The incidence of a difficult laryngoscopy or intubation varies from 1.5% to 13%, and failed intubation has been identified as one of the anaesthesia‐related causes of death or permanent brain damage. Problems in the airway management can be predicted based on previous anaesthesia records, the medical history of the patient and a physical examination. Several radiological measurements have been reported to be associated with a difficult intubation. The sensitivities of the commonly used bedside tests i.e. the Mallampati classification and the thyromental distance have been reported to be from 42% to 81%, and from 62% to 91%, respectively. The figures for the specificity have varied from 66% to 84% and from 25% to 82%, respectively. The other subjective assessments and objective measurements employed for the prediction of a difficult intubation reach comparable sensitivities and specificities. Evidently, the positive predictive value is improved, if combinations of tests are use