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Flying while pregnant (27 - 29 weeks)

8 replies

vvviola · 07/06/2011 09:11

I've 2 business trips coming up - one this week, one next week. Doc is perfectly happy to let me go. He's written the notes I need etc. I feel really great at the moment (unlike the similar stage last time around) and I'm looking forward to the trips (a mix of business and networking with great colleagues)

But I was just wondering if anyone had any experience of flying at that stage of pregnancy. Will they definitely ask me for my note? Has anyone had any trouble with airlines accepting them (not sure what airline I'll be flying yet - but probably Brussels Airlines)? Any tips for the flight, or things you found particularly hard?

Thanks!

OP posts:

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Daisybell1 · 07/06/2011 09:27

I recently travelled to Greece at 24 weeks. I didn't have a note from the Dr but I printed off an email from Thomas Cook (the airline) confirming that I didn't need a note to fly until I was 28 weeks - good job I had as they queried it at the airport.

I was in standard seating on the way there and it was a bit uncomfortable. On the way back we were given the medical seating with extra leg room which was much better. I did swell up like a balloon though, on both flights!

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Poledra · 07/06/2011 09:33

Flew at 26 weeks with DD1 - would second Daisybell on the swelling thing. Take your rings off - I had to have one cut off my hand after that! Wasn't asked for any note, though I did have one ready in my bag just in case. Make sure you have plenty of water - I got terribly thirsty on the flight. Other than that, it was fine. Enjoy your trips!

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MainlyMaynie · 07/06/2011 10:38

I've flown at that stage with no problems. I was flying with KLM, they have never asked me for a note (but their policy is you can fly up to 36 weeks without a note). I think scheduled airlines are more flexible than low-cost or charter. I didn't have any swelling or anything and bizarrely the airline seat was a really comfortable shape. I did think I might need an extension belt, but didn't in the end! Even on crutches it was no harder than getting the bus.

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cate2310 · 07/06/2011 11:29

I got back from Florida yesterday after a fortnight's holiday and I'm 23 weeks. I had no problem at all with the flight. The midwife advised me to drink plenty of water which was no problem as they were happy to provide me with as much as I wanted. I did make sure I carried my Antenatal notes in my hand luggage so I had them with me if there was a problem.
I also bought and wore flight socks both ways - I got mine off Amazon and they were much cheaper then anywhere else I could find.
Have a grear trip

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snailoon · 07/06/2011 11:33

Flew up to 36 weeks through 3 pregnancies. No problems, no note.

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TabithaTwitchet · 07/06/2011 11:43

I flew with Easyjet 2 days before their Dr's note cut-off (so 27 weeks and a bit weeks). The girl on the gate did ask me how many weeks pregnant I was - I had my maternity notes with me to prove I didn't yet need a dr's note, but she didn't ask to see them.

Didn't have problems with swelling or anything like that, but it was only a short flight. I did take my shoes off and make sure I exercised my legs a bit during the flight though.

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saoirse86 · 07/06/2011 12:23

I flew at 29-30 weeks last summer. On the way I wasn't asked but was seriously uncomfortable on the plane. On the way back I was asked for my doctors note. She took it away and presumably checked with a manager and it was fine. I think it was BMI baby.

I asked if I could be seated somewhere with more room to recline my seat. She said I could sit in the row infront of the emergency exit so there was more room behind me. It turned out that there was a kind of storage space behind us so we couldn't recline our seats at all! I was in so much pain I ended up crying and they eventually moved me (but not DP) into the front row.

I didn't have much swelling at all as it was a 3-4 hour flight, it was just my back killing me! If I were you, I'd ask for a spacious seat with space to recline. Maybe an aisle seat too so you can get up as much as you like. And if you can, I'd try to fly in the day so you're not trying to sleep in an uncomfortable seat.

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vvviola · 12/06/2011 07:52

Thanks everyone! First set of flights over with. I'm glad I posted - I wouldn't have thought to take my rings off, and my hands swelled up a fair bit.

No note was asked for and the whole trip went very smoothly. Although my hips were very sore during the second flight (although I think some of that was due to sitting on uncomfortable chairs at the meeting for 2 days!)

2 more flights next week and then I'm grounded until after the baby comes!

Thanks again!