Flying when pregnant…can airlines check how far along you are?

They can’t check but they will ask you, they asked me when I went I was 20 weeks they just double checked everything over it may be expensive but it’s better to be safe than risk anything

I would have thought if they have a really early cut off for this and you are visibly pregnant then they may just refuse to let you board without proving proof. Is there no details on their website? X

Thanks Amy/Liv. The policy is up to 27 weeks, so not massively out but the week difference is what would require a certificate based on existing due date,

There is literally days in it. So the same would apply if I was on the right side of the cut off.

If you travel and don't have it you will not be covered by any insurance if anything goes wrong. Just a pre warning if you lie that you will be fully liable. I personally would get the certificate to be safe

They might ask you to proof with a document how far are you if they suspect you are very far along. You can always ask your midwife to give you a letter to prove you are fit to fly. If it is not a long fly and you have a non risky pregnancy I don’t see why they wouldn’t give you one

When flying back from Portugal last year, Jet2 were v strict on getting my friends fit to fly letter, had to wait for them to copy it etc. She was only 25 weeks but a large bump. Not sure what would have happened if she didn't have it.

28 weeks is the standard cut off. You can be prevented from flying if you can't produce one. I had a small bump when I flew at 25w and I still got spotted and asked questions before they allowed us to check in. I'd definitely get one if you're over their cut off as it's at their discretion whether they allow you to board since it's at their risk x

If you are over 28 weeks you will need a fit note. You can always ask the airline or look up their policy

Ex airline worker 🙋🏻‍♀️ they can’t check if you’re lying but can refuse you boarding if they believe you need a fit to fly and you can’t prove it It would also void your insurance should anything happen

What's your gestation, and what will your gestation be on the return flight? I wouldn't risk it if they have stated in their policy. I would also advise you to have sufficient travel insurance.x

How much is the certificate? I'm looking at maybe flying somewhere

@Christina I'm flying with Easyjet on Thurs and am 28 weeks, almost 29 on return flight. Glad I saw this as I read this post and started panicking. I've read and re read their policy and knew I didn't need a fit to fly letter but can't help think they'll question me. Seeing midwife today so going to triple check. Nothing is stopping me get on that plane! 🤣

End of 2021, I flew at 30 weeks pregnant and didn’t have any fit to fly certificate but I carry really small (no actual bump plus Christmas jumper etc) they didn’t ask anything x

@Christina it's not that the cut off is later, all airlines have this same cut off (after 32/36 weeks for multiple/single) due to the potential for going into labour, but the majority require proof that you're medically signed off to fly between 28 weeks and up to the cut off. Some airlines just enforce the 'fit to fly' more strictly than others. Such as (surprise surprise!) Ryanair

My hospital just gave me a fit to fly certificate for free. Are you sure you need to pay?

You shouldn't need to pay for one I don't think. My midwife gave me one yesterday. It was just a one liner email that said how many weeks I am and that I'm fit and healthy enough to travel.

Anyone know if this is still needed if an internal flight in uk? A one hour flight? I can’t find any answers on Google!! X

what about rynair?

@Victoria I think it’s upto your airline, most airlines are for 28 weeks depending :) I would just check with them even if it is internal, they may still require it x

@Meahek check their website for details, they seem to be one of the strictest (at least the way they state their requirements anyway!)

Thanks Liv!

UPDATE Thanks everyone for your comments. I obtained a fit to fly certificate online, as my GP surgery takes one month to process these requests 🤯 I’ve just boarded my return flight and wasn’t asked to show the certificate on either the outbound/return journey.