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 operations teams with destination-specific health and security intelligence, risk assessments, and actionable travel advice.
Destination Check
Local health risks, disease activity, and current outbreaks
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.
Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+)
After-sun care or aloe vera gel
Oral rehydration salts or electrolyte tablets
UV-protective sunglasses
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 medication with extra supply for delays
Basic wound care and antiseptic items
Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
Allergy information and medical documentation
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.
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
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.
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