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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

flying when pregnant - what do I need to do?

15 replies

KMR281 · 27/06/2012 12:38

hi,
i'm flying out when 16weeks, and back when 17weeks (UK -Germany). Do I need to get any medical approval to fly, or inform airline or anything? I was kind of presuming that as won't be 20weeks, when you get the official form, there was nothing required - but am i wrong?? don't want to get knocked back at the plane steps!!
thanks!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

DialMforMummy · 27/06/2012 13:08

No you are not wrong. You don't need to do anything.

Spice17 · 27/06/2012 13:09

I also thought I would have to get some sort of official info (flew at 17-18 weeks to Greece) But I didn't, couldn't even really tell I was pregnant anyway.

I did mention to MW but she just said fine, go, enjoy, just don't get too hot!

EMS23 · 27/06/2012 13:24

Don't do anything and don't mention your pregnant to anyone when checking in etc.. You don't get special treatment for it so no need for them to know.

Original poster

KMR281 · 27/06/2012 13:25

thanks goodness for that! I am planning on a large scarf to hide bump. I am seeing the midwife the day before I fly, so will check, although, no doubt far to late to organise anything - typical me! Although if they did kick me off the flight, it would save me seeing the MIL...!

OP posts:

LittleSugaPlum · 27/06/2012 13:35

Hang on.......

Im flying next week to Gran Caneria, at 25 weeks pregnant.
I ve been told by thomas cook, before i told them how far i would be that i needed a midwifes note to state how many weeks i was and that i was unlikely to have any complications abroad.

If they question how far you are at the airport, and you have no proof, they are within there rights to refuse to fly you.

Also take your pregnany notes and tell your airline, as if you dont tell them and you need medical treatment over there, you will not be insured! You do not have to pay extra on your insurance, it just needs to be on the system that you are pregnant.

I dont mean to get you worried, but i have looked into all this as im going abroad next week, and its always better to follow the correct channels and be safe than sorry!

4lbsOfShiteInA2lbBag · 27/06/2012 13:41

Each airline varies in its policies regarding flying when pregnant so you should double check the terms and conditions of the airline in question re: needing letter to confirm fitness to fly.

However, I had 2 holidays booked when I discovered I was pregnant. I was able to fly long haul at 17/18 weeks without advising the airline at all as their policy didn't require any medical certification until post 24 weeks (I think). Had to cancel the second holiday as the airline refuses to carry anyone post 34 weeks and I would have been too far on.

freelancegirl · 27/06/2012 13:46

Yes you don't need to officially notify airline or get a doctors letter until later on. I flew long haul at 17 weeks, short haul at 25 and 32 weeks and only needed a letter for the latter. Do tell your travel insurance just on case, as they can be a bugger about things like not telling them. They will barely bat an eyelid at 17 weeks though. Oh, also dr

freelancegirl · 27/06/2012 13:47

Sorry - also drink lots of water, take regular walks and wear flight socks on long haul

blondiep14 · 27/06/2012 14:52

I flew back from Greece last week at 26 weeks (very obviously) pregnant and didn't need anything. Went with EasyJet. I did inform our insurance and also drank a lot of water.
I forgot my notes but if you take them they have your EDD etc on them don't they?

Original poster

KMR281 · 27/06/2012 14:53

ok thanks - will double check re. airline guidance and insurance. Better safe than sorry!

OP posts:

Jules125 · 27/06/2012 14:59

I fly a lot for work, and have made many flights at this stage of pregnancy, including one in May this year (16 weeks). I've never had any problems or had to show anything - no-one even noticed at that stage (even if you are a lot bigger, people who don't know you won't be aware you're not that size normally!).

You won't have any problems or need to do anything.

Original poster

KMR281 · 27/06/2012 14:59

right, I'm flying easyjet, so just in case anyone else is, this is their guidance:

If you are pregnant you can travel up to the end of the 35th week for single pregnancies. Please make sure you complete all return sectors no later than week 35.

If you are expecting more than one baby you can travel up to the end of the 32nd week. Please make sure you complete all return sectors no later than week 32.

A medical certificate is not required to travel. But if you have experienced any complications during your pregnancy please consult your medical practitioner before flying with us.

You are allowed to travel with an infant on your lap if you wish to do so.

OP posts:

MaMattoo · 27/06/2012 15:47

Check insurance, check airline fingerprint. Carry yellow notes - incase you are asked. Buy some inflight stockings to prevent sausage leg syndrome :) and fly fly fly
I flew long haul (10hrs non stop) in my fifth month. No problem as I was told to guzzle
Water and keep walking around. Was a doddle compared to now lugging 2 yr old
Monster long-haul

MaMattoo · 27/06/2012 15:48

fine print -not fingerprint

gloucestergirl · 27/06/2012 20:38

I flew when 7 months pregnant no one batted an eye-lid and was even offered a glass of wine. KMR281 has given what you need. I had a letter from the mid-wife stating week of pregnancy and that there were no complications. I didn't want a jobsworth buggering up my flight. It wasn't needed in the end, but made me feel a lot better.

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