En
Es
Fr
As we have already pointed out, you may travel by plane without any restrictions. You can fly on commercial airlines without restriction during your first and second trimesters, but during your third trimester you may run into some RESTRICTIONS.
However, the rule of thumb when it comes to traveling while pregnant is to see your doctor before you fly and make sure you have a thorough check-up so that you know everything is OK with you and your baby.
There are some airlines that have no restrictions for both domestic and international flights in so far as PREGNANT TRAVELERS are concerned. Nevertheless, you should keep in mind that ticket change fees and penalties cannot be waived for pregnancy. Southwest strongly recommends against flying at 39 weeks or later. They also recommend pregnant women not to sit in the emergency exit row.
- Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air (800) 252-7522
- Delta Airlines (800) 221-1212
- Frontier Airlines (800) 432-1359
- Southwest Airlines (800) 435-9792
Other airlines will ask you to have a letter from your doctor if you’re traveling within seven days of due date. The letter needs to be SIGNED by the doctor within 72 hours before you depart and it also needs to state both the due date as well as the fact that flying does not pose any health risk for the pregnant traveler.
Of course, you need to finish your trip before due date. Moreover, the airline also reserves the right to require a second examination if you do not seem to be fit to fly on the day of the departure. Spirit Airlines also points out that they will not allow you to fly if you show any signs of labor. These restrictions apply both to domestic as well as international flights.
- Hawaiian Airlines (800) 367-5320
- JetBlue Airways (800) 538-2583
- Spirit Airlines (800) 772-7117
- US Airways (800) 428-4322
Other carriers have somewhat similar policies, as follows
- American Airlines (800) 433-7300
Medical certificate necessary provided you fly within four weeks of due date. This applies to the in a NORMAL, UNCOMPLICATED PREGNANCIES. If you have to fly within seven days before due date or after delivery you’ll need a medical certificate plus clearance issued by AA Special Assistance Coordinator.
Medical certificate necessary provided you fly within 30 days of due date, signed within 48 hours of travel.If you have to fly within seven days before due date or after delivery you’ll need a medical certificate plus clearance issued by AA Special Assistance Coordinator.
- Continental Airlines (800) 523-3273 (domestic) (800) 231-0856 (international)
You are required to see your doctor provided you fly beyond the “seventh month.”
Medical certificate necessary provided you fly within seven days of due date.
You won’t be allowed to fly if you show any sign of labor.
- United Airlines (800) 241-6522
Passengers traveling in their ninth month of pregnancy must have an obstetrician’s certificate dated within 24 to 72 hours prior to their flight departure.
The certificate must state: 1) the passenger has been examined by an OB and is physically fit to travel by air; 2) departure and arrival destinations and dates; 3) the estimated due date.
- Virgin America/Virgin Atlantic (877) 359-8474
Travel between 28 and 36 weeks requires pregnancy info form to confirm due date and that pregnancy is uncomplicated. You won’t be allowed to travel by plane after 36 weeks.
