Flying at 30 weeks

[WhosBob]

I'm due to fly long haul (7 hour flight) at 29+6 and return at 30+5 weeks pregnant. I'm travelling because I have to, not because I want to! The thought is making me slightly nervous. We've just come back from holiday which was a 4 hour flight and I was absolutely fine. I had my compression socks with me but didn't use them. I will speak to my midwife and get a fit to fly letter but does anyone have any tips to make the flight extra comfortable? I'll be going with my parents and leaving my toddler behind so I know I can have a somewhat relaxing journey there and back!

I did at 32 weeks (was due to Covid border restrictions so I flew as soon as they reopened as was moving back to UK).
Was a 4 hour flight followed by 7 hours. It was fine just make sure to drink lots of water 🙂

Also check with your airline all have different cut off dates. The first airline didn’t ask for a fit to fly but I had one anyways. The second airline needed you to go to a gynaecologist and have a specific fit to fly document from the airline filled and signed out. This needed to then be emailed to them and approved by a doctor from the airlines medical team. Took about a week for the approval so make sure to check up on their websites in advance.
Good luck 😊

My friend did at 29 weeks and her waters ended up breaking. She was hospitalised before her baby was born 9 weeks early in Spain. They stayed a further 5 weeks until baby flew home with team of medics and she had to get regular flight.

Can you go business? I came back from Japan at 24 weeks and felt far too big for the seat

Also make sure you have the fit to fly with you in hand when you’re on the plane. I would also take a copy of your 20 week scan to show proof of how far along you are.
I used to be a cabin crew and we were told during boarding to look out for any woman who looked in late pregnancy and ask for a fit to fly. I saw it happen a few times when they were offloaded if they didn’t have it.

Also check with the airline as some require you to have the fit to fly dated within 1 week of flying (so for your return journey). Should all be fine just plan it in advance xx