Summer Travel Health and Safety Tips for Pilots, Cabin Crew, and Flight Operations Teams

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Before You Fly: Review Destination Risks

Before departure, review current health, medical, and security conditions for each destination on the itinerary. Summer travel can increase exposure to heat illness, mosquito-borne disease, petty crime, transport disruption, and crowded public spaces. The MedAire Portal provides destination-specific health and security intelligence, risk assessments, and actionable travel advice.

Destination Check

Local health risks, disease activity, and current outbreaks

Heat, humidity, UV, and air quality conditions

Security alerts, demonstrations, strikes, or airport disruption

Medical care availability near the layover location

Hotel location and transport arrangements

Any destination-specific provisions needed for the route

Carry Provisions That Match the Destination

A summer trip to a high-UV, tropical, or mosquito-prone destination may require different preparation than a short domestic layover. Confirm you have the right provisions for the area you are traveling to — not just whether the onboard kit is stocked.

Sun & Heat

Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+)

After-sun care or aloe vera gel

Oral rehydration salts or electrolyte tablets

UV-protective sunglasses

Insects & Bites

EPA-registered insect repellent (DEET or picaridin)

Long sleeves and trousers for high-risk areas

Antihistamines for bite reactions

Permethrin spray for clothing and gear

Personal Health

Personal medication with extra supply for delays

Basic wound care and antiseptic items

Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes

Allergy information and medical documentation

Connectivity & Contact

Charged phone and portable power bank

Emergency contacts saved offline

MedAire Membership details accessible

MedLink support contact number saved

For operators: Verify that onboard medical equipment is serviceable, accessible, and appropriate for the aircraft type, route profile, and passenger population. MedAire's aviation medical kits are designed to support crews responding to onboard medical incidents, including in remote or challenging environments.

Reduce Heat, Hydration & Sun Exposure Risks

Heat exposure can affect crew during ramp activity, boarding, ground delays, hotel transfers, and layovers. It can impair alertness, decision-making, and physical performance. Treat heat exposure as an operational risk, not just a personal comfort issue.

Hydrate before, during, and after duty — do not wait until thirsty

Use electrolytes when sweating heavily or operating in hot conditions

Limit alcohol and excess caffeine, especially before rest periods

Apply sunscreen before outdoor exposure and reapply as directed

Seek shade during outdoor transfers and peak sunlight hours

Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and UV-protective sunglasses when off duty

Recognize Heat Illness

Warning signs include dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, heavy sweating, confusion, fainting, or rapid heartbeat. If symptoms occur, move the person to a cooler area, begin cooling, hydrate if appropriate, and seek medical assistance promptly.

Prevent Insect Bites in Higher-Risk Destinations

Summer travel may increase exposure to mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects. Depending on the region, this can mean risk of dengue, malaria, chikungunya, Zika, or tick-borne illness. Review destination-specific insect risks before travel and carry appropriate protection.

Use an EPA-registered insect repellent appropriate to the destination — look for DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus

Always apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent — applying in the wrong order reduces sun protection

Wear long sleeves, trousers, and closed shoes in high-risk areas

Consider permethrin-treated clothing or gear — do not apply permethrin directly to skin

Keep accommodation doors and windows closed; use mosquito nets where appropriate

Seek medical advice if fever, rash, joint pain, or flu-like symptoms develop following travel to a risk area

Maintain Situational Awareness During Layovers

Summer travel often means busier hotels, crowded tourist areas, major events, and a greater risk of opportunistic theft. Crewmembers should treat layover safety as part of operational readiness.

At the Hotel

Request rooms between the 2nd and 7th floor

Check door locks, peepholes, and balcony access on arrival

Identify the nearest emergency exit

Use the deadbolt and a door wedge where appropriate

Keep passport, medication, wallet, and phone accessible

Out & About

Avoid displaying crew badges, watches, or expensive devices

Carry bags away from passing traffic

Use trusted transport providers only

Agree on crew check-in times before separating

Establish a lost-contact plan before leaving the hotel

Be Ready for In-Flight & Layover Medical Issues

Summer conditions can contribute to dehydration, heat illness, allergic reactions, foodborne illness, fatigue, and worsening chronic conditions in passengers and crew alike. Stay alert to early symptoms and follow company procedures when someone becomes unwell.

Use onboard medical equipment within training and operator policy

Contact medical support early when symptoms are serious, unclear, or worsening

Document symptoms, timing, vital signs, and any actions taken

Escalate promptly for chest pain, breathing difficulty, confusion, fainting, severe allergic reaction, or signs of stroke

MedLink — 24/7 Medical Assistance

MedAire clients can contact MedLink for round-the-clock medical advice during in-flight or travel-related medical concerns. Early contact helps crews make informed decisions, wherever they are in the world.

Pre-Departure Master Checklist

Destination health and security conditions reviewed

Heat, UV, weather, and insect risks checked

Destination-specific provisions packed

Personal medications and emergency contacts available

Onboard medical equipment checked

Hydration and rest plan considered

Hotel and transport arrangements reviewed

Crew check-in and lost-contact plan agreed

MedAire contact details accessible

First aid and emergency response training current

Need Support for Your Next Operation?

MedAire clients can access destination health and security intelligence through the MedAire Portal and reach MedLink for round-the-clock medical guidance — wherever the operation takes you.

Explore MedLink

Frequently Asked Questions

Have Questions? We are here to help

What should aviation crew pack for summer travel?

Crew should pack provisions based on the destination, not just the season. Useful items may include sunscreen, insect repellent, oral rehydration salts or electrolyte tablets, after-sun care, personal medication, basic wound care supplies, hand sanitizer, a charged phone, a power bank, offline emergency contacts, and MedAire Membership details.

How should crew decide what destination-specific provisions to carry?

Crew should review the destination’s health, weather, security, and medical access conditions before departure. A hot, humid, tropical, remote, or mosquito-prone destination may require different provisions than a short domestic layover. Operators should also consider the aircraft type, passenger profile, route, and access to medical care.

Should sunscreen or insect repellent be applied first?

Sunscreen should be applied first, followed by insect repellent. CDC travel guidance advises applying sunscreen before insect repellent when both are used

What type of insect repellent should aviation crew use?

Crew should use an EPA-registered insect repellent appropriate for the destination. CDC guidance lists active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, PMD, and 2-undecanone. Crewmembers should follow product instructions and destination-specific medical guidance.

What are the warning signs of heat illness during travel?

Warning signs may include dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, heavy sweating, confusion, fainting, rapid heartbeat, or worsening fatigue. If symptoms occur, move the person to a cooler area, begin cooling measures, hydrate if appropriate, and seek medical assistance when symptoms are severe or do not improve.

How can crewmembers stay safe during hotel layovers?

Crew should check room locks, identify emergency exits, keep shoes and essentials accessible, avoid sharing room numbers, use the deadbolt, and keep passports, medication, phones, wallets, and keys ready in case they need to leave quickly. The current article also recommends practical measures such as preparing a grab bag and using a door wedge where appropriate