Added: 07/23/2005 |
Pregnant Air Travelers: Rules and RestrictionsTraveling by air when you are pregnant will probably cause more concerns and anxiety but by keeping yourself well-informed about possible problems and limitations you can avoid much of the stress. Sure, you have to take care of everything in advance. One of the most important things a pregnant woman should know is a set of special rules and restrictions airlines have regarding expectant mothers.
Most airlines restrict acceptance of pregnant women after their 35-36th week. Some may require your doctor's permission letter. If any complications in delivery are expected you may be refused by air company. Naturally, they don't want to be responsible for any complications and preterm labor. Rules and limitations can vary a lot depending on each particular airline. Getting ready for your trip and booking your ticket tell the agent you are pregnant and find out if you may still fly. Check the airline's website along with that.
British Airways is one of the most generous airlines in welcoming mothers-to-be. It allows anyone with an uncomplicated single pregnancy to fly up to 36 weeks, for those carrying twins or more up to 32 weeks. But after 28th week all pregnant passengers must have a medical permission with expected date of delivery. The duration of flight must not exceed 4 hours.
German air company Lufthansa accepts women under 6 months of pregnancy. Careful checkup helped the airline avoid any emergency situations aboard.
American Delta is open to everyone without any medical clearance and doctor's permission, though, it strongly advises to consult with your practitioner before flight. Still pregnant non-citizens should be aware of the fact that being late in pregnancy they may be denied to get aboard. If not in the plane, you may deliver in America, and in this case according to American rules your baby gets a right for American citizenship. So, immigration office may oppose your entry to the country.
Dutch air company KLM carries women with single pregnancy up to 36 weeks, with multiple up to 34 weeks. It doesn't require any medical report if you are within this period of pregnancy. Otherwise you have to bring a note from your doctor confirming that you have no problems with health and the risk of premature birth is minimal.
Israeli EL AL has very rigid rules regarding pregnant ladies. If you are more than 32 weeks you will not be allowed to fly with the air company. Under 32 weeks of pregnancy you will be carried on condition you present all the necessary medical papers.
Russian Aeroflot strongly recommends not to fly during the last month of pregnancy and require doctor's confirmation. If necessary, the problem can be solved straight at the airport with the help of airport's doctor. Women may not fly 7 days before the delivery date and 7 days after childbirth. Aeroflot has the biggest number of deliveries happened aboard.
Most airlines restrict flights for pregnant ladies to 4 hours. First few days after childbirth are also prohibited to travel by air. Most likely you will not be accepted by any air company if you had major problems during your previous pregnancies. But then, it's unwise from your side to risk your health and unborn baby if you are aware of the possible complications.
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