Pregnancy is not a reason you can't fly, but every airline has its own cut-off dates and document rules. To avoid being turned away at check-in, learn your carrier's policy in advance and bring the right medical note.
As a rule, you fly without restrictions up to 28 weeks. After that, many airlines ask for a doctor's note confirming you are fit to fly, and from around 36 weeks (earlier for multiple pregnancies) flying is usually restricted. Exact dates vary, so check your own carrier's policy and always talk to your doctor. You'll find your flight and airline in your order history.
01 / TimingHow late you can board
Most airlines split pregnancy into three rough stages. The exact weeks vary from carrier to carrier, so use the table below as a general guide and confirm the precise figures on the airline's own website.
02 / DocumentsWhich documents to bring
In the later stages, a carrier may ask for a medical document. For it to be accepted without any fuss, it should contain all the key details and a recent date.
- A doctor's note confirming you are fit to fly, stating the gestational age and estimated due date (EDD).
- A recent date — many airlines accept a note issued no more than 7 days before departure.
- Your maternity record or a summary of how the pregnancy is going — handy en route and if you need medical help.
- An English translation of the note — advisable for international flights and foreign carriers.
- An insurance policy that covers pregnancy at your stage.
03 / PreparationWhat to do before you fly
Work out your weeks as of the return date
Restrictions often kick in on the way back, when you are further along. Check both flights.
Find your airline's policy
Look for the section on carrying pregnant passengers and note the exact dates and the requirements for the medical note.
Get the note from your doctor
Do this close to your departure date so the document stays within the accepted validity window.
Get in touch if you're unsure
If you are unsure about a carrier's rules, message us from your account or through the @sales_travel_bot bot — we'll help you figure it out.
04 / In flightComfort and wellbeing in the air
- Choose an aisle seat — it's easier to get up and stretch. You can pick seats when booking or later in your order.
- Wear the seatbelt under your belly, low across your hips.
- Drink water and get up now and then — it lowers the risk of swelling and blood clots on long flights.
- Compression stockings are often recommended for long-haul flights — ask your doctor.
05 / QuestionsFrequently asked questions
Exactly how late can I fly?
There's no single cut-off: up to about 28 weeks is usually unrestricted, after that you need a note, and around 36 weeks (earlier for multiples) flying is most often restricted. Check the exact weeks in your airline's policy.
Do I need a note before 28 weeks?
Usually not. But it does no harm to carry one: staff sometimes ask you to confirm the stage even earlier, especially if your bump is showing.
What if the rules differ for the outbound and return flights?
Go by the stricter flight. The return leg is usually the critical one, since you'll be further along. Check both legs in your order history.
Will insurance cover complications during the trip?
Only if the policy explicitly covers pregnancy at your stage — many basic plans exclude it. Check the terms before you buy and add extended cover if you need it.