Steve Duggan replies:

FMLA permits employees dealing with serious health conditions to take leave from their jobs while dealing with those conditions. Neither the law itself, nor the DOL regulations, state any restrictions regarding employee travel during those times. I am aware of at least one case that held that travel to Cancun while on FMLA leave violated the Employer’s paid leave policy, when the employee did not notify the employer or obtain permission of her doctor. If your doctor says it’s ok to travel while also saying your FMLA leave is appropriate, it shouldn’t be a problem. However, I would urge you to let HR and your manager know what you are planning.

Posted 05-08-2018

Information here is correct at the time it is posted. Case decisions cited here may be reversed. Please do not rely on this information without consulting an attorney first.