How a Commercial Airline Stretcher Works
We apply to the airline's medical desk (typically 24-48 hours in advance) for a stretcher booking. Upon approval, 6-9 seats in the rear of the aircraft are removed and a stretcher frame is installed. The patient lies flat for the duration of the flight. A qualified doctor or paramedic (medical escort) sits adjacent, monitoring the patient and managing medications, oxygen, and any in-flight medical needs.
We handle: the MEDIF (Medical Information Form) completion, airline submission and approval, stretcher booking and seat removal coordination, oxygen quantity calculation and airline approval, medical escort briefing, and airport-to-aircraft transfer by wheelchair or ALS ambulance.
Is My Patient Eligible for a Commercial Stretcher?
Eligibility requires a fitness-to-fly assessment. Broadly: the patient must be stable (not ventilated, not on inotropes), able to lie flat for the duration of the flight, and cleared by their treating physician for air travel. Our doctor reviews the patient's reports and advises within the hour of receiving them.
MEDIF — Medical Information Form
MEDIF is the standard IATA form used by airlines to assess fitness to fly. It must be completed by the treating physician and countersigned by our medical team. Goodmans Rescue has extensive experience in MEDIF preparation and knows the airline-specific requirements for Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, Emirates, Air Arabia, and international carriers.
Oxygen on Commercial Flights
Airlines permit supplemental oxygen in limited quantities. The patient cannot use their own oxygen equipment — airline-supplied oxygen is used, subject to flow rate and duration limits. Our team calculates the oxygen requirement for the specific route and confirms the airline can accommodate it. Patients with high oxygen requirements may not be suitable for commercial stretcher and may require charter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara (Air India subsidiary) accept stretcher requests on most routes. SpiceJet and GoAir have accepted stretchers on select routes. Acceptance depends on the route, aircraft type, and medical condition. We advise on the best airline for your specific route.
Typically 6-9 economy seats are removed and replaced with a flat stretcher. One seat row in front is reserved for the medical escort. The specific configuration depends on the airline and aircraft type.
Yes. Family members can purchase regular seats on the same flight. We coordinate seat selection to ensure a family member can be near the medical escort for updates during the flight.
Stable post-surgical patients, stable oncology patients, orthopaedic patients (fractures, non-weight-bearing), stable cardiac patients cleared for air travel, and patients requiring supplemental oxygen (if within airline limits). Ventilated patients are NOT accepted on commercial airlines.
Cost depends on route, airline, and medical escort level. Typically Rs 1.5-4 lakh including medical escort, stretcher booking, and MEDIF documentation. This is 30-50% of an equivalent charter air ambulance on the same route.