Be Travelwise

[Admiral Huddy]

An incident happened to my son whilst we were away on holiday and it just goes to show, no matter how much you travel, you can never be fully travel wise. So post your travel tips and advice here.



My 3 year old son was jumping on the bed and after being told not to for weeks, the day before we left for home he falls and hits his head on the table corner. The medical centre in Turkey treated him with a few stitches and an X-ray and he was fine. He was in and out within an hour but the admin take a few hours more.

However, our problem was at the airport coming home. When checking in, the clerk noticed his head and asked for a "Certificate to show he was medically fit to fly". I was stunned. i didn't have one. In all the fuss of the admin at the centre I didn't even think about this. Why would you unless you are told? The clerk refused us entry on the plane until we got certification. We had to race to Dalaman Airport First aid, get him checked by a doctor, get his dressing changed and get a certificate. This took and hour plus £80. On returning to the desk, he was just about to close. If we hadn't have been first in the queue in the first place, we would have certainly missed the flight.

So if you are injured abroad, make sure you get a medical certificate to show you are ok to fly before leaving for the airport.

 

[randal]

If we ever have kids (which is somewhat unlikely at present as I lie here listening to next door's screaming offspring ruining yet another lie in) then that's something to bear in mind for sure.

My first instinct would be to blame the initial medical centre you saw, but thinking about it why would they care about your future plans? They're just there to treat walk ins.

Hope the little chap is alright though and it doesn't leave a scar.

 

[Archy]

Wow, didn't know you had to do this at all. Thanks for posting, good to know.

 

[Will Gill]

good idea!

dont assume if you break anything and have it placed in plaster that you are automatically fit to fly, I had my foot rebuilt and was refused a flight due to having a static plaster, had to return to hospital have a mobile equivalent shoved on my foot (allowed more flexibility I think) , then i was granted my keys to the sky!

 

[daz.rathbone]

Good advice OP - useful post.

Hope the little one recovered ok.

 

[GravyMonster]

Cheers Huddy, I'll remember this when we take the little 'un on holiday.

 

[Von Smallhausen]

My travel tip is not to act like a tough lad in front of the Guardia Civil as three typical football topped British ****** up scunners will testify to from 2008.

El pagga del baton soon followed.

Hope little H is on the mend Huddy.

 

[JodieO]

Hope he's on the mend

 

[peter_hutson]

When in Asia, don't assume girls are really girls. It can make for one seriously ruined night out.

 

[Maccy]

Travel insurance not pay for that expense Huddy?

 

[Maccapacca]

Make sure if your unlucky enough to have to use overseas medical and have travel insurance that you phone them as soon as you can whilst you are in hospital, I didn't and took 2 months to get back £3k as I hadn't phoned them

 

[Admiral Huddy]

Travel insurance not pay for that expense Huddy?

Yes it's all covered. In fact he medical centre dealt with the insurance company directly rather than having to pay and re-claim. I'll claim the airport fee back when i get a moment. I'm not sure they would have paid out for the missed flight though.

 

[lunarwolf]

travel with kids is not wise

 

[Admiral Huddy]

travel with kids is not wise

True but medical certificate are required for all serious injuries. Adults, children and even women