Flying with broken ribs
Broken ribs themselves rarely stop you flying. The complication that does — a collapsed lung — is the thing to rule out first.
The short answer. Usually yes, if there is no lung injury and the pain is controlled. The rib fracture itself is not the problem. An associated pneumothorax is: an untreated collapsed lung is an absolute contraindication to flying, because trapped air expands at altitude.
The complication that changes everything
Rib fractures can tear the lung surface and let air into the space around the lung — a pneumothorax. On the ground a small one may be managed conservatively. In the air it is a different proposition, because that trapped air expands as cabin pressure falls. The CAA is unambiguous: a pneumothorax is an absolute contraindication to air travel, since expanding trapped air can produce a tension pneumothorax, which is immediately life-threatening.
The CAA advises it should generally be safe to travel about two weeks after successful drainage with full re-expansion of the lung. If your rib injury was significant enough for a chest X-ray, make sure you know what it showed before you fly.
Pain, and why it is not trivial
Rib fractures hurt for weeks, and they hurt most when you breathe deeply, cough, laugh or move. That matters on a flight for a practical reason: if pain stops you taking deep breaths and clearing your chest, you are more likely to develop a chest infection. Good pain control is not indulgence here, it is the thing that prevents the complication.
- Take regular pain relief before boarding rather than waiting until it hurts
- Carry it in hand luggage — a medication letter helps if it is a strong painkiller
- Book an aisle seat and get help with bags; reaching into an overhead locker with broken ribs is a genuinely bad experience
- Keep taking deep breaths and coughing gently, however unappealing that sounds
When not to fly
Do not fly and seek urgent assessment if you are breathless, have chest pain that is worsening, are coughing up blood, or feel light-headed. Do not fly at all with a known untreated pneumothorax. If your ribs were broken in a significant accident and you have not had a chest X-ray, get one before a long flight.
Common questions
Can you fly with broken ribs?
Usually yes, provided there is no pneumothorax and your pain is well controlled. The fracture itself is not affected by altitude.
How long should I wait?
There is no fixed period for uncomplicated rib fractures — it is about pain control and breathing comfortably. If there was a pneumothorax, the CAA suggests about two weeks after successful drainage and full lung re-expansion.
Why is a collapsed lung such a problem?
Trapped air expands as cabin pressure falls. A small pneumothorax on the ground can become a tension pneumothorax in the air, which is an immediate emergency with no good options at altitude.
Will I set off the metal detector or need special assistance?
No metal is involved in a simple rib fracture. Do ask for help with luggage, and consider requesting assistance if you are struggling to move comfortably.
Can I take strong painkillers on the plane?
Yes. Keep them in hand luggage in labelled packaging. Some strong painkillers are controlled drugs with import restrictions in certain countries — see taking medication abroad.
Related
Sources. The airline and clinical facts on this page were checked against these primary sources on 24 August 2026. Airline policies change without notice — always confirm with your airline before you book or travel.
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