Generally, individuals with ventricular septal defects (VSD) with no complications do not display symptoms and are able to travel by airplane. When such defects are at an early stage, where cardiac function has not been significantly impaired and there is left-to-right shunting without heart failure or pulmonary hypertension, flying is generally tolerated. After surgery for a ventricular septal defect, patients usually can fly. However, if the patient with a ventricular septal defect is older and in the advanced stages of the condition, exhibiting clear symptoms of heart failure such as difficulty breathing and chest tightness with significant exertional stress, such patients are unable to lie down and should not fly. Additionally, if there is right-to-left shunting or severe pulmonary hypertension has developed, it is unsafe for them to fly as they could potentially face emergencies during the flight.