Commercial Stretcher Flights – Medical Repatriation with SkyCare

Quick Overview: Is a Commercial Stretcher Flight Right for You?

Key Detail	Commercial Stretcher Flight
Best for	Patients who cannot sit upright due to injury or illness, but are medically stable
Common Conditions	Spinal fractures, major trauma, neurological impairment, severe weakness, complex surgery recovery
Medical Staff Onboard	Typically a doctor and nurse or paramedic, with essential equipment and oxygen
Flight Type	Scheduled airline (e.g. Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines) with seats removed and stretcher installed
Cost vs Air Ambulance	Much lower cost – suitable for long-distance repatriation with advance planning
Limitations	Requires 3–7 days notice; not all routes or airlines support this; not for unstable patients
Alternative Options	Commercial medical escort for patients who can sit with assistance

What is a Commercial Stretcher Flight?

A commercial stretcher flight allows a patient to travel lying flat on a scheduled airline. Instead of booking a private air ambulance, the airline removes a block of economy seats and installs a stretcher and privacy curtain. A team of medical professionals accompanies the patient, monitoring vital signs and providing care during the journey. This option is ideal for patients who are medically stable but cannot tolerate a seated position.

Who Typically Uses a Stretcher on a Commercial Flight?

Patients with conditions such as recent spinal surgery, multiple fractures, severe neurological issues, or extreme post-operative weakness may require stretcher transport. It is also suitable for patients with advanced degenerative diseases or trauma who cannot safely sit upright, even with support. All patients must be declared fit-to-fly by a medical professional before travel.

When Should You Use a Stretcher Flight?

You should consider a stretcher flight if the patient:

• Must remain lying flat for medical reasons
• Is stable enough not to require intensive care during the flight
• Needs long-distance repatriation without the cost of a private air ambulance

Advance planning is crucial, as airlines require time to prepare the cabin and approve medical documentation.

Poor Mobility Doesn’t Mean You Need a Stretcher

Many patients with limited mobility can travel seated with medical support from our commercial medical escort team. Just because someone struggles to walk or requires a wheelchair doesn’t automatically mean they need a stretcher. The key question is whether they can tolerate sitting upright during take-off and landing.

In cases where a patient cannot sit comfortably for long periods, we often book a fully reclining seat in business or first class. These seats allow the person to lie flat in a near-prone position for the rest of the flight, offering a more restful and medically appropriate alternative to a stretcher. Our team will assess each case individually and recommend the safest, most cost-effective option based on the patient’s needs and airline availability.

Air Ambulance vs Commercial Stretcher Flight

SkyCare will always recommend the safest, most appropriate method for each case.

Which Airlines Offer Stretcher Services?

Not all airlines allow stretcher installations. Common carriers include Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. Most stretcher flights route through international hubs like Frankfurt, Istanbul, or Doha. There are currently no UK-based airlines offering stretcher setups, so journeys typically begin abroad or connect via hub cities.

What to Expect During a Stretcher Flight

• The stretcher is installed in the cabin with a privacy curtain
• Medical escorts sit nearby and monitor the patient throughout
• Meals and medication are administered as needed
• On arrival, the patient is transferred by road ambulance to their destination

It can feel claustrophobic, but for many, it’s the only viable alternative to an air ambulance.

Bed-to-Bed Medical Repatriation with SkyCare

SkyCare handles the entire journey – from hospital bed to home or facility. Our team coordinates ambulance transfers, flight arrangements, medical staffing, and airline approvals. You deal with one point of contact and we manage the rest. Our goal is to make repatriation seamless, safe, and as comfortable as possible.