Flying while pregnant: is it allowed and until when?
- , by Miquell Hellings
- 5 min read
Flying while pregnant: is it allowed and until when?
Flying is usually possible during a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy. The main considerations are how many weeks pregnant you are, whether you are expecting one baby or multiples, whether there are medical complications and which rules your airline applies. Many travellers find the second trimester the most comfortable time to fly. In the final weeks, restrictions are more common or a medical certificate may be required. If you have bleeding, pain, shortness of breath or another risk factor, consult your midwife or doctor first.
When flying is usually considered safe
If you are pregnant, you can often fly as normal. For healthy pregnant women, flying is usually not a problem, especially on a short or medium-length flight. However, your stage of pregnancy, whether you are expecting one baby or multiples, any previous complications and the airline's conditions all matter. If you have symptoms, a medical history or your pregnancy is not progressing completely smoothly, always ask for personal medical advice first.
Newly pregnant or in the first trimester? Here's what to consider
If you are 5 or 6 weeks pregnant, or have just found out you are pregnant and want to fly, the flight itself is usually not the main concern. During the first trimester, nausea, tiredness and uncertainty often determine how manageable the trip feels. That is why some travellers prefer to wait until the second trimester. It is better to postpone your trip or consult your doctor first if you have bleeding, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration or previous pregnancy complications.
Up to how many weeks can you usually fly?
| Stage | What is usually possible | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| 1-13 weeks | Flying is often possible with a healthy pregnancy. | Symptoms such as nausea and tiredness often play the biggest role. |
| 14-27 weeks | For many travellers, this is the most comfortable time to fly. | Check the rules for both your outbound and return flights in advance. |
| From 28 weeks | With an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy, 28, 30, 31 and 32 weeks are often still within the permitted period. | Airlines are more likely to ask you to check their conditions carefully or provide a medical certificate. |
| Final weeks before your due date | Your options become limited quickly; from around 36 weeks, flying is often no longer permitted. | With multiples or complications, the limit is usually earlier. |
Airlines almost always count pregnancy in weeks, not months. That is why asking “is 40 weeks 9 months?” is not very helpful when flying: your due date and the week of your return journey are what matter.
Always check your airline's rules
The basic rules are often similar, but the details vary by airline.
| Airline | What often applies | Extra considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Transavia | With an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy, flying is often possible until around week 36. | With multiples or complications, stricter limits and additional conditions may apply. |
| TUI | Here too, flying with a normal singleton pregnancy is often possible until around week 36. | Check whether you need a medical certificate for later weeks or specific medical conditions. |
| Corendon | The rules are often similar, but the permitted limit may depend on the operating airline. | With Corendon, the operating carrier's rules apply, so check them separately. |
A fit-to-fly or medical certificate may be required, especially towards the end of pregnancy or in case of complications. Some airlines require the document to have been issued recently and sometimes in English. Can you fly with TUI while pregnant? Usually yes, as long as you are within the permitted number of weeks and there are no complications. Always check the current conditions again shortly before departure, including those for your return journey.
These are the main medical considerations
The three points that come up most often are cabin pressure and slightly lower oxygen levels, sitting still for a long time and radiation. Because of the lower cabin pressure, you may feel short of breath or tired more quickly, especially if you already have symptoms. Sitting for a long time increases the risk of thrombosis, so moving around and drinking enough are important. Exposure to cosmic radiation is usually limited during an occasional holiday flight, but the situation is different for long or very frequent flights. Medical advice is especially important if you have high blood pressure, lung or heart problems, bleeding, a history of premature birth or other complications.
How to make your flight more comfortable
With a few practical choices and the right support item, such as the best neck pillow for the plane, you can often travel much more comfortably.
- If possible, choose an aisle seat so you can get up regularly more easily.
- Move around during the flight and do simple calf and foot exercises if you are sitting for a long time.
- Drink enough and wear comfortable clothing and shoes; compression socks can be helpful on longer flights.
- Keep your pregnancy record, medication, insurance details, snacks and water within easy reach in an under-seat bag; also see personal item on the plane: sizes and examples.
- Security scans at airports are generally not a problem. If you would prefer an alternative, ask at the checkpoint.
Are you travelling with only an under-seat bag? Find out what fits in 40x30x20 carry-on luggage and pack liquids smartly according to the travel bottles and 100 ml rule.
Also think about your destination, healthcare and return journey
It is not only the flight that matters, but also what comes afterwards.
- If possible, choose a destination with good medical care and a clear route to a doctor or hospital.
- For many pregnant travellers, a shorter flight or a destination closer to home feels more reassuring.
- Pay extra attention to Zika, malaria, vaccination requirements, hygiene, extreme heat and spending a long time at high altitude.
- Check in advance what your travel and health insurance covers in relation to pregnancy, medical care and a necessary change to your trip.
- Also consider the return journey: you may be in a different week of pregnancy on the way back than on the way out.
- Would you like to travel light with only a small bag? Check the packing list for travelling with carry-on luggage only.