Flying when pregnant: NHS advice and airline rules for expectant mothers
Is it safe to fly when pregnant?
We take a look at the rules on flying when you are pregnant including NHS advice and airlines’ varying regulations
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry landed in Australia this week to kick off their royal tour – and it’s off to a flying start as the couple revealed they are expecting their first child . The news left some wondering how Meghan coped with the gruelling flight from the UK to Sydney.
Of course, Meghan will have flown on board a private jet in much more luxurious surroundings than economy seats us non-royals are used to, but that doesn’t mean she won’t have followed guidelines for expectant mothers who want to travel.
The good news is that for the most part, pregnancy shouldn’t inhibit you from flying, but there are NHS guidelines and airline regulations you’ll need to consider.
According to NHS advice : “It’s usually safe to fly while you’re pregnant and it shouldn’t harm your baby if pregnancy is straightforward. Most airlines will not let you fly after week 37 of pregnancy, or week 32 if you’re pregnant with twins or more babies.”
So, what should you do if you’re pregnant but have a holiday planned abroad? Check out our guide below…
1. Speak to your GP
Before you even think about heading to the airport, speak to your GP or midwife. After all, every pregnancy is different, so they will be able to advise you regarding whether it would be safe for you to travel.
2. Check your travel insurance
If you booked travel insurance for your holiday before you found out your happy news, then you’ll need to check your policy to see if you’re covered.
It’s worth getting in touch with the travel insurance provider directly to make sure or amend your policy.
If you haven’t booked travel insurance yet, make sure you opt for a policy which covers you during pregnancy.
3. Check with your airline
Airlines have different rules on the maximum number of weeks of pregnancy they allow before you can no longer travel with them.
However it’s worth noting that after 28 weeks, most airlines will need a letter from your midwife or GP to confirm that you’re in good health, as well as the expected date of delivery – and some GPs do charge for this service.
We take a look at examples of some airline pregnancy rules below…
British Airways: You cannot fly after the end of the 36th week if you are pregnant with one baby, or the end of the 32nd week if you are pregnant with more than one baby. They also recommend you bring a letter from your GP confirming you are safe to fly. Find out more on the BA website .
easyJet : You can travel up to the end of the 35th week for single pregnancies, or the 32nd week if you’re expecting more than one baby. Find out more on the easyJet website .
Ryanair: You can travel with the airline up to 28 weeks in, after which they require a ‘fit to fly’ letter from your midwife or doctor. You can fly with the airline until the end of the 36th week of a single pregnancy, or the 32nd week if you’re expecting more than one baby. Find out more on the Ryanair website .
Flybe: You can travel up to 28 weeks into your pregnancy after which the airline requires a valid medical certificate proving you are fit to fly. You can travel up to 33 weeks into your pregnancy – but after the 34th week you won’t be able to fly with them. Find out more on the Flybe website.
Virgin Atlantic: As long as you haven’t experienced any complications during your pregnancy, you can fly until your 28th week before needing a letter from your GP or midwife. You can fly with Virgin until the 36th week of your pregnancy – but if you’re expecting more than one then it’s the 32nd week.Find out more on the Virgin Atlantic website .
New source: The Mirror
