fly during pregnancy(major airline regulation + tips)

It is commonly recommended that women not fly at all during their last six weeks of pregnancy. Most major airlines require that pregnant passengers traveling within 30 days(about 36 weeks) of expected delivery must provide a doctor's statement dated within 72 hours of departure indicating the due date and indicating that air travel does not pose a health risk. So it is better to talk to your OB and the airline first，and to play it safe by getting a "permission-to-travel" letter from your doctor anyway.

Here are the list of regulations from major us airlines and contact information:

Alaska Airlines — 800-426-0333
Domestic:
No restrictions
International:
No restrictions

American Airlines — 800-433-7300
Domestic:
• Doctor's letter plus clearance by AA Special Assistance Coordinator required if traveling seven days before or seven days after delivery date
• Restrictions based on honor policy

International:
• Doctor's letter required if traveling within 30 days of due date, signed within 48 hours of travel.
• Travel within ten days before or seven days after delivery date requires doctor's letter plus clearance by AA Special Assistance Coordinator

Continental — 800-523-3273 (domestic) 800-231-0856 (International)
Domestic:
• Passengers advised to consult a physician if traveling after seventh month
• Doctor's letter required if traveling within seven days of due date
• Travel prohibited if signs of labor exist
International:
Same restrictions apply

Delta Airlines — 800-221-1212
Domestic:
No restrictions
International:
No restrictions

Frontier Airlines — 800-432-1359
Domestic:
• Doctor's letter required if traveling within seven days of due date, indicating due date and that travel does not pose a health risk
• Restrictions based on honor policy

International:
Same restrictions apply

Hawaiian Airlines — 800-367-5320
Domestic:
• Doctor's letter required if traveling within seven days of due date, signed within 72 hours of travel, indicating due date and that, based on a medical examination, travel does not pose a health risk
• Restrictions based on honor policy

International:
Same restrictions apply

JetBlue Airways — 800-538-2583
Domestic:
• Doctor's letter required if traveling within seven days of due date, signed within 72 hours of travel, indicating due date and that, based on a medical examination, travel does not pose a health risk
• All travel must be scheduled to be completed by due date
• Restrictions based on honor policy

International:
Same restrictions apply

Midwest Airlines — 800-452-2022
Domestic:
• No restrictions during first eight months
• If traveling during ninth month and delivery expected within 14 days, doctor's letter required in triplicate, signed within 72 hours travel, indicating due date and that, based on a medical examination, travel from specified departure city to specified destination city on specified dates does not pose a health risk

Northwest Airlines — 800-225-2525
Domestic:
• Doctor's letter required if traveling within 30 days of due date, signed within 72 hours of travel, indicating due date and that travel does not pose a health risk
• Travel prohibited if signs of labor exist
• Restrictions based on honor policy

International:
Doctor's letter required after 36th week, signed within 72 hours of travel, indicating due date and that travel does not pose a health risk

Southwest Airlines — 800-435-9792
Domestic:
• No restrictions, but airline strongly recommends against flying after week 38
• Pregnant women may be asked not to sit in the emergency exit row

Spirit Airlines — 800-772-7117
Domestic:
• If traveling during ninth month, doctor?s letter required, signed within 72 hours of travel, indicating that, based on a medical examination, travel on specified date does not pose a health risk
• Restrictions based on honor policy
• Travel prohibited if signs of labor exist

International:
Same restrictions apply

United Airlines — 800-241-6522
Domestic:
• No restrictions during first eight months
• If traveling during ninth month, doctor's letter required in triplicate, signed within 72 hours of travel, indicating due date and that travel doesn't pose a health risk
• Questioning at gate about due date possible
• Restrictions based on honor policy

International:
Same restrictions apply

US Airways — 800-428-4322
Domestic:
• Doctor's letter required if traveling within seven days of due date, signed within 72 hours of travel, indicating that travel does not pose a health risk
• Restrictions based on honor policy

International:
Same


if you have to fly, here are some tips for staying comfortable on your flight:

- Reserve an aisle seat so that you can easily access the bathroom and move about the cabin. Getting up and walking regularly will help combat swelling and discomfort.
- Drink plenty of water - at least one litre for every two hours in flight.
- Bring a copy of your medical records and ask your doctor for a referral in case of an emergency while you are away.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and flat shoes. Wear layers if you are prone to body-temperature fluctuations.
-Keep your seatbelt under your belly and low on your hips at all times, not around your abdomen.
- Get a small pillow from the flight attendant and place it under your lower back to avoid back strain.


* Airlines rely on an "honor policy" when it comes to enforcement, so it's the passenger's decision to notify agents that she's expecting and how far along she is. Ticket agents won't mention travel restrictions unless asked, so inquire about them when you book your seat.