Introduction: Can a Doctor’s Note Help You Get a Flight Refund?
Airlines typically have strict cancellation policies, but if a medical condition prevents you from traveling, you may be able to cancel or reschedule your flight without penalties by providing a doctor’s note.
Many airlines offer medical exemptions for cancellations, allowing passengers to receive full refunds, travel credits, or penalty-free rescheduling if they provide verified medical documentation stating that flying is unsafe for their health.
At Unity Chiropractic Wellness, we assist patients dealing with chronic pain, spinal conditions, post-surgical recovery, and other mobility impairments in obtaining the necessary documentation to support medical travel cancellations.
This guide explains when you may need a doctor’s note for a flight cancellation, how to obtain one, and how to submit it to the airline.
When Can a Doctor’s Note Help You Cancel a Flight?
A doctor’s note may be required for medical-based cancellations due to:
• Severe back pain, herniated discs, or spinal injuries that make prolonged sitting unbearable
• Post-surgical recovery requiring limited movement or restricted air travel
• Severe joint pain, arthritis, or mobility impairments preventing safe boarding and deplaning
• Severe illness, infections, or medical conditions that could worsen in-flight
• Doctor-advised travel restrictions due to blood clots (DVT), pregnancy complications, or recent medical treatments
If your doctor determines that flying would negatively impact your health, they can provide a formal medical letter supporting your cancellation request.
How to Obtain a Doctor’s Note for Flight Cancellation
1. Schedule an Appointment with Your Healthcare Provider
Visit your chiropractor, primary care physician, or specialist and explain why you cannot travel due to your medical condition. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and determine whether cancelling your flight is medically necessary.
2. Request a Formal Medical Letter
Your doctor’s note for flight cancellation should include:
• Your full name and date of birth
• Your diagnosis and reason for the cancellation (without excessive medical details)
• A statement confirming that you are unfit to travel
• The doctor’s recommendation for a flight cancellation or deferral
• The doctor’s name, signature, medical license number, and contact information
Most airlines require the note to be on official letterhead for verification purposes.
3. Submit the Doctor’s Note to the Airline
Once you have your medical documentation, follow the airline’s cancellation procedure:
• Call customer service to explain the situation and ask about medical cancellation policies.
• Submit the doctor’s note via the airline’s website, email, or fax.
• Follow up with the airline to confirm that your request has been processed.
Airlines That Accept Medical Cancellation Requests
Each airline has different policies regarding medical cancellations. Here’s a general overview of how major airlines handle doctor’s notes for refunds:
American Airlines
• Offers refunds or travel credits for medical cancellations with proper documentation.
• Requires a doctor’s note stating that the passenger is unable to travel.
• Submit via the American Airlines Refund Request Page.
Delta Air Lines
• Medical refunds are not guaranteed but may be approved on a case-by-case basis.
• A doctor’s note must be submitted with a refund request.
• Contact Delta’s customer service for submission instructions.
United Airlines
• Allows passengers to apply for a medical waiver with a doctor’s note.
• Refund requests must be submitted through the United Refunds Department.
• Travelers may be offered credit instead of a refund.
JetBlue Airways
• Generally does not allow refunds but may waive change fees with medical proof.
• Requires a doctor’s note and supporting medical documentation.
• Submit via JetBlue’s customer support team.
Southwest Airlines
• Offers no-change-fee policies, but a doctor’s note may help secure a refund instead of credit.
• Medical requests should be submitted through Southwest’s refund department.
International Airlines
• Many international airlines follow similar refund policies, but medical cancellation policies vary.
• It is best to contact the airline directly to confirm the requirements for a medical exemption.
What to Do If Your Medical Cancellation Request Is Denied
If an airline rejects your request for a medical refund, you have options:
• Appeal the decision with additional documentation from your doctor.
• Ask about rescheduling options if a full refund is not available.
• Check your travel insurance policy—many policies cover medical cancellations.
• File a dispute with your credit card company if your reason for cancellation qualifies under consumer protection laws.
Final Steps: Ensuring a Smooth Medical Cancellation Process
• Review the airline’s medical cancellation policy before submitting your request.
• Obtain a doctor’s note from a licensed healthcare provider.
• Submit your request promptly and follow up with the airline.
• Keep a copy of all documents in case additional proof is required.
If you are struggling with chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or any condition that makes flying unsafe, Unity Chiropractic Wellness can provide the medical documentation needed for travel cancellations.
If you need assistance with a flight cancellation due to medical reasons, schedule an appointment today to discuss your options.