flying while pregnant

oooCarrieB

Can anyone remind me of the rules of flying while pregnant? I have a work meeting in a couple weeks. I'll be about 18 weeks pregnant. It's a sales meeting, so I kind of hope I'm able to hide my bump. I don't know if new clients want to know that I'm going to be out on maternity leave later this year. I guess I'll run it by my sales guy and see what he says.

nebraska84

You will be fine, I believe the cut off is like 34 weeks. Have a nice trip.

jlaOK

My doctor's cut off is 34 weeks.  I just flew last month at 30 weeks for my grandmother's funeral.

laurakaz13

I think 34 weeks is incorrect.  I did some research b/c I was curious.  Here are a few. 

US Airways Policy:  Doctor's certificate required if traveling within seven days of due date. Certificate must state that the passenger has been examined and is fit to travel. Certificate must be dated within 72 hours of flight departure.

British Airways: No travel restrictions for pregnant travelers up to the 36th week of pregnancy except for pregnant passengers expecting multiple births, where travel restrictions begin after the 32nd week.

Quantas Airlines:  Pregnant passengers only require medical clearance if experiencing a pregnancy with complications.  After the 36th week of pregnancy (for single pregnancies), international travel is not permitted.   After the 32nd week of pregnancy (for multiple pregnancies), international travel is not permitted.   No restrictions for domestic travel, but medical clearance is required to travel past the 36th week for uncomplicated multiple pregnancy.

MammaBear81

Check with your airline- I just flew on JetBlue and if you are past X amount of weeks you needed a doctors note saying you are cleared for travel.  I wasn't past the cut off so I didn't need the note, but I would check it out just to be safe.

BeckyTheEngineer

I'd mention it at your next OB appointment, particularly if you have any specific concerns. But, assuming you are having a healthy pregnancy then I wouldn't worry. My doc was fine with me flying between 32 and 36 weeks.

gimmietimmies

laurakaz13:

I think 34 weeks is incorrect.  I did some research b/c I was curious.  Here are a few. 

US Airways Policy:  Doctor's certificate required if traveling within seven days of due date. Certificate must state that the passenger has been examined and is fit to travel. Certificate must be dated within 72 hours of flight departure.

British Airways: No travel restrictions for pregnant travelers up to the 36th week of pregnancy except for pregnant passengers expecting multiple births, where travel restrictions begin after the 32nd week.

Quantas Airlines:  Pregnant passengers only require medical clearance if experiencing a pregnancy with complications.  After the 36th week of pregnancy (for single pregnancies), international travel is not permitted.   After the 32nd week of pregnancy (for multiple pregnancies), international travel is not permitted.   No restrictions for domestic travel, but medical clearance is required to travel past the 36th week for uncomplicated multiple pregnancy.

Westjet and Air Canada are 34 weeks. Some do have this restriction. Although no one asked me at 33 weeks 5 days flying home from vacation.

JWSchwarz

laurakaz13:

I think 34 weeks is incorrect.nbsp; I did some research b/c I was curious.nbsp; Here are a few.nbsp; US Airways Policy:nbsp; Doctor's certificate required if traveling within seven days of due date. Certificate must state that the passenger has been examined and is fit to travel. Certificate must be dated within 72 hours of flight departure.British Airways: No travel restrictions for pregnant travelers up to the 36th week of pregnancy except for pregnant passengers expecting multiple births, where travel restrictions begin after the 32nd week.Quantas Airlines:nbsp; Pregnant passengers only require medical clearance if experiencing a pregnancy with complications.nbsp; After the 36th week of pregnancy for single pregnancies, international travel is not permitted.nbsp;nbsp; After the 32nd week of pregnancy for multiple pregnancies, international travel is not permitted.nbsp;nbsp; No restrictions for domestic travel, but medical clearance is required to travel past the 36th week for uncomplicated multiple pregnancy.

34 weeks is just what the doctor tells you, not the airline. Really what airline is going to tell a woman she looks too pregnant and needs a note...
I think it only got really uncomfortable around 24 weeks for me because bending over and carrying luggage got harder. Try to get an aisle seat.