Will airlines let you fly after 36 weeks?

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. Check with your airline.



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Yvonne Bohn, M.D., ob/gyn at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California, tells SELF that it's not an air pressure issue (meaning, the pressure from flying won't put you into labor). Rather, there's simply a higher chance that a woman will go into labor after 36 weeks.

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Generally, women are not allowed to travel by air after 36 weeks for domestic travel, and after 28 to 35 weeks for international travel. The decision on whether to travel and how far to travel at any time during pregnancy should be a joint decision between you and your healthcare provider or midwife.

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After 36 weeks of pregnancy, your health care provider may advise against flying. And some airlines don't allow pregnant people to fly after 36 weeks. The airline also may require a letter from your health care provider that states how far along in your pregnancy you are and whether flying is advised.

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During the third trimester (25 to 40 weeks), many healthcare providers and midwives advise staying within a 300-mile radius of home because of potential problems such as high blood pressure, phlebitis, and false or preterm labor.

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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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Another reason the aisle seat is superior for pregnant travelers is that it's crucial to get up and walk around. Blood clots are a risk for all air travelers, but that risk increases with pregnant travelers. Walking around can help the blood flow and lessen the chances of a blood clot while flying.

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Is it safe to walk through airport security scanners when pregnant? Yes, it's perfectly safe. The kind of whole-body scanner you step through uses technology called millimetrewave imaging. It's designed to pick up potentially dangerous objects that may be concealed under clothing.

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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. The certificate must be dated within three days (72 hours) of your flight departure.

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Pregnant travellers can normally travel safely by air. In the absence of medical or obstetrical complications, pregnant women can safely fly up to 36 weeks gestation. Most airlines restrict travel in late pregnancy or may require a written confirmation from a physician.

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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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Only 1 infant may be seated in the lap of each ticketed accompanying adult and the infant must be included in the reservation. Additional infants under 2 years old must be ticketed and occupy an infant safety seat or in a separate aircraft seat. The infant must be under 2 years of age for the duration of the trip.

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