Air travel during pregnancy , yes or no? The truth is that the most correct answer would be, “it depends”. In principle, if you do it during the first or second trimester of pregnancy, nothing should happen. Afterwards, everything will depend on the airline’s policy and how you feel.
However, it is best to consult with your doctor. Especially if you had hypertension, diabetes or blood loss during pregnancy.
You should also be careful if you’ve had a preterm birth before. And, in the event that you have to travel to a country that requires vaccination, make sure that the vaccine is not harmful to your baby.
AIR TRAVEL DURING PREGNANCY ACCORDING TO THE AIRLINES
As a general rule, pregnant women can fly until week 36, unless it is a multiple pregnancy or some complications have arisen throughout the pregnancy. However, airlines are often more restrictive. Some will make it difficult for you to board if you have already entered the 28th week of pregnancy.
Policies for air travel during pregnancy can vary from one airline to another. Next, we will show you what the restrictions of the best-known companies are:
- Iberia : You do not need medical authorization until week 28. You will be asked for it until week 36 and, after that date (32 weeks in multiple pregnancies), the company’s medical service will have to authorize you to fly. In the event that the flight is national, you cannot fly when there are only 7 days left before delivery, a prohibition that reaches up to 10 days for international flights. If you have to catch a plane for important reasons, you must request an authorization from the special assistance coordinators.
- Air Europa : From week 28 you will need a medical certificate issued during the 7 days prior to the flight.
- Vueling : You can travel until week 27 without any restrictions. Between weeks 28 and 35, you need a permit signed by the doctor stating that you can fly, with a signature, date and period of validity. From week 36 you cannot fly.
- Volotea : You will need a certificate between week 28 and 35. Before, they don’t ask you for anything and afterwards, they don’t allow you to fly.
- Ryanair : It also allows you to fly without a medical certificate until week 28. Said certificate cannot be older than 2 weeks. The airline does not allow travel after the end of week 36 (32 in multiple pregnancies).
- EasyJet : It is the least restrictive in this regard, since in principle it allows travel without a medical certificate until the end of week 35 for single pregnancies and up to week 32 for multiple pregnancies.
- British Airways : Like most, you can fly without problems until week 28. After that you will need a medical certificate. After week 36 (32 in multiple pregnancies) they do not allow boarding.
- Air Berlin : Allows travel up to 4 weeks before delivery. Although they do not expressly say so, it is better that you bring the medical certificate to show that you are not yet at week 36.
- American Airlines : Does not recommend traveling within 30 days prior to delivery date. If you have to do it, they will ask you for a medical certificate that authorizes you to fly.
- Norwegian : You can fly until the end of week 36. After week 37, you can only fly if the trip lasts no more than four hours. They ask for a medical certificate to get on the plane.
- Air France : In principle, there are no restrictions.
- Delta : As in the previous case, there are no restrictions.
TIPS FOR AIR TRAVEL DURING PREGNANCY
However, even if the airline allows you to travel by plane during pregnancy, it is worth following a series of tips to make you more comfortable:
- Wear compression stockings to promote circulation.
- Choose an aisle seat (ideally with more legroom) so you can get up and move around the plane more freely.
- Ask for a medical certificate even if you don’t need it, just in case.
- Wear loose clothing to travel more comfortably.
- Try to get up from your seat for at least 5 minutes every hour to move your legs.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.