What are the major Airline’s polices and guidelines for travel during pregnancy?

Emirates

You are required to produce a medical certificate or letter after 28 weeks of gestation, signed by an appropriately qualified doctor or midwife, stating your due date and confirming that you are fit to fly for your booked flights. For single pregnancies, you will require prior clearance from our medical department for travel after the 36th week of gestation for any flight. For multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets, air travel is only permitted up until the end of the 32nd week of gestation.

British Airways

British Airways is happy to accept pregnant ladies on flights.
In order to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby, the following policy is in place:

• For uncomplicated single pregnancies, BA restrict travel beyond the end of the 36th week, and for twins, triplets etc., beyond the end of the 32nd week.

• After your pregnancy has entered the 28th week. BA ask that you carry with you a letter from your doctor or midwife, stating the pregnancy is uncomplicated and confirming the expected date of delivery. This letter/certificate should state that you are in good health, that they are happy for you to fly, and that (in their opinion) there is no reason why you cannot fly.
Seatbelt extensions are carried on all British Airways flights for use, if required, by pregnant passengers.

Virgin Atlantic

Providing your pregnancy has been uncomplicated and you are not experiencing a related medical condition there is no problem flying until your 28th week.

After your 28th week Virgin needs to receive a signed certificate from your Doctor, Obstetrician or Midwife stating that you have had an uncomplicated pregnancy, are fit to travel and confirming your date of delivery.

After your 34th week, Virgin may only carry you for urgent medical or compassionate reasons and only on approval of the Virgin Atlantic Company Doctor. You will also need to be accompanied by a suitable medical escort.

Quantas

Medical clearance is only required if you are having complications of pregnancy. International travel is not permitted after the 36th week for routine pregnancies or the 32nd week for routine multiple pregnancies. Some countries place limitations on the entry of non-national pregnant women. It is best to check with the local embassy or consulate if in any doubt.

For domestic travel, there is no restriction for a normal uncomplicated pregnancy but medical clearance is required if you wish to travel past the 36th week for uncomplicated multiple pregnancy.

Thomson

For uncomplicated single pregnancies, return travel must be completed by: Short-haul: 36 weeks Long-haul: 34 weeks Multiple pregnancy: 32 weeks. From the 28th week we require you to carry a medical certificate from your doctor or midwife, stating your date of confinement pregnancy is uncomplicated and you are fit to fly.

KLM

Will allow women to fly until 34 weeks with twins and 36 weeks with a single, uncomplicated pregnancy a fit to fly letter or certificate is required

BMI Baby

Pregnant passengers must have completed their journey by the 36th week of pregnancy. Flying is not permitted following the 36th week. A doctor’s certificate is required between 30 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Passengers should notify the BMI Baby call centre (0871 224 0224) if their travel dates fall within this period of gestation.

Monarch

You cannot fly with monarch after your 34th week of pregnancy and will need a medical certificate after week 27 which must be signed by either a midwife or a doctor

Easy Jet

Pregnant passengers cannot be accepted for travel on or after week 36, and therefore all return sectors must be completed no later than week 36. All medical certification must be supplied by a doctor - medical certificates completed by a registered midwife cannot be accepted.

Artible by: Elizabeth Arthur