Has chickenpox (also known as varicella) appeared just days before your much-anticipated holiday? If you’re worried about how this contagious illness might affect your travel plans, you’re not alone. Before you panic, read on to understand what steps to take next and whether chickenpox could prevent you or your child from flying with some of the UK’s busiest airlines.
Noticing a Suspicious Blister? Don’t Panic—Here’s What You Need to Know
If you or your child has developed what looks like chickenpox, it’s essential to stay calm and take the necessary precautions. Airlines have different policies regarding passengers with contagious illnesses like chickenpox, and knowing what your carrier expects can save you from last-minute complications at the airport.
Here’s an at-a-glance guide to how major airlines handle chickenpox cases and whether you’ll be allowed to board your flight. Find out if your travel plans will be affected based on your airline’s chickenpox policy and what you should do to minimize disruption.
At-a-glance guide to flying with chickenpox
Here’s everything you need to know about what to expect if chickenpox appears just before your trip.
Airlines have the right to refuse travel to anyone who is unwell, or who its agents suspect may be contagious.
If you’ve passed the contagious stage but still show signs of infection, such as spots, you should carry a letter from your doctor confirming you are no longer at risk of spreading the virus.
Use our list of airline policies for guidance, but we’d advise calling your carrier for advice ahead of departure day.[/box]
Airline policies
Here are the all-important airline policies you’ll need to check if chickenpox strikes one of your party.
Aer Lingus
Passengers are allowed to fly seven days after the appearance of the first spot.
British Airways
BA advises no travel until six days after the last blister has appeared and scabbed over. Sufferers will also need a GP’s letter stating they’re no longer infectious.
easyJet
Sufferers will need to wait seven days after the last spot appears.
Etihad
Travel is not permitted if active lesions are present. Passengers can fly six days after the last blister appears, provided all remaining spots have crusted over.
Finnair
Anyone suffering from chickenpox will be asked to complete a ‘special assistant’ form and wait for a decision from the airline. Those with active spots are unlikely to be given permission to fly.
Jet2
Jet2 Passengers must wait seven days after first spot appeared to be considered for boarding. They’ll also need a ‘Fit to Fly’ letter from their GP.
KLM
You’ll be fit to board if all scabs are dry and you have a GP’s letter to confirm you’re not contagious.
Norwegian
If any spots are visible at the time of travel, you’ll need a doctor’s letter to confirm you or the child are no longer contagious – or face being refused permission to board.
Qantas
Don’t expect permission to board if you have active lesions – all must be dried and crusted. Doctor’s letter is advised.
Ryanair
Passengers will only be allowed to travel seven days after the appearance of the last new blister/spot.
TUI
Travellers with TUI will need to wait seven days from the appearance of their last new spot and need a fitness to fly letter from your doctor.
Virgin Atlantic
Passengers are fine to fly if it has been seven days since the last new spots, the existing crop are crusted/scabbed and they don’t have a fever.
Wizzair
Anyone with chickenpox will need a letter from their doctor confirming they are no longer contagious. This must have been issued within six days of the flight date. Call 03309770444 for more.
What about getting into your destination country?
Passing customs checks at the destination could also prove problematic for chickenpox sufferers. Countries, such as America, have strict policies governing arrivals with contagious diseases. Check with the destination country before you fly and see what stipulations it might enforce. Travelling with a GP’s letter confirming you, or a child, is no longer infectious should help your case in most destinations.
Take out travel insurance with cancellation cover – when you book
Waiting until the day before you fly to buy travel insurance could be costly. Purchase insurance when you book your trip to ensure coverage for cancellations, including those caused by chickenpox, in case the virus affects a member of your party.
Your at-a-glance guide to chickenpox
Here’s a quick guide to how the infection is spread and how to ease the symptoms.
Passing customs checks at the destination could also prove problematic for chickenpox sufferers. Countries, such as America, have strict policies governing arrivals with contagious diseases. Check with the destination country before you fly and see what stipulations it might enforce. Travelling with a GP’s letter confirming you, or a child, is no longer infectious should help your case in most destinations.
Chickenpox causes an itchy, spotty rash and is a common illness that predominantly targets children.
Most children will catch chickenpox at some point – and many parents actively encourage this at an early age – but it can also occur in adults who did not have it as a child.
It can be dangerous for some people, such as pregnant women, newborn babies and people with a weakened immune system.
Most people will become immune to it after one attack.
Those infected with chickenpox are contagious 1-2 days before the first spots/blisters appear and then until all the resulting lesions have scabbed or crusted over. This is usually around five days after the last spot appears.
The infection is spread in the fluid found in the chickenpox blisters and droplets in sneezes and coughs of someone with the infection.
Chickenpox can be caught from:
– Contaminated surfaces
– Contaminated objects
– Touching the blisters caused by chickenpox
– Face-to-face contact with an infected person – this includes having a conversation
– Being in the same area/room as an infected person for 15 minutes or more.
Having chickenpox will leave you or your child feeling uncomfortable but there are a few at-home treatments that can help relieve the symptoms:
– Use paracetamol to relieve fever and discomfort – make sure you use age-appropriate products such as Calpol for children, and do not exceed stated dosage
– Use moisturising creams to ease itching
– Do not scratch the skin – instead tap or pat – scratching can lead to further problems
– Stay hydrated – drink plenty of fluids
**Policies may be subject to change, so it’s best to check with your airline.