Can a patient with latent Tuberculosis (TB) fly?

Air Travel for Patients with Latent Tuberculosis Infection

Patients with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) can safely travel by air without restrictions, as LTBI is not infectious and poses no risk of transmission to other passengers. 1

Understanding Latent TB vs. Active TB

• Latent TB infection (LTBI) is an asymptomatic, non-communicable infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis 1
• Unlike active TB disease, LTBI cannot be transmitted to others as the bacteria are dormant 1
• Without treatment, LTBI will progress to active TB disease in approximately 5-10% of affected individuals 1

Air Travel Guidelines for TB Patients

For Latent TB (LTBI):

• No travel restrictions exist for individuals with LTBI 2
• No pre-travel assessment is required specifically for LTBI 2
• No need to inform airlines or public health authorities about LTBI status 2

For Active TB:

• Patients with infectious tuberculosis must not travel by public air transportation until rendered non-infectious 2
• Physicians should inform patients with active TB that they must not travel by air on any commercial flight until they have completed at least 2 weeks of adequate treatment and are sputum smear negative on at least two occasions 2
• For MDR-TB and XDR-TB patients, travel is prohibited until proven non-infectious with two consecutive negative sputum culture results 2

Pre-Travel Considerations for LTBI Patients

While LTBI itself poses no travel restrictions, patients should consider:

• If recently diagnosed with LTBI, discussing treatment options with healthcare provider before extended travel 3
• If currently on LTBI treatment:
  • Ensuring adequate medication supply for the duration of travel 3
  • Dividing medications between carry-on and checked luggage to prevent loss 2
  • Checking with pharmacist whether any medications may be adversely affected by extreme temperatures in hold baggage compartment 2

Special Considerations

• Individuals with LTBI who are immunocompromised should receive special consideration during travel consultation due to higher risk of progression to active disease 3
• If traveling to high TB-burden areas, patients with untreated LTBI should be aware of the small risk of re-infection with different strains 3
• For long-term travelers to high TB-incidence regions, pre-travel consultation should include discussion about LTBI risk and potential testing upon return 3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not confuse latent TB with active TB - they have completely different travel implications 2
• Do not unnecessarily restrict travel for LTBI patients, as this condition is non-infectious 1
• Do not discontinue LTBI treatment due to travel plans, as treatment completion is important to prevent progression to active disease 4, 5
• Avoid assuming all TB is the same - clearly distinguish between latent infection and active disease when providing travel advice 2, 1