You’re a jet-setter and nothing can stop you from catching flights not feelings… that is until you’re flying for two.
Can you even fly when you’re pregnant?
Pregnancy is not a total flight risk. You can still fly while pregnant up to 36 weeks with no safety issues. In the U.S., airlines generally permit people to fly in their third trimester through the 36th week. For international flights, travel may be prohibited after 28 weeks.
But, you may not be able to fly at all if you have pregnancy complications, including:
Here’s everything you need to know about flying pregnant before you press pause on those frequent flyer miles.
Airlines are private businesses so they each have their own individual policies around flying pregnant; however, airlines will never have all of the information your doctor or midwife has about your pregnancy.
Consult with your provider before you click “add to cart” on that flight. Only a midwife or doctor can confirm if flying is safe for you.
Some airlines such as American Airlines may require you to provide a note from your doctor confirming it’s safe for you to fly within 4 weeks of your due date. Delta Airlines currently has no restrictions on flying pregnant.
Some airlines may have different policies if you’re carrying one baby versus multiples. British Airways permits travel with one baby up to the 36th week but that number drops to the 32nd week if you’re having twins or more.
Plan ahead
- Call the airline ahead of time and confirm what documents, if any, are required to fly pregnant.
- If you need it or want some peace of mind, get a note from your doctor or midwife.
- Policies can change so make sure you set reminders to check back with your airline the closer you get to your flight.
You can find the policies surrounding flying when pregnant for many of the major airlines around the world.
Policies are subject to change so consider this chart a starting point. It’s also a good idea to follow up directly with the airline either by checking their website or talking to a customer service representative. This way you can ensure their policies are up-to-date and you won’t get kicked off a flight.
| Airline ✈️ | Flying allowed ✅ | Flying NOT allowed 🛑 | Doctor’s note required 📝 |
| Air Canada | 1–36 weeks | after 37 weeks and if you have a history of premature labor or complications | not required |
| Air China | One baby: 1–35 weeks or more than 4 weeks from due date Multiples: 4 weeks or more from expected delivery date | One baby: 36 weeks Multiples: less than 4 weeks from expected delivery date | not required |
| AirFrance | no restrictions | no restrictions | not required |
| Alaska Airlines | no specific policy | no specific policy | no specific policy |
| Alitalia | no restrictions | no restrictions | requires specific form be signed by doctor at least 7 days before departure if in last 4 weeks, have complications, or are pregnant with multiples |
| American Airlines | domestic flights under 5 hours, up to 7 days before expected delivery date | domestic flights under 5 hours, 7 or fewer days from expected delivery date | required within 4 weeks of expected delivery date |
| Asiana Airlines | no restrictions for less than 32 weeks, but restrictions for multiple babies starting at 33 weeks | One baby: after 37 weeks Multiples: 33+ weeks | required for 32–37 weeks |
| British Airways | One baby: 1–36 weeks Multiples: 1–32 weeks | One baby: after 37 weeks Multiples: 33+ weeks | recommended |
| Cathay Pacific | One baby: 1–35 weeks Multiples: 1–31 weeks | One baby: after 36 weeks; Multiples: 32+ weeks | required for 28+ weeks |
| Delta Airlines | no restrictions | no restrictions | not required |
| Emirates | One baby: 1–35 weeks Multiples: 1–31 weeks | One baby: after 36 weeks unless cleared by Emirates Medical Services Multiples: 32+ weeks unless cleared by Emirates Medical Services | required for 29+ weeks |
| Egypt Air | no specific policy | no specific policy | required for multiples within 4 weeks of expected delivery or pregnancy complications |
| Frontier | no restrictions | no restrictions | required if in 9th month of pregnancy |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Within Hawaii: No restrictions until 7 days before due date Between North America or international: no restrictions until 30 days before due date | those with medical complications | Within Hawaii: required if flying within 7 days of due date Between North America or international: required if within 30 days of due date with medical examination 48 hours before departure |
| Japan Airlines | 1–37 weeks | within 14 days of due date (unless accompanied by doctor) | medical form required if 36+ weeks, multiples, or history of premature delivery |
| JetBlue | no restrictions | 7 days within due date without doctor’s note | required if traveling within 7 days of due date; medical certificate must be dated within 72 hours of departure |
| KLM Royal Dutch | no restrictions | no restrictions, but request you avoid flying if 36+ weeks | required if any complications |
| Lufthansa | One baby: 1–35 weeks, or within 4 weeks of expected delivery date Multiples: 1–28 weeks, or within 4 weeks of expected delivery date | One baby: 36+ weeks unless given medical clearance Multiples: 29+ weeks unless given medical clearance | One baby: recommended after 28 weeks but required after 36 weeks Multiples: required after 29 weeks |
| Qantas | Flights under 4 hours: 1–40 weeks for one baby and 1–35 weeks for multiples Flights over 4 hours: 1–35 weeks for one baby and 1–31 weeks for multiples | Flights under 4 hours: 41+ weeks for one baby and 36+ for multiples Flights over 4 hours: 36+ weeks for one baby and 32+ weeks for multiples | required for 28+ weeks |
| Ryanair | One baby: 1–35 weeks Multiples: 1–31 weeks | One baby: after 36 weeks Multiples: 32+ weeks | required for 28+ weeks |
| Singapore Airlines | One baby: 1–36 weeks Multiples: 1–32 weeks | One baby: after 37 weeks Multiples: 33+ weeks | One baby: 29–36 weeks for single baby Multiples: 29–32 |
| Southwest Airlines | no restrictions | no restrictions, but not recommended if 38+ weeks | no restrictions |
| Spirit Airlines | no restrictions | no restrictions | recommended after 8 months |
| Thai Air | For flights under four hours: 1–35 weeks For flights over four hours: 1–33 weeks | One baby: 36+ weeks for flights under 4 hours and 34+ weeks for flights 4+ hours medical approval needed if multiples | required 28+ weeks and for multiples |
| Turkish Airlines | 1–27 weeks | One baby: 36+ weeks Multiples: 32+ weeks | required for 28+ weeks |
| United Airlines | no restrictions | no restrictions | required after 36+ weeks (original and copy 72 hours before flight) |
| Virgin Atlantic | One baby: 1–36 weeks Multiples: 1–32 weeks | One baby: after 36 weeks Multiples: after 32 weeks | required if 28+ weeks or have complications |
| Virgin Australia | flights under 4 hours: 1–39 weeks for one baby, 1–35 for multiples Flights more than 4 hours: 1–36 for one baby, 1–31 for multiples | Flights under 4 hours: after 40 weeks for one baby, 36 weeks for multiples Flights more than 4 hours: after 36 weeks for one baby, 32 weeks for multiples | required if 28+ weeks (dated 10 days before departure) or have complications |
Yup, it’s totally safe to fly during the first trimester of pregnancy unless told otherwise by your OB or midwife.
But if you have morning sickness, you might want to avoid flying. Flying can dehydrate you even more and have you grabbing for the barf bag, making for a pretty unpleasant flight.
Feeling your energy return and the nausea subside during the “magical” second trimester? The middle of your pregnancy between 14 to 28 weeks is the best time to travel and book that babymoon.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the mid-pregnancy mark is the best time to fly because morning sickness has typically lessened and you still have the capability of moving around more easily.
After 28 weeks, mobility or sitting for a long period of time may be more challenging or uncomfortable.
You can still fly in the third trimester if you get the OK from your midwife or OB, but you might not want to (or even be allowed depending on the airline).
The third trimester starts at 28 weeks and most airlines deem it safe to travel up through 36 weeks pregnant. But the discomfort of a big belly and the remote possibility of having a premature birth on a plane is often enough reason to just wait.
Much like maternity jeans, flying policies are also not one-size-fits-all. People carrying multiples or with pregnancy complications may not be permitted to travel all the way up to 36 weeks.
What about flying during the COVID-19 pandemic?
There is risk of contracting COVID-19 while flying on a plane depending on the plane’s ventilation systems. Experts recommend wearing a mask and keeping your distance on the plane and in the terminal.
Pregnant people who need to fly during the COVID-19 pandemic should consult their doctor or midwife to discuss if the travel is essential or safe. If travel is essential, discuss with your provider ways to minimize your risk.
DVT and blood clots
FYI: Just being pregnant puts you at increased risk of blood clots because of changes to the levels of clotting factors in your blood and changes in your circulation.
When you fly pregnant, you have an even further increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot deep in the body (usually the legs).
If you fly preggo, wear loose clothing and get out of your seat to stretch at least every 2 hours. Compression socks can also help prevent swelling and prevent blood from just hanging out in your lower legs and feet.
Radiation
According to ACOG, the risk of cosmic radiation when flying is minimal. The exception is if you fly frequently or you’re part of the flight crew. Constantly being up in the air could up your radiation levels, so you’ll want to talk with your healthcare provider and your employer about safety protocols.
Metal detectors
Before you try and jump the line at TSA, the X-rays and advanced imaging technology at airports are generally safe for all peeps, including the pregnant ones.
If you’re still worried, you can request a pat down screening. Just tell a TSA officer that you’re pregnant and want to opt for a pat down. A female officer will perform the screening.
You know your body best, but there’s some tips that will make flying while pregnant more comfortable:
- Choose the aisle seat so you can get to the restroom and stretch your legs.
- Wear your seatbelt at all times buckled low on your hip bones and below your belly.
- Drink water before and during your flight. Carbonated beverages can increase gas and discomfort at a high altitude.
- Bring your own snacks and eat them. Keeping food in your belly can decrease the chance of getting nauseated.
- Move your fingers, toes, and legs often to avoid possible blood clots. Get up to stretch and walk around at least every 1 to 2 hours.
Pregnancy doesn’t have to stop your jet-setting ways. Flying while pregnant is generally safe up through 36 weeks with exceptions depending on your health.
If you’re set on flying pregnant, the best time is the second trimester. Before you pack your bags, check your airline’s policies and consult your OB or midwife to ensure you’re in the clear to fly.