Donating blood before a flight or travel

Usually yes, with a small check first. Donate the day before travel, not the hour before, same-day flying right after donation is unwise. ## The short answer Cabin pressure and volume shifts do not mix with fresh donation; a day’s buffer settles it. Trekking to altitude or heavy exertion trips, give yourself a few days. ## At the screening desk Tell the staff: Your travel day. That conversation is confidential and takes a minute, it exists so the medical officer can clear you safely on the day. Everyone meets the same basics: age 18,65, weight 50 kg+, haemoglobin on target, feeling well today. Men donate every 3 months, women every 4, the rest rules, simply. Not sure about your case? Try the Can I donate? checker or read who can donate and the deferral list in plain words. Still weighing it? Is blood donation safe? and the honest side-effects list are straight answers, not brochure talk. ## The one line that matters The medical officer at the centre makes the final call on the day, with your name, your file and your actual reading in front of them. Use this page to walk in informed, not to overrule anyone.