Flying while pregnant? Here’s what you need to know

The birth of a baby on an Air France flight — and in first class, no less — reminded us that it may be a rare event, giving birth on a plane does happen: Every year, a handful of babies are born midair. And even those who aren’t born at the front of the plane can get lucky. Some have been gifted free flights for life or a million airline miles just for having been born in flight.

While flight attendants and crew are trained and prepared for the rare event when a woman gives birth midflight, most airlines understandably try to avoid the situation as much as possible. However, with no official guidelines governing travel during pregnancy across the globe, every airline has different restrictions, timelines and requirements. The rules vary from “fly whenever you want” to “you must fly with an obstetrician” (we’re not kidding).

The vast majority of airlines require a medical certificate from a primary attending doctor or midwife, certifying that the passenger is healthy and fit for travel during the final months of pregnancy, though even that varies with U.S. airlines typically offering more flexibility than international carriers.

Can you fly while pregnant?

For the most part, the airline rules for traveling while pregnant don’t kick in until the third trimester in the 28th week. Before then, you are left to your own decision-making and the guidance of your medical team. However, once you hit the 28th week (or, potentially, look like you have hit the 28th week), some of the decisions on when and where you can fly are out of your hands — at least for international travel.

U.S. airlines typically don’t require any documentation or have any restrictions until the last month of pregnancy, whereas many international airlines require medical clearance starting at 28 weeks.

Related: Guide to flying in each trimester of pregnancy

Getting a medical certificate

Airline policies differ, but if you may need documentation, it never hurts to include enough detail to satisfy the most stringent airline requirements.

A thorough medical certificate or waiver should state:

• The number of weeks of pregnancy
• The estimated delivery date
• Whether the pregnancy is single or multiple
• Whether there are any complications
• That you are in good health and fit to travel through the date of your final flight

Additionally, the certificate should be:

• Written on official clinic or hospital letterhead if possible
• Signed by the doctor or attending midwife
• Be dated no later than 72 hours of departure date
• Be written in clear, simple English

If you may need documentation, then carry this certificate with you on your flight. Some airlines won’t ask to see it, but others will. Some airlines also may have their own documentation requirements. See the chart below to find out which airlines require it.

Airline policies for pregnant woman

Bottom line

• What to Expect in Every Trimester of Pregnancy
• 4 Tips for Planning Travel While Planning a Pregnancy
• Best Babymoon Destinations
• Flying with a Baby Checklist

Feature photo by Nadezhda1906/Getty Images

Additional reporting by Katherine Fan