Fit to fly letter?

[Nellysgirl]

Has anyone had to get a fit to fly letter? My doctor has written one for me but I'm worried its not right
Not really even sure what to do with it? First choice said they dot even want a copy of it , just to have it with me at the airport? Surely that's not right????

I'm afraid I can't help, but I would really like to see any replies. I am getting one of those letters from my midwife in a couple of weeks and I'm not sure what to do with it either! It seems like it's there just in case anyone from the airline questions whether I should be flying or not. Thanks for posting Nellysgirl :)

Hey, - my pleasure! well I believe it needs to be written by a gp and there is usually a cost attached too
Where are you going and how far along will you be? X

Yes, it just stated that I'm having an uncomplicated pregnancy and there are no restrictions for flying. Yes, just take it with you, no need to send copies anywhere.

As a frequent business traveller, I was told they would ask me for it at the airport when it becomes more 'visible' that I am further along the pregnancy. Just assures them that you have consulted a medical professional before flying, and you are not at risk of complications. You might be asked for it, you might not. I think it takes any liability away from the airline.

I had one of these to fly to France at around 28 weeks (hastily scrawled on a bit of scrap paper from the midwives with doctors stamp) and kept it with me for the flights - but no-one checked (I did purposefully wear black to conceal it a bit as I was also worried the letter wouldn't be 'official' enough!). This was flying with BA and they specified online in their terms what the letter should contain/say. Take your maternity notes too, just in case! (And then you've also got additional proof of due date etc if needs be)

I'm just heading to Newcastle, so only a one hour flight and I'll be 34 weeks gone. Easyjet say that you can fly with them until 36 weeks, so am just hoping it all goes smoothly and not too many questions are asked! I'm hoping to get some queue jumping privileges too, as I don't fancy standing in a long queue for half an hour with a 34 week bump :)
My midwife seems to think a letter from her will be enough and says she's done lots before now. Anyone else know if that's ok, or does it have to be a gp? Bearing in mind the airline haven't even asked for a letter, I'm hoping it will just be an extra security and a midwife-written one should be alright.

I flew in may, quite obviously pregnant. I had a letter from my doctor and my maternity notes with me. The letter said I was having an uncomplicated pregnancy and how far along I was. I had called the airline before hand and thats what they said I would need. But then they didn't ask for it flying either way (this was BA).
As long as you can get your bag into the overhead locker, I think that's as far as their concern extends.

Thanks girls! I feel a bit more assured now. My doctor was very nervous about writing it and was sure to explain what a massive risk I am taking by flying at my stage
I thought it was common!! Think he is of a nervous disposition in general - poor soul!

I got one for a couple of flights - one to Barcelona at 30wks and the return from Marseille at 32 wks. The doc put the dates of my flights and that I was fit to fly. I flew with easyjet, noone asked for a letter and they were all really nice. I jumped most queues, they told me to take a seat and relax and I boarded with the assisted passengers. Also whilst on holiday DH was milking it a bit and we jumped all lines for museums and such :) Was great!

purple , according to this www.easyjet.com/common/img/EN_FAMILY_TRAVEL_QA.pdf you should have a fit to fly certificate, but one issued by midwife is fine

You can fly with us up to and including your 27th week of pregnancy without a medical certificate. Between the 28th and 35th week (inclusive) of your pregnancy you can only fly with us if you have a medical certificate issued by a Doctor or Midwife stating that you are ?fit to fly? and the number of weeks pregnant. This certificate must cover the duration of your trip.

My friend was refused boarding as her letter didnt state those three words 'fit to fly'. She was 28 weeks and her letter said everything else. They only looked at it at the boarding gate, not at check in or security. She had to miss the flight, arrange for another letter and fly the next day.

I flew when i was 30 weeks and only got asked how far along i was once when i was boarding.

Thanks HazleNutt- that is tremendously useful :)

Remember that the requirements differ from airline to airline, that applies to when you can fly, if and when you need a document and what the document should continue. Check with the airline you are flying with - usually just going to their website will tell you what you need to know.

I fly tomorrow and have one from my doctor it basically just says that I don't have any complications and I am ok to fly xx

Ryanair make you print their own letter and have your midwife/doctor sign and stamp it.
Ryanair letter

So check your airline doesn't have something similar.

I flew Easyjet in April when I was pregnant and they were happy with a hand written note from my midwife saying I was "fit to fly" my due date and number of weeks pregnant. They only asked to see it at the gate.

I just flew BA at 32 weeks and wasn't asked on either leg but then my bump isn't too big - I had my GP letter (written on their GP practice headed paper and was free) with me stating no complications and fit to fly. I've known two friends who've not been allowed on easyjet flights - even when they weren't heavily pregnant - as they didn't have a letter so I wouldn't risk not getting one.