When flying whilst pregnant, you'll want to choose an airline that prioritises comfort and safety for expectant parents. In this guide, we have selected the top 5 best airlines to fly with when pregnant, so you can feel a bit more at ease when travelling before the baby arrives.
Pregnant travellers can fly up until the 28th week of pregnancy without the need to obtain a medical certificate. Past the 28th week, pregnant passengers are required to carry a medical certificate stating they're fit to travel, the due date of the baby and the how far along they are in the pregnancy. Pregnant passengers carrying more than one baby are not permitted to fly past 32 weeks of pregnancy.
Passengers can fly up until the 28th week of pregnancy without the need to acquire any documentation. However, Qatar does recommend carrying a doctor's certificate to speed up the process at the airport. Pregnant passengers carrying one baby are required to carry a doctor's certificate if they're flying between the 29th–32nd week and must carry a doctors certificate and MEDIF form if they're flying after the 32nd week of pregnancy. Passengers with multiple or complicated pregnancies are not allowed to fly during or past the 33rd week of pregnancy and must obtain a doctor's certificate and MEDIF form if they're flying between the 29th–32nd week of pregnancy.
Passengers can fly up until the 28th week of their pregnancy as normal, as long as the mother is healthy and the pregnancy is progressing without complications. After the 28th week, a medical clearance will have to be provided.
With complication-free pregnancies, passengers can fly up until the end of the 27th week of pregnancy without the need to let Virgin Atlantic know. During the 28th week and beyond pregnant passengers will need to obtain a medical certificate from their doctor. Passengers pregnant with one baby are allowed to fly up until the 36th week, however, if you're expecting multiple babies, you are are not allowed to fly after the 32nd week.
Travellers can fly up until the 28th week of their pregnancy. Between the 29th–36th week of pregnancy, travellers are required to carry a medical certificate if they wish to fly carrying one baby. Between the 29th–32nd week of pregnancy, travellers are required to carry a medical certificate if they wish to fly carrying more than one baby.
If you're anxious about flying when pregnant or just want some advice on how to make it a bit easier, follow these tips.
Although flying isn’t considered harmful to you or your baby, your GP will be able to determine whether you're fit to fly, give you advice and reassure you're okay to fly during your pregnancy. Some airlines will also require a letter from your doctor stating that you're fit to fly after you're a certain number of weeks pregnant. Your doctor will also be able to advise you on any travel vaccinations you may require, because there may be some you are not allowed due to the pregnancy.
Flying too early in your pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage and flying later on in the third-trimester might trigger early labour. Therefore, it's best to avoid travelling before the 12th week and after the 28th week, unless you absolutely have to.
Some destinations are no-go for passengers who are pregnant, because of viruses such as malaria or zika. If you are thinking of planning a baby moon, check out our favourite and safe destinations for a babymoon over on our blog.
You're best to make the airline aware that you're travelling pregnant, no matter what stage of the pregnancy you're in. This allows the airline to properly prepare and assist you before, during and after the flight. If you've made a booking with Alternative Airlines, contact us by email or phone and we'll be more than happy to alert the airline for you.
Don't be afraid to ask anyone around you for help, regardless of whether its a flight attendant or another passenger. Never do any heavy lifting. If you have carry-on baggage that you need to put in the overhead lockers, politely ask a member of the cabin crew or someone sitting nearby you.
By pre-selecting a seat, you can choose to sit in a specific seat with extra width or legroom. Additionally, you can choose to sit at the front of the aircraft where it's less busy and easier for boarding and disembarking.
Wear your seatbelt for the duration of your flight to keep you safe during any unexpected turbulence.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) state that the safest time for those who are pregnant with one baby is before 37 weeks, and before 32 weeks for those carrying twins. Most airlines will not let pregnant people to fly beyond 37 weeks, and it is recommended that those who are pregnant and wish to travel beyond this time check with airlines as they may have difficulty getting travel insurance for their trip. People who are over 28 weeks pregnant should take a doctor’s note and medical records when flying.
If travelling to the US from another country, while pregnant, entry to the country will be allowed or denied at the discretion of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer. There are no specific regulations that prohibit pregnant foreign nationals from entering the US, however, if the CBP Officer believes that the pregnant foreign national is likely to become a ‘ward of the government’ (ie the government must provide medical care to the pregnant person as they do not have medical coverage) then the person can be denied entry.
Things the CBP Officer will take into account when determining qualification for entry to the US: due date, length of time the person wishes to spend in the UK, evidence of sufficient medical insurance coverage, intention to return home.
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Southwest pregnancy policy states that they do not recommend that pregnant passengers fly past the 38th week of pregnancy. There are, however, no maximum weeks stated officially that say you can't fly past whilst pregnant.
JetBlue's pregnancy policy states that pregnant passengers can fly up to seven days before their due date with no restrictions. Passengers looking to fly past seven days the day before their due date must provide a certificate from their doctor stating they're fit to fly. This letter can be no more than 72 hours old.
Yes, you can still fly whilst you're pregnant. The closer you get to your due date, the more restrictions are in place. Before your flight, it's always best to check directly with the airline to see if you're safe to fly depending on the point at which you are at with your pregnancy.
Generally speaking, yes, you can fly when you're 6 months pregnant. If your pregnancy is uncomplicated and you haven't experienced any adverse health conditions, flying when you're 6 months pregnant is usually safe to do.
Yes, airport scanners are deemed safe for pregnant flyers. The radiation emitted from airport scanners is so low that it is generally unnoticeable in the body.
If you experience turbulence during your flight and are pregnant, try not to worry! Turbulence when you're pregnant does not generally affect your pregnancy. If the turbulence is prolonged or severe, the best thing to do is notify a member of the cabin crew who will be able to advise you on what's best to do.
