Flying while pregnant

I know many of you ladies have flown overseas while pregnant...wondering what's the latest you've felt okay flying?  I know it differs for each woman and each pregnancy, but I'm just curious.

I flew to the UK and back when I was about 4 weeks pregnant but had no idea and I was fine.  I flew just a few weeks ago for Christmas and am flying tomorrow.  Probably will fly to Chicago for a shower in March and hoping to go to Puerto Rico next month. 

I never flew when actually pregnant, but I'm pretty sure that by 6 months, I would have found it physically very uncomfortable. I couldn't bear to have anything binding me around my middle. So anything with a waistband was bad news and seat belts were no fun at all. Obviously, I required both, but I wished I didn't! Plus, I found sitting upright awkward.

If I'd had to fly transatlantic, I'm sure I would have had to get up and walk the aisles a lot and pray for no turbulence as I'm a skittish flier at best anyway!

Just my 2p, though!

I flew to the US (non stop 11ish hours) at 25 weeks...and then flew back to the UK at 32 weeks (stopping in SF and LA before heading to LHR) and was fine...I just made sure that I wore flight socks and walked about every 45 minutes to an hour and considering that I needed to pee every 45 minutes to an hour it just worked out fine! I was comfy and enjoyed my flights. I was very luck as I really didn't appear pregnant or I could have had been given a bit of trouble from the airline because of how far along I was. But thanfully I have a largish frame (I'm 5'10") and wore a long black coat.

I know a lot of airlines won't let you fly after 32 weeks, and with some that do you need a doctors note stating that you're not going to go into labor in the next 48 hours.

ETA: I also made sure that I bought 2 or 3 large bottles of water after I went through security. I normally drank 3 litres a day anyway, but since flying dehydrates you,  I drank extra,  4-5 litres during the travel.

I flew from UK to the US while 22 weeks pregnant with Philip, that's the latest I'd personally ever do it. But I get huge, so those seats get small fast! Plus you have to stay even MORE hydrated, which means you are using the grody toilet a lot, and walking a lot, and it is generally a pain in the butt while you are big. but while you are smaller, I'd just carry the barf bag around with you .

I flew to the US (non stop 11ish hours) at 25 weeks...and then flew back to the UK at 32 weeks (stopping in SF and LA before heading to LHR) and was fine...

This was what I was hoping to hear!  I have the opportunity to fly to Asia in April and I would really, really like to do it if I can...which means if, and only if,

- I feel up to it
- doctor gives the unequivocal okay
- I have had no complications

It would be business class seats (thank the lord) and refundable so if anything did change, I could cancel at the last minute.  It's an opportunity I probably won't get again soon so if I can do it, I would really like to.  But I'm clearly not going to put myself or the baby at risk just so I can go to Asia.

The advice given to me by my midwife was to keep hydrated, wear flight socks and walk as much as you can.

If you can't walk, do exercises at your seat your keep your circulation going.

I'd also make sure that your travel insurance (assuming you get it) covers you at your stage of pregnancy. This was something I had difficulty with as only a few companies would insure my twin pregnancy but not after 20 weeks, which meant my planned Christmas trip became my planned Thanksgiving trip.

I flew from London to Boston at 26 weeks and then back to London at about 28 weeks last year.  It wasn't that bad, but definitely book aisle seats and I spent a good portion of the flight standing talking to the flight attendants.  I had a note just in case, but was never asked for it.  I wore flight socks and drank loads of water.  The only thing I found was that my lower back got a little sore if I sat for too long, but that was my only real complaint late in pregnancy anyway, so might not have had anything to do with flying.

I did fly a shorthaul flight from London to Edinburgh at something like 35-36 weeks for work and that sucked.  I couldn't get comfortable to save my life.  Thank goodness it was only an hour flight.

I flew to the US at 24 weeks and back to the UK at 30 weeks, and just got up and walked a lot. American airlines don't actually have restrictions on how late you can fly, but European ones might, I am not sure.

I flew to the US at 24 weeks and back to the UK at 30 weeks, and just got up and walked a lot. American airlines don't actually have restrictions on how late you can fly, but European ones might, I am not sure.

Actually this is not true, and such a blanket statement is unwise and misleading. Most airlines will require a doctors certificate if you want to fly after a certain time. So it's best to check with each individual airline to make sure that you do not have to get one before travelling
American Airlines:

In addition to the information below, please also be aware that a medical certificate is required if you will be traveling within four weeks of your delivery date in a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy

Domestic Travel (Not Including Travel Over Water)
For domestic flights under five hours, travel is not permitted within seven days before and after your delivery date. If you should need to travel within seven days before or after delivery, a medical certificate is required as well as clearance from our Special Assistance Coordinator.

International/Over Water Travel
For international travel or any flights over the water, travel is not advised within 30 days of the due date, unless you are examined by an obstetrician within 48 hours of outbound departure and certified in writing as medically stable for flight. Travel within 10 days of the due date for International travel must have clearance from our Special Assistance Coordinators. Travel within 7 days after delivery requires clearance as well.

Delta:

Pregnant Travelers
We don't have restrictions for pregnant women, so you don't need a medical certificate to travel.

However, keep in mind that ticket change fees and penalties aren't waived for pregnancy. If you're traveling after your eighth month, it's a good idea to check with your doctor to be sure it will be OK.

United Airlines:

Guidelines for pregnant travelers
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:
The passenger has been examined by an OB and is physically fit to travel by air
Departure and arrival destinations and dates
The estimated birth date of the baby 

Northwest:

Flying during pregnancy

Pregnant women should always consult their obstetricians or midwives before traveling. If travel is scheduled after the eighth month of pregnancy, it is recommended that the passenger check with her physician to ensure she is physically fit to travel.

Southwest:

Advice to Pregnant Passengers

While air travel does not usually cause problems during pregnancy unless delivery is expected within 14 days or less, in some cases, traveling by air has been known to cause complications or premature labor. Female Customers at any stage of pregnancy should consult with their physicians prior to air travel. Southwest Airlines strongly recommends against air travel after the 38th week of pregnancy. Depending on their physical condition, strength, and agility, pregnant women may, in some cases, be asked not to sit in an emergency exit seat.

KLM:

Passengers who are up to 36 weeks along into their pregnancy and who have been informed that they may expect complications in their pregnancy. Passengers who are 36 weeks along or further into their pregnancy (34 weeks for a multiple birth) may no longer travel.

Virgin:

After your 28th week, for single uncomplicated pregnancies, you may travel, but your travel must be completed by the end of your 36th week. If you are intending flying whilst pregnant between 28-36 weeks, the Airline will require a medical letter from your Doctor or Midwife confirming your Estimated Date of Delivery and stating there are no complications.

BA:

Pregnancy
For uncomplicated single pregnancies, we 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 its 28th week, we 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. In this letter, your doctor 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.

Lufthansa:

Expectant mothers with complication-free pregnancies can travel on Lufthansa flights up to their 36th week of pregnancy or up to four weeks before their expected due date without a medical certificate from a gynaecologist.

A certificate of exemption for a flight after the 36th week of pregnancy can only be obtained from Lufthansa’s medical service. The same applies in the case of a complicated pregnancy, such as a multiple pregnancy, premature contractions, etc.

Continental:

General Guidelines:

Women in any stage of pregnancy are accepted for transportation on Continental.
Continental policy requires a doctor's certificate within 7 days of anticipated delivery. This should be advised when the reservation is made. However, boarding will only be denied if physical signs of labor are present.

These are the airlines that my brain could come up with this early in the morning, so as you can see it's not as straightforward as you think. It's always best to check with your specific airline as to their policies before booking your tickets.

I flew to the USA and back at 20-something weeks.  It was fine other than it taking over a week to recover from the swelling/puffiness!!  Just take some bottled water with you so you can sip constantly.

I flew to WA at about 7 months along and was fine. 

Great info WebyJ. It definitely does differ per airline just like everything else.

I don't know what airline I'd be on but I think it would be United. I flew yesterday and felt okay but really wished I hadn't worn tights and trousers! I already had to give up my all-expenses paid cruise from the Seychelles to India plus fully-paid round-trip airfare...not because of the airlines but because of the cruise line's rules.

that really sucks Geeta! sorry

Bah! to the cruise line.