spot and provide a medical certificate.
International carriers like Etihad and Qantas enforce similar rules—no flying with active lesions, and a six-day wait after the last spot appears, with all scabbed over.
Airlines assess passengers carefully during check-in. Since chickenpox is contagious from two days before the rash to when all spots crust over, airline policies aim to prevent outbreaks mid-flight—especially among those with weakened immune systems.
Medical Clearance: The Fit-to-Fly Certificate
After the waiting period, travelers must provide proof that they are no longer contagious. A fit-to-fly certificate from a licensed medical professional is typically required. This document confirms that:
The passenger's full name and birthdate
Their flight and travel details
The date of symptom onset
Confirmation that all chickenpox lesions have crusted over
The signature of a certified medical professional
Some airlines, including British Airways, may also require a Passenger Medical Clearance Form, which must be submitted at least a week before travel.
Certificates can be obtained through your NHS GP, though private clinics offer faster turnaround—usually within 24 hours—at a cost of £45–£49. These services often review photographs or videos to verify recovery.
If you're not fully recovered, doctors may issue a "Not Fit to Fly" certificate. While this means you can’t travel, it can support insurance claims or help reschedule your trip.
What Happens If You Try to Fly While Contagious?
Trying to board a flight with visible chickenpox symptoms can lead to denied boarding, even at the gate. Airlines reserve the right to refuse travel to anyone they deem a health risk, regardless of ticket class or travel urgency.
The financial consequences can be steep:
Loss of your flight fare (especially if it's non-refundable)
Canceled hotel or tour bookings
Non-refundable car rentals or excursions
Even if you manage to board, border authorities in countries like the UK or US may stop you upon arrival due to public health regulations.
To recover your losses, you’ll need:
A doctor’s diagnosis confirming chickenpox
Proof that symptoms started after purchasing insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance purchased before symptoms begin is crucial for covering cancellations due to illness.
Final Thoughts
Airlines enforce chickenpox-related travel policies to protect passengers in enclosed spaces. Travelers must wait 6–7 days after their last visible symptoms and secure medical clearance to fly.
Ignoring these policies risks denied boarding, lost money, and possible travel bans. With the right precautions—waiting the proper amount of time, getting certified medical clearance, and securing solid insurance—you can travel safely and responsibly after recovering from chickenpox.
