What do flight attendants do if they get pregnant?

If a flight attendant is found to be pregnant, they will stop flying. They will be placed on medical maternity leave until the pregnancy ends. During this time, she may receive some form of compensation (allowance) and health benefits from her employer, but will not be able to work or fly during her pregnancy.



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Flying while pregnant Most airlines won't let you fly if you're within about a month of your due date. Some will need a letter from your GP or midwife saying you're fit to fly when you're 7 months pregnant. Check with the airline before you book.

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Every airline can have its own standard for when pregnant women are no longer permitted to fly or need medical clearance before doing so. However, the general rule of thumb is up to 36 weeks pregnant. Passengers over 36 weeks pregnant could risk adverse effects if they fly too far into their pregnancy.

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Most airlines allow you to fly domestically until about 36 weeks of pregnancy. Your ob-gyn can provide proof of your due date if you need it. If you are planning an international flight, the cut-off for traveling may be earlier.

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If you're pregnant and traveling before your 36th week, you can travel on a United flight without medical documentation. If you've reached your 36th week or after, you'll need an obstetrician's certificate — the original and two copies — stating that you're fit for air travel.

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Some flight attendants will even offer to hold the baby or walk with the child to give the parents a break. “We want to be there to help our traveling parents and make sure to let them know we are on their side,” adds Dong.

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If you're one of the lucky few, your airline has a paid maternity benefit. It's important to note, most paid benefits terminate 6-8 weeks after delivery. Remember, FMLA is unpaid. Similarly, personal leaves of absence are usually unpaid.

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Studies have explored the effect that exposure to radiation, flame retardants, and other occupational hazards have on flight attendant health, including fertility. Others have pointed out that flight attendants are far more likely to miscarriage than women in other professions.

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O'Connor said that as a flight attendant, she'll often sit down with a mom whose baby is crying and encourage her, ask if she needs something or just start a conversation about the baby just to move the focus from the tears.

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Citizenship aside, it was once thought that all babies born on planes received free flights for life. Well, perhaps, but it's not a likely enough possibility to change your birthing plan for.

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“The pilots also declare an emergency and request air traffic control to give priority to land in an airport that is close to the destination and divert the aircraft there,” says Bubb. “The goal is to land safely and immediately find professional medical care for the passenger.”

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New flight attendants typically work a reserve schedule and must be close to the airport, or sometimes wait at the airport for a call to duty. Senior flight attendants enjoy more flexibility in their schedule and choice of destinations. Both roles enjoy the same travel benefits with about 12 days off per month.

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Flight Attendants get paid monthly. Usually you will make around $1,600 a month.

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