Hi Smokehouse,

A lot of variables to this one. Much depends on your surgery (many different techniques) and how you recover. There is always a threat of infection. Also depends on your seating on the plane to Sydney and the airline you fly with. If you have a first or business class seat I say maybe 17 hours is doable. Another thing is the possibility of blood clots in the legs so you would really need to do some walking around on the plane. Airlines are not usually willing to upgrade you for free because of your problem. If coach is the way you are going try and get a bulkhead seat as it offers 3-6 more inches of leg room.

The good news is your joint pain will be gone but the area of the incision and the muscle, tendons, ligaments is where pain will be. If you have a big jug of pain meds and sleeping pills to comfort you maybe yes. If you don't it could be a very long 17 hours.

There are some companies that you can buy flight insurance through right up until the day before you fly but seemingly a preexisting problem would disqualify you???

Hip replacement surgery is not a walk in the park so be prepared for a lot of work ahead.

Cheers,
John