Thursday, December 24, 2015

Historical Air Travel Pregnancy Rules

Some airlines allow flying even late in pregnancy.


Air travel during pregnancy has become a necessity in today's world of business travel and scattered families. Women fly even late in pregnancy. The Mayo Clinic suggests checking with your doctor and the airline before flying late in pregnancy.


Early Pregnancy


Today, no airlines restrict pregnant women early in pregnancy from flying.


Mid-Pregnancy Rules


Some airlines, such as Virgin Atlantic, require a letter from your doctor if you fly after 28 weeks of gestation. Mexicana requires a letter after six months. Airlines trust you to provide accurate information on your due date, trusting the honor system.


Last Month


Northwest, Midwest and Spirit restrict travel in the last month without a doctor's note, and the note must have been signed within the last 72 hours. Lufthansa requires a doctor's certificate after 36 weeks.


Last Seven Days


To allow a pregnant woman to fly in the last week of pregnancy, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue and US Airways all require a doctor's note signed within the last three days.


No Actual Restrictions


Southwest strongly suggests no air travel in the last two weeks, but doesn't insist on a note. Alaska Airlines and Delta have no restrictions on flying during pregnancy.