Airline policies for pregnant travellers differ depending on whether it is a short-haul or long-haul flight and if the traveller has a single or a multiple pregnancy. For short-haul flights, 11 out of the 20 airlines have no flight restrictions up until 36 weeks into the pregnancy for a single pregnancy and 32 weeks for a multiple pregnancy.
According to new advice published by The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (February 2015), the safest time to fly while pregnant is before 37 weeks or if carrying twins, before 32 weeks1. With this in mind, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) has created a guide to help expectant mothers plan ahead by comparing the different airline policies for pregnant travellers.
The research compares the policies for pregnant travellers across 20 major airlines including Air Canada, Emirates and Thai Airways, and highlights the short-haul and long-haul flight restrictions, the policies and documents required for medical clearance, as well as the different reasons why travelling may be denied.
Airline policies for pregnant travellers differ depending on whether it is a short-haul or long-haul flight and if the traveller has a single or a multiple pregnancy. For short-haul flights, 11 out of the 20 airlines have no flight restrictions up until 36 weeks into the pregnancy for a single pregnancy and 32 weeks for a multiple pregnancy.
If flying with Delta Air Lines or Japan Airlines, travellers with a single pregnancy can expect no restrictions on travelling throughout the pregnancy, however it is still recommended to consult a doctor beforehand. When it comes to travelling at the maximum duration of the pregnancy, Qantas Group restricts passengers with a single pregnancy at 40 weeks and the maximum week allowance for a multiple pregnancy is 36 weeks with KLM, Qantas Group and Thai Airways.
For long-haul flights, travellers who are over 25 weeks pregnant with a single pregnancy cannot travel with Malaysia Airlines and this is also the case for those who are 28 weeks pregnant and travelling with Aer Lingus. For a multiple pregnancy, the airline that enforces the earliest restrictions is Lufthansa at 28 weeks; however for eight of the researched airlines it extends to 32 weeks. The maximum week allowance for a single pregnancy on a long-haul flight is 38 weeks with Atlantic Airways and the furthest week allowance for a multiple pregnancy is 36 weeks with Air Canada, Emirates, Japan Airlines, KLM and Qantas Group.
Aside from flight restrictions, passengers must also be aware of the medical clearance policies that must be conducted by a doctor or a Special Assistance group. Most of the researched airlines, including Air Canada, American Airlines, and British Airways, require medical clearance when the traveller is between 28-38 weeks pregnant. In some cases however, airlines require medical clearance only if the traveller is experiencing a complicated pregnancy. The traveller must also carry a medical certificate signed by a doctor stating that the passenger is fit to travel and it must confirm the expected date of delivery. Airlines that do not require medical clearance include Air France, Delta Air Lines, Singapore Airlines, Swiss Air and Virgin Atlantic.
When it comes to airlines that deny travel, Cathay Pacific and Emirates will refuse boarding if a pregnant passenger does not carry a medical certificate. Furthermore, if a passenger flies with Aer Lingus, they are required to provide a notice of their intention to travel 48 hours before the flight. Lastly, pregnant passengers considering flying to Malaysia need to be aware that non-Malaysian women who are six months pregnant are not allowed to fly into the country.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
