Doctor's note for flying in late 2nd, early 3rd tri

[lastboxoftampons]

We're flying to South Africa on Saturday and I've just realized that our airline requires a note from your doctor. I have a midwive's appointment today - is this something she can provide or is there lots of red tape?

Thanks!

My midwife said the GP would have to do it, which they did (several days after the request) and I was charged £15 for the pleasure. I'd stress the urgency!

Mine was really stroppy about it. (I was 35 weeks.....I think you have to have them after 30 something weeks?) I had to pay £20 5 yrs ago.

Thank you both! Really wish I had realized earlier that they would need a note! We booked through Virgin and they don't require a note until 28 weeks or so, but the flight is operated by another airline that requires a note no matter what your gestation I'm 26 weeks now and can actually hide the whole thing depending on what I'm wearing but better to be safe than sorry! I will get a hold of a note! thank you!

make sure your insurance knows you are pregnant and will cover you

My GP did it for £15. I didn't see her, just spoke to receptionist and collected it a couple of days later. I was between 32 and 34 weeks when I travelled.

Incidentally, no one from the airline ever asked to see it and I made 4 flights at 34 weeks.

Don't panic...but do stress the relative urgency.

HAve fun!

My midwife wrote me a note for nothing. Didn't need it, and I flew until 32 weeks (and looked like a hippo)

Do get one, though - I was bumped off a return Easyjet f;light at 28 weeks pregnant with two-year-old in tow as I didn't have a letter.

Was forced to get GP to fax through letter then wait until 11pm at night, with no buggy and v. tired DD1, to get on an available flight.

Was charged £35 by the airline to 'move flights.' They couldn't explain why they'd let me fly on the outward journey just a few days before.

There shouldn't be any red tape - it really is a formality. Interesting the differences - I wasn't charged for the letter in either of my pregnancies, and wasn't asked for it by any airline (even by easyJet at 31 weeks).

I wasn't asked for it by Lyingair- but I had it just in case....hmmm, bet if they'd known I was very pregnant (had smallish bump) they'd have made me pay extra for a fetus on board.

lie about how preggers you are.

THanks everyone. LOL Bucharest about Lyingair and charging extra for a fetus!

Highlander - It's South AFrican Airways and apparently they require a note no matter how far along you are. I could certainly say I wasn't as far along as I am and probably get away with it, but they say they need a note no matter what.

Saw the midwife today - she's lovely, but my GP's office is totally administratively challenged! I have to make an appointment to see the GP in order to get it!

You could go to one of those medicentres where you pay to see a Doctor if things get desperate or your doc can't give you an appointment before you go... just a thought.

I got one for going to Malaysia because the airline required at all stages of pregnancy but did not have a clue until I got to check in that Malaysia itself bars the entry of women over six months pregnant! I was on the cusp and our return flight was the day after I turned six months. I did get to go but with much begging and pleading at check in and some cloak and daggery through passport control in KL.