Pregnant Women Flying: Latest Regulations 2024

Is it allowed for pregnant women to fly?

'Can pregnant women travel by plane?' is a common question for most expectant mothers when considering air travel. According to the regulations, pregnant women will be ALLOWED to fly if still within the accepted gestational period as approved by airlines.

Expectant mothers flying the skies

So, specifically, how many months pregnant is it allowed to fly, and when is it not allowed to take a flight?

• If pregnant from 36 weeks (9 months) onward, expectant mothers are PERMITTED to travel by air. However, some airlines may only accept the transportation of pregnant women from 32 weeks (8 months) onward. Mothers should carefully examine the regulations of the airline before deciding to purchase tickets.
• Pregnant women beyond 36 weeks (9 months), especially within 07 days of the due date, are NOT ALLOWED to fly. No airline accepts the carriage of pregnant women during this stage of pregnancy.

In addition, during the first 3 months of pregnancy, as the fetus is still small and fragile, pregnant women are advised not to travel by air.

Is air travel during pregnancy harmful to the fetus?

When pregnant women fly, sudden changes in altitude and environment during takeoff or landing can lead to increased blood pressure, heart rate, or decreased respiratory function for expectant mothers, ...

Pregnant women flying can be impacted on health during takeoff - landing

However, these effects will only occur briefly during takeoff - landing. For the remainder of the flight, when the aircraft has reached a stable altitude, the mother's health is likely to return to normal, ensuring the safety of the fetus.

Pregnant women flying are advised to always fasten their seatbelt to prevent unforeseen impacts during the entire journey. Mothers should secure it low on the hipbone, avoiding it across the abdomen to prevent compression on the fetus.

Expectant mothers flying should fasten their seatbelt throughout the flight

Does the pressure in the airplane harm the fetus?

The pressure in the airplane cabin is maintained by airlines at a level safe for all passengers. Therefore, the cabin pressure is unlikely to cause harm to both pregnant women and the fetus during air travel. However, in a few rare cases, low cabin pressure may lead to increased blood pressure or heart rate for pregnant women,...

The pressure in the airplane does not harm the fetus

What documents do pregnant women need when flying?

The required documents for pregnant women flying include personal identification and health documents, specifically as follows:

What documents do expectant mothers need when flying?

Depending on the airline, the health document requirements for pregnant women may vary. You can find detailed information about the required documents for pregnant women flying with different airlines in the article 'What documents do pregnant women need when flying?'.

Regulations for pregnant women flying with various airlines

Regulations for pregnant women flying with Vietjet Air

Pregnant women flying with Vietjet Air must adhere to the specific regulations of the airline as follows:

• When booking tickets or completing procedures at the airport, provide information about your pregnancy status to the airline staff.
• Consult with your doctor before booking a flight to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.
• For pregnant women beyond 27 weeks: Present the age verification document and sign the Responsibility Agreement provided by the airline.
• For pregnant women between 27 and 32 weeks: Provide a health confirmation document from a specialist doctor. This document is valid for no more than 07 days from the actual flight date.
• For mothers beyond 32 weeks: Vietjet Air refuses transportation.

Vietjet Air accepts the transportation of pregnant women under 32 weeks

Regulations for pregnant women flying with Vietnam Airlines

When planning to fly with Vietnam Airlines, pregnant women need to be aware of the following information:

• Seek advice from a doctor before booking and provide complete information about the pregnancy status when making reservations.
• For pregnant women under 32 weeks: No need to provide health documents.
• For women with pregnancies from 32 to 36 weeks: Mandatory health confirmation using MEDIF I and MEDIF II forms provided by the airline or equivalent valid documents. Document validity within 07 days before the scheduled flight.
• The airline does not accept the transportation of pregnant women over 36 weeks.

Pregnant women under 36 weeks old can fly with Vietnam Airlines

If planning an international flight on Vietnam Airlines, pregnant women need to prepare necessary health documents in English, certified by a notary public.

For special services registration for pregnant women flying with Vietnam Airlines, mothers can visit the website or contact the hotline, at least 24 hours before the flight.

Regulations for pregnant women flying with Bamboo Airways

Regulations for pregnant women flying with Bamboo Airways are as follows:

• Expectant mothers should proactively inform airport check-in staff about their pregnancy status during the boarding process.
• For pregnant women under 27 weeks: Provide age verification documents.
• For pregnant women from 28 - 32 weeks: Provide health documents as specified by the airline valid within 07 days from the first flight date and sign a Liability Waiver.
• Bamboo Airways refuses to transport single pregnant women over 36 weeks.
• For mothers with twin pregnancies, artificial insemination, or abnormal pregnancy health, the airline will refuse transportation if the gestational age is over 32 weeks.

Bamboo Airways accepts the transportation of women under 32 weeks or 36 weeks pregnant, depending on conditions

Regulations for pregnant women flying with Pacific Airlines

Passengers who are pregnant and flying with Pacific Airlines need to be aware of the following regulations:

• Have the obligation to provide detailed information about their pregnancy status to the airline during the check-in process.
• In the case of pregnancies under 28 weeks, pregnant women only need to sign a Liability Waiver without providing additional health documents.
• Pregnant passengers from 28 - 35 weeks need to present a health confirmation document as per regulations within 10 days before the departure date.
• Pregnant women from 36 weeks onwards are not allowed to fly with Pacific Airlines.

Pacific Airlines stipulates that pregnant women under 36 weeks are not allowed to fly

Regulations for pregnant women flying with Vietravel Airlines

Regulations for pregnant women flying with Vietravel Airlines are as follows:

• Expectant mothers need to inform about their gestational age during airport procedures.
• Before boarding, pregnant women need to sign a 'Liability Waiver' agreement.
• Pregnant women flying with Vietravel Airlines need to provide pregnancy examination records along with ultrasound reports indicating the week of pregnancy if pregnant under 27 weeks.
• From 27 - 32 weeks, pregnant women need to present various health documents valid within 07 days from the actual flight date.
• Pregnant women over 32 weeks are not accepted for transportation on Vietravel Airlines flights.

Pregnant women under 32 weeks can fly with Vietravel Airlines

Procedure for boarding for pregnant women

To ensure a smooth boarding process, pregnant women flying should refer to the detailed guide below:

Purchase Airline Tickets

Firstly, to book airline tickets, you can directly contact airlines or ticket agencies. Provide complete information about your pregnancy status to receive detailed advice on the relevant documents from the staff.

Prepare Necessary Documents

After booking the ticket, prepare personal identification and health documents according to the regulations of the airline you purchased from. If you encounter any difficulties, do not hesitate to contact the airline/agency staff for immediate assistance.

Check-In at the Airport

Pregnant women flying must check in at the airport. During the check-in process, expectant mothers are always a priority.

Especially, before boarding, expectant mothers need to sign a Liability Waiver provided by the airline.

Pregnant women flying are given priority during the boarding process

Security Check

After completing the procedures at the check-in counter, mothers move to the security check area to have their carry-on luggage scanned.

Enter the Boarding Area

After passing through the security area, expectant mothers will proceed to the boarding area. Here, find the correct boarding gate as indicated on the boarding pass and take a seat. When airline staff begins announcing boarding, move to the gate and queue up.

Board the Aircraft

At the aircraft door, pregnant passengers are always given priority to board. Upon entering the aircraft, mothers will also receive assistance from the flight attendant to stow carry-on luggage in the overhead bin (if applicable).

During the Flight

Throughout the flight, mothers should always remember to fasten their seatbelt. If encountering any difficulties, pregnant passengers should proactively seek assistance from the flight attendants or airline staff for timely support.

Disembarkation

Upon landing, expectant mothers are also given priority to disembark to avoid crowded and potentially hazardous situations. If there is overhead luggage, mothers can seek assistance from nearby passengers or ask the flight attendant to retrieve it.

Preparing Luggage for Pregnant Women Flying

Luggage preparation is a crucial step in the journey for expectant mothers flying. Before the flight, mothers should thoroughly check if they have all the necessary documents and items, including:

• Airplane ticket
• Personal identification and health documents as required
• Clothing, shoes, personal items, etc.
• Carry prescribed medications as per doctor's instructions
• Additionally, prepare some items to make the journey more comfortable: neck pillow, thin blanket, light snacks, etc.

Preparing luggage for pregnant women flying

Tips for a Comfortable Flight Journey for Expectant Mothers

To ensure the most comfortable flight, pregnant women should consider some useful tips:

• Choose a Safe Pregnancy Period to Fly: Optimal time for pregnant women to fly is between 14 to 27 weeks to avoid risks for both mother and baby.
• Select a Comfortable Seat: Choose a seat in the middle of the plane, avoiding positions near emergency exits or engines. During check-in, inform airline staff to allocate a seat in that area for a comfortable journey.
• Stay Active on Long Flights: If the flight is long, pregnant mothers should stand up, move around to prevent stiffness in limbs, swelling, etc. However, avoid moving during take-off or landing.
• Always Fasten Seatbelt: Fastening seatbelt throughout the flight is a must for pregnant women to minimize risks in unforeseen situations during the journey.
• Stay Hydrated: In the low-pressure airplane environment, pregnant women need to stay well-hydrated to prevent fatigue, nausea, and other issues.
• Learn Ear Pressure Relief Measures: Changes in pressure and environment during take-off or landing can cause ear discomfort for pregnant women. To minimize this, they can chew gum, yawn, or use earplugs.

Pregnant women flying should explore tips for a comfortable flight

In this article, Mytour.vn has compiled the most comprehensive information on what pregnant women flying need to know. Expectant mothers, bookmark this for a smooth and safe journey!

Choose to book cheap flight tickets at Mytour to ensure the best prices and quick assistance regarding documents, procedures, and regulations during the pregnant period. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the hotline at 1900 2083.

Author: Phuong Thao

Image Source: Internet, Mytour