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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Fit to fly....but for how long?

19 replies

TheLegendOfBeans · 18/08/2017 08:46

Morning all

Quick question: we are unavoidably going to have to travel to the UK from the Netherlands when I am 33 weeks pregnant.

It's a 50 minute flight but I just wonder if any of you have been on a flight at such a late stage and did you get any hassle from the airline (if you turned up without a fit to fly letter...)?

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CWG17 · 18/08/2017 08:48

I wouldn't risk travelling without the letter, just in case.

newbian · 18/08/2017 08:49

I think basically all airlines require a fit to fly letter and have restrictions on travelling after a certain point. If you turn up looking pregnant and you cannot prove your dates (i.e. you have no letter) they have a right to refuse you boarding.

Cakescakescakes · 18/08/2017 08:50

Absolutely get a letter

eurochick · 18/08/2017 08:58

Most airlines require a letter after 28 weeks. You probably won't be allowed to board without it.

Original poster

TheLegendOfBeans · 18/08/2017 09:17

Yeah, as thought, I think I'm just trying not to think about having to go on the ruddy Eurostar with a toddler...

I see my doctor on Tuesday so I'll see what he says. Argh.

OP posts:

newbian · 18/08/2017 09:21

TheLegendOfBeans A fit to fly letter isn't simply about whether you're OK to be on an airplane. If a doctor refuses to give it, most likely it's because they don't think you should be travelling. So see what your doctor says, but if he/she won't give a letter to fly 50 min I"m not sure getting on the Eurostar with a toddler makes sense either...

SS81C · 18/08/2017 09:23

You'll need to check with the airline too as the letter may need to be done in the day or so just before you fly to be valid for both journeys.
The letter is for a reason too so if there are any concerns at that point in your pregnancy your MW/GP may not give you one. Just worth thinking about.
Urgh Eurostar with a toddler sounds fun.....

SayNoToCarrots · 18/08/2017 09:32

I had to fly at 35 weeks once. I just wore a hoody and a long chat and pretended to be fat.

SayNoToCarrots · 18/08/2017 09:33

Coat not chat wtf

KinkyFruits · 18/08/2017 09:40

Is there some reason you think your GP or MW wouldn't give you a fit to fly letter? If your pregnancy is generally healthy you should have no problem getting one at 33 or even 35 weeks. (I think 36+ weeks may be pushing it.) The letter is a formality that the airlines require to protect themselves legally. It would be silly of you to assume you need to take the train rather than simply ask your MW/GP for a letter.

And as a PP pointed out, if for some reason you're not medically fit to fly I don't think you should be going at all!

pomadas87 · 18/08/2017 09:44

I flew last week at 26 weeks pregnant and was asked how many weeks and if I had a letter by three different staff at the check in desk, boarding gate and on the Tarmac boarding the plane! When I said 26 weeks they said it was fine. I asked how many weeks I could go to without a letter and they said 28, but I think it varies from airline to airline

KellyMarieTunstall2 · 18/08/2017 09:46

I flew at 30 weeks, I had a fit to fly letter, but I wasn't asked for it. Most airlines will allow you to travel up to 36 weeks, so get a letter and enjoy your trip.

Ecureuil · 18/08/2017 09:48

I've flown at 32 and 34 weeks with no hassle, I just got a fit to fly letter. Do you have a reason to think they won't give you one? Most airlines won't let you fly without one after 28 week IIRC, so just factor in having to get one and you'll be fine.

Original poster

TheLegendOfBeans · 18/08/2017 10:00

Well, I have a pre existing heart condition so that may mean big fat Family Fortunes-style "nerr-errs" for the doctor and airline staff etc. And me too if I'm being strictly honest.

But seeing this is to do with my family returning (re-emigrating?) to the UK (on a v tight budget) I'm just exploring the options before we end up forking out fucktons for the ferry/Eurostar.

It's not about the choice to travel/not travel. It's about am I being a dipstick even hoping for a FTF note, and I think I am

OP posts:

PerpetualStudent · 18/08/2017 10:17

I went to get a fit to fly letter at 35 weeks, Dr had literally signed it, then checked my BP as a precaution - I was immediately sent to hospital with a pre-eclamspia diagnosis!
I was due to fly out and give a lecture for work the next day, had to cancel - if you have something important to do I 100% do not recommend leaving it until the last minute - a lot of embarassing phone calls had to be made!
It's a pain, but you have to be led by your health on this one IMO...

SS81C · 18/08/2017 10:22

Also worth nothing that some ferry companies also want a fit to travel letter (I went on a 2hr ferry journey from the UK to channel islands at 30 weeks and had to have one...and was asked for it!) Although your GP may be more inclined to give you one for ferry travel rather than air travel.
I agree speaking to the GP when you next see them is a good idea to see whether they would be likely to sign you off as fit to travel - at the end od the day if you have to travel you have to travel. Good luck with the move!

MrsMarigold · 18/08/2017 10:55

I flew when pg with DD 5 years ago - I was just over 35 weeks on the return trip, she arrived two weeks after we got back at 37 +2. I had a fit to fly certificate, which I was asked to present in the UK but not in Italy. I was not that big which helped. If you have not had any complications during the pregnancy I can't see why not.

thepotatoesofdefiance · 18/08/2017 11:08

I flew 2 weeks ago at 32 weeks. Had a letter but wasn't asked for it, no problems, flight just over an hour. That airline let you fly up to 36 weeks for a single pregnancy with a note from the doctor or midwife but the note has to be dated within 2 weeks of the flight (the airline website should tell you their requirements). I also took the Eurostar for the outward journey with a toddler and 5 year old (but had DH to help) which I was dreading but it was surprisingly easy and comfortable in the end (they ushered us to the front of all queues, let us wait in the priority boarding area, provided crayons / stickers / paper for the kids to keep them occupied, seats were comfy and plenty of space etc). Much preferred the train to the flight for what it's worth!

Topsyloulou · 18/08/2017 11:09

I was 26 weeks when I flew to Italy with DS & was asked for my fit to fly letter at check in & boarding both there & back & at passport control in Italy so it's really not worth trying to fly without one. We're flying tomorrow so I got my letter yesterday. In the UK they won't provide a letter any further than 1 week in advance of your flight.

Can't you wait until after baby arrives & then go over then so you can introduce baby as well? I'm sure your family would understand that you can't travel. Will DP going with you? Any option if you are travelling on your own with a toddler, heavily pregnant & a heart condition doesn't sound like a good idea.

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