medical and special requirements

blind/deaf/partially sighted passengers

If you, or any of your party have hearing or sight difficulties please contact us. We'll arrange for you to board in advance so that the cabin crew can explain the safety requirements onboard the aircraft.

deep vein thrombosis

You may have read recent press coverage about a condition known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

According to a recent enquiry by the House of Lords, there is no medical evidence to suggest that DVT is linked exclusively with air travel. The condition is associated with immobility for long periods of time and therefore individuals seated in cars, buses, theatres and trains are all potentially at risk.

Your in-flight health is of primary concern to us and we recommend that anyone who suffers from blood clotting abnormalities, has a family history of DVT, has suffered a stroke, has undergone recent surgery, or is generally in poor health, consults their doctor for advice before travelling. Your GP will be able to provide you with detailed advice. Women who are pregnant, or have recently had a baby should seek advice from their antenatal team or health visitor.

There are a number of things travelers can do to reduce the likelihood of DVT on longhaul flights:

• We recommend you avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water throughout the flight.
• Stand up and stretch your legs occasionally and, when possible, move around the cabin. While seated, rotate your ankles and move your toes.
• Avoid crossing your legs
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Use a neck pillow and eyeshades. Take warm socks to wear to help you relax.
• If you have a stopover on your flight, if possible take a walk.
• In addition, you may wish to read the feature in UP, our in-flight magazine found in the seat pocket on board the aircraft. It describes a few fun exercises you can do while sitting in your seat.
• Some doctors recommend taking a low dose of aspirin before flying to thin the blood.
• If you feel unwell after your trip, or develop swollen, painful legs or breathing difficulties you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.
• Click here to find the latest information from the Department of Health.

extra therapeutic oxygen

• Oxygen bottles are carried on all flights for emergency use only. It is essential therefore that you let us know in advance if you know you might require oxygen during a flight.
• There is a charge of £80 for a one way flight, or £160 for a return flight for the provision of oxygen.
• Use of passengers' own personal oxygen supply onboard is permitted. Monarch Airlines must approve such requests. Passengers will only be permitted 2 portable oxygen cylinders, since it has to be stowed beneath the passengers seat. There will be no charge levied if passengers carry their own approved portable oxygen.
• Passengers requiring therapeutic oxygen must contact us at least seven days prior to travel.
• Please note: Passengers must travel with a letter from their doctor confirming they are fit to travel. Passengers will not be accepted for travel without this letter.
• Any passengers requiring additional therapeutic oxygen are asked to ensure that they have appropriate insurance cover arranged at booking. Passengers will be asked to present this at check-in along with a copy of their fit to fly certificate as signed by their doctor.

flying after diving

It's best to seek advice from your diving instructor on the amount of time you need to allow between diving and flying. This can vary between 24 and 48 hours.

medical conditions which prevent you from flying

Sorry, it's not safe for you to fly if you have any of the following conditions:

• infectious and/or communicable diseases
• open fracture of skull
• fractured jaw with dental wiring
• pneumonia, if you need a stretcher
• pregnancy over 34 weeks
• chicken pox:
  Spots which have scabbed = fit to fly
  Blisters which have not scabbed = unfit to fly

plaster casts

• Should be loosely fitted to allow for bodily expansion in flight.
• Must have been fitted for at least 48 hours before you fly.
• If you have a full leg plaster, and are able to bend at the hip but not at the knee, you'll need three seats. Please contact us for further details. Note: extra seats for medical or comfort reasons must be booked via our call centre.
• A medical certificate is also required confirming the date the plaster was applied and also that you are fit to fly.

pregnancy

• If you are pregnant you can fly with Monarch provided you won't have passed your 34th week of pregnancy by the time of your return flight.
• If you are 28-34 weeks pregnant, you will need to carry with you a doctor or midwifes certificate of fitness to fly. The certificate will only be accepted if :
  • It is dated not more than 14 days prior to the start date of your trip.
  • It states the expected date of delivery of your baby.
  • Your doctor or midwife states that you are in good health, that they are happy for you to fly, and that (in their opinion) there is no reason why you cannot fly.
• New mothers are not permitted to travel for the first 14 days after giving birth.
• Newborn infants are not permitted to travel for the first 7 days after giving birth and further restrictions apply if the baby was born prematurely.

stretchers

• The stretcher fitment replaces nine seats (not including medical escorts or travelling companions).
• A standard charge applies for the stretcher fitment.
• Passengers must have one medical attendant and a doctor's certificate of fitness to fly.
• Please contact us for further details.

Mobility

Wheelchairs

• Wheelchair assistance can be provided at all the airports served by Monarch. However, it is essential that you pre-arrange this with us, at least 2 days prior to travel, or preferably at time of booking. If you do not make this request in advance, we cannot guarantee that the service will be available. Contact us.
• A carer must accompany any disabled passenger if they are unable to look after their own needs whilst on board, e.g. with feeding... etc.
• Spanish routes - on arrival, you will only be given assistance as far as the baggage claims area. This does not include baggage retrieval. If you are travelling alone, it is a good idea for friends or relatives to meet you in the arrivals baggage hall if possible. This is not the responsibility of the Airline and entry can not be guaranteed. This arrangement should be made in advance by friends or relatives directly with the Spanish airport.

faqs

What Passenger assistance is offered by Monarch?
Monarch will arrange for full assistance to be provided all disabled/mobility impaired passengers from check in until arrival at the destination airport baggage reclaim hall. Please note: Special assistance requests must be booked directly with reservation team on 08700 40 50 40.

Should I make arrangements for special assistance before my flight?
Yes, Disabled/mobility impaired passengers must notify us of their special requirements at the time of booking. This is to ensure that assistance is pre-booked prior to travel.

Can I bring my own wheelchair, and if I need one, is there a charge?
You can use your own wheelchair, or one supplied by the airport wheelchair service provider. Both the wheelchair and assistance are free of charge. Restrictions apply to the transportation of battery-operated wheelchairs, so it is advisable to let us know the type of battery when booking.

How do I ensure that the right type of assistance is booked for my requirements?
Please contact our reservation team on 08700 405040 who will be able to advise you further of the assistance available for passengers.

Do I need to bring my own carer?
A carer would be required to accompany any passenger with the following conditions:

• A person with an intellectual disability, who is unable to understand or respond appropriately to safety instructions from Monarch personnel.
• A person, with mobility impairment so severe the person would be unable to assist in his or her evacuation of the aircraft in the event of an emergency.
• A person, with both severe hearing and severe vision impairments, that the passenger would not be able to establish communication with Monarch personnel so a safety briefing can be given.

If any doubt, please speak to our reservation team on 08700 40 50 40 for further assistance.

Can I bring medication on board? Yes but put it in your hand baggage so you have easy access. Any syringes must be covered with a doctor's note to show at security checks etc.

Does Monarch give certain passengers priority when boarding? Passengers with disabilities, families and Vantage passengers.

Can I claim compensation if my prebooked assistance is not carried out? All assistance is made on a request only basis and therefore compensation is not paid if this cannot be offered.

Do you offer special meals? We no longer offer a special meal service. However there are some healthier options on our menu which may be suitable, these are reasonably priced and can be purchased onboard.