Flying while pregnant can be a unique and exciting experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make all the difference. Whether it’s choosing the right time to travel or staying comfortable during the flight, there are important factors to consider. Read on to find out what you need to know when flying with a baby bump, ensuring your journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
For all the cute ways to name a pregnancy, like a bun in the oven, a baby-bump, Buddha-belly, mummy-tummy, it’s always good to know you and your baby are receiving special attention.
Here are some top tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable flight:
- Place the seat belt below your belly for maximum comfort.
- Book or ask to be seated in an aisle seat for easy access to the bathroom facilities.
- Walk around the cabin hourly, this helps with circulation.
- Stretch and flex your feet and legs in your seat every half an hour.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- It is a good idea for all expectant moms to carry emergency contact details of your next of kin, a family member and your doctor. If you are already into your second or third trimester, you may be asked for a prenatal chart.
“You will be known as a guest with your own ‘baby on board’.”
Handy info as you progress in your pregnancy
For both single pregnancies and multiple pregnancies less than 28 weeks:
Some airlines do not require you to fill in any forms provided that your pregnancy has showed no complications to date. If there have been any complications, a medical certificate stating that you are fit to travel by air is required. Please ask your GP or gynaecologist to provide this letter and hand it in to the check-in person on the day you fly.
For both single pregnancies and multiple pregnancies between 28-35 weeks:
A medical certificate stating that you are fit to travel by air will be required. You will need to carry a copy of the medical certificate, on person, during travel.
For single pregnancies from 36 weeks and multiple pregnancies from 32 weeks:
Most airlines do not permit guests who are this far along in their pregnancy to travel. It is dangerous for both you and your soon-to-be-born baby or babies.
As on 4 December 2024, the following pregnancy policy information was available on the airline websites.
FlySafair
Pregnant Passengers
Expectant mothers may travel up to 32 (thirty two) weeks with no medical certificate. From 32 (thirty two) to 35 (thirty five) weeks a doctor’s note is required.
From the start of the 36th (thirty-sixth) week of pregnancy expectant mothers will not be accepted for travel.
We urge all expecting mothers to consult with their physician to determine whether it is safe to travel by air, including with due consideration to the possibility of turbulence, cabin pressurization, a significantly increased risk of deep vein thrombosis associated with pregnancy and lack of ready access to medical care. Women with a history of complications or premature delivery should not fly at all. By travelling with us, pregnant women acknowledge and accept these risks.
South African Airlines
Medical clearance is only necessary if you are experiencing complications with your pregnancy.
- Travel within South Africa is permitted up to 36 weeks for a routine pregnancy.
- International travel is permitted up to 35 weeks for a routine pregnancy.
All pregnant women beyond 28 weeks’ gestation must provide a letter from their obstetrician, general practitioner or midwife stating the following:
- Term of pregnancy
- Fitness to travel
- Whether it is a single, multiple or high-risk pregnancy
- Any possible complications, including hypertension, history of premature labour, etc
- Infants are allowed to travel from 7 days of age.
- Major abdominal surgery accepted for flying after 10 days – Special booking process must be followed
Source: https://www.flysaa.com/manage-fly/before-flying/special-assistance
Lift
Expectant mothers may travel up to 32 (thirty-two) weeks with no medical certificate. From 32 (thirty-two) to 35 (thirty-five) weeks, a signed letter by a suitably qualified Gynaecologist or General Medical Practitioner is required.
The signed letter must state the following:
- Passengers’ due date and term of pregnancy.
- Any possible complications including hypertensive Passengers, history of premature labour, etc.
- The letter should also advise the Airline of the latest date up to which the Passenger is expected to be fit to travel.
- Whether it is single, multiple, or high-risk pregnancies.
From the start of the 36th (thirty-sixth) week of pregnancy, expectant mothers will not be accepted for travel.
We urge all expecting mothers to consult with their physician to determine whether it is safe to travel by air‚ including with due consideration to the possibility of turbulence‚ cabin pressurization‚ a significantly increased risk of deep vein thrombosis associated with pregnancy and lack of ready access to medical care.
Women with a history of complications or premature delivery should not fly at all. By travelling with us‚ pregnant women acknowledge and accept these risks.
Source: https://support.lift.co.za/support/solutions/articles/66000511335-pregnant-passengers
Cathay Pacific
Pregnant women
Read our guidelines for travelling while pregnant, to ensure a more safe and comfortable journey.
While it is generally safe to fly while pregnant, we advise all pregnant passengers to consult their treating doctor or midwife before planning a trip. It is recommended that all pregnant passengers carry documentation stating the expected date of delivery whilst travelling.
Acceptance of pregnant passengers
Passengers with uncomplicated pregnancy, who have reached their 28th week, should refer to the table below to understand all the requirements and certificates needed to ensure acceptance onboard our flights.
Passengers with complicated pregnancies, or who experience medical complications during their travels, please read the details on complicated pregnancies further below on this page.
For your safety, Cathay Pacific Airways reserves the right to deny boarding under the following circumstances:
- if you are not carrying a medical certificate
- if your medical certificate is outdated or does not contain the information required
Pregnancy details | Pregnancy stage | Medical certificate required* | MEDA form required |
Uncomplicated single pregnancy | Before 28th week | No | No |
28th – 36th week | Yes (Certificate must be dated within 10 days of the initial outbound travel date) | No | |
After 36th week (i.e. 35 weeks + 7 days) | Not accepted onboard | ||
Uncomplicated multiple pregnancy | Before 28th week | No | No |
28th – 32th week | Yes (Certificate must be dated within 10 days of the initial outbound travel date) | No | |
After 32th week (i.e. 31 weeks + 7 days) | Not accepted onboard | ||
* An English medical certificate is required, stating:
- whether it is a single or multiple pregnancy
- the estimated week of pregnancy
- the expected date of delivery (EDD)
- that you are in good health and the pregnancy is progressing normally, without complications
- that you are fit to travel
Acceptance of passengers with complicated pregnancies
For passengers with complicated pregnancies (i.e. pregnancy with any form of complication), acceptance to travel will depend on clinical information stated in the MEDA form and reviewed by our Company Aviation Medical Team on case by case basis – medical clearance from our medical team is required prior to travel. Please ensure you and your treating doctor complete our MEDA form and submit it no later than 48 hours prior to your planned departure.
It is recommended to have health insurance / travel insurance to cover pregnancy-related problems for your travels. You should also check whether the medical facilities at the destination country are adequate to cope with any problems which may arise during your visit and avoid travelling to remote locations whilst pregnant.
If you require medications during your pregnancy, you must have an adequate supply for the journey. Please remember that certain medications, such as some types of malaria prophylaxis and vaccinations, cannot be used during pregnancy. If the destination country requires such prophylaxis, it may be better to postpone the journey until after your pregnancy.
Some countries place limitations on the entry of non-national pregnant women. It is advisable to check with the local consulate to confirm the country specific requirements.
Travel after delivery
Medical clearance is required for passengers travelling within 7 days of their delivery date. Infants cannot travel for 48 hours after birth and need medical clearance to travel between 3 and 7 days after delivery.
You can obtain further information from your obstetrician or midwife, or from the website of the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Link opens in a new window operated by external parties and may not conform to the same accessibility policies as Cathay Pacific.
Source:
https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_HK/prepare-trip/help-for-passengers/pregnant-women.html
https://www.qatarairways.com/en/family/expectant-mothers.html
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