Imagine that you have booked your dream holiday, months, maybe a year in advance and then you discover that you are pregnant, what are the rules about flying whilst pregnant?
Skyscanner have put together some top tips for flying when pregnant
Wear a pair of compression socks:
Ask your midwife if elastic compression socks would make sense for your flight. When pregnant, slower circulation can increase the chance of blood clots, which may be minimised by wearing compression socks.
Take an aisle seat:
If you can select an aisle seat before your flight, do so. If not, ask the flight staff if they can make some accommodations for you. The best option would be to get an aisle seat near the restroom. A bulkhead seat may also be a smart choice for the legroom to keep the blood circulating.
Drink lots of water:
Stay hydrated throughout your trip. You might want to buy a large bottle of water after security to take on the plane with you.
Avoid lifting bags:
When you arrive at the airport, staff and airline personnel are available to assist you. Alert your airline if you need assistance with your luggage or with travelling to your flight.
They have also checked out the top 9 airlines policies on flying whilst pregnant.
AIRLINE POLICY FOR FLYING WHEN PREGNANT
Ryanair
Mums-to-be who haven’t experienced any complications can fly up to 28 weeks of pregnancy. Post 28 weeks (with an uncomplicated pregnancy) a ‘fit to fly’ letter is required. Travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 36th week of pregnancy for a single pregnancy, for multi babies travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy.
More information here
easyJet
Airline advises if mum-to-be has experienced any complications during their pregnancy then they should please consult their medical practitioner before flying. Mums to be can travel up to the end of the 35th week for single pregnancies, or 32nd week for multiply babies
More information here
British Airways
The airline allows travel up until the end of the 36th week if pregnant with one baby and the end of the 32nd week if you pregnant with more than one baby. The airline recommends that mums-to-be carry a confirmation from a doctor or midwife of whether the pregnancy is single or multiple, the expected due date, and there are no complications.
More information here
Flybe
For uncomplicated pregnancies the airline allows travel up to 28 weeks into pregnancy. For pregnancies 28 to 33 weeks, travel is permitted if there is a valid medical certificate. The airline does not allow travel from 34 weeks onwards
Virgin
For uncomplicated pregnancies the airline allows travel up to 28 weeks into pregnancy. For single pregnancies 28 to 36 weeks, travel is permitted if there is a valid medical certificate. For multiple pregnancies its 28-32 weeks with a valid medical certificate. The airline does not allow travel from 36 weeks onwards for single pregnancies and 32 weeks for multiple pregnancies.
More information here
Jet2
For uncomplicated pregnancies the airline allows travel up to 28 weeks into pregnancy. For single pregnancies 28 to 36 weeks, travel is permitted if there is with valid medical certificate. For multiple pregnancies its 28-32 weeks with a valid medical certificate. The airline does not allow travel from 35 weeks onwards for single pregnancies and 33 weeks for multiple pregnancies.
More information here
Emirates
For uncomplicated pregnancies the airline allows travel up to 28 weeks into pregnancy. For single pregnancies 28 to 36 weeks, travel is permitted if there is with valid medical certificate. For multiple pregnancies its 28-32 weeks with a valid medical certificate. Travel from 36 weeks onwards for single pregnancies and 32 weeks for multiple pregnancies will only be permitted only after prior clearance from Emirates Medical Services.
More information here
KLM
The airline advises that women that are over 36 weeks pregnant are recommended not to fly. For multiple pregnancies, they recommend consulting a physician first. For mums to be who have had complications are required to have permission to fly from their health professional before flying
More information here
Norwegian
The airline allows mums to be to fly up to 36 weeks without a medical certificate. If you wish to fly after 36 weeks then the flight cannot be longer than 4 hours and a medical certificate is require.
More information here
If you are at all concerned or you have further questions check out the NHS Guide to Flying whilst pregnant
