Air Travel in Pregnancy

06.02.2010

Air travel is safe in pregnancy especially if completed during the second trimester. During the second trimester, the risk for spontaneous abortions and pre-term labor are very low. (1) This being said, it is important that you speak with your obstetrician before planning any travel since there are some conditions in which flying can pose a risk to the fetus. Pregnant women who suffer from chronic pulmonary conditions or cardiovascular problems such as congestive heart failure may have their condition exacerbated by the hypoxic environment in the cabin. (2)

It is also recommended that women who are taking long flights move around the cabin at least once every two hours. This will decrease the risk of developing any thromboembolic events. Pregnancy is associated with an increase in thromboembolic disease and this can be exacerbated by air travel. (2) Pregnant travelers should also be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids.
Flying during the third trimester of pregnancy should be avoided by women who are at risk of preterm delivery as well as those who suffer from placental pathology. Before traveling, make sure you check with your airline regarding any restrictions they might have concerning pregnant travelers. Below is a list of airlines along with their telephone numbers and travel restrictions.

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 (int'l)

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:

• 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

International:

There are no international flights

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

International:

There are no international flights

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 restrictions apply

References:

1. Walentiny C. [Pregnancy and traveling]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr. Mar 2009;134(12):594-598.
2. Koren G. Is air travel in pregnancy safe? Can Fam Physician. Sep 2008;54(9):1241-1242.
3. Available at: http://www.babycenter.com/0_airline-policies-for-pregnant-travelers_6976.bc. Accessed April 14, 2010.

Air Travel in Pregnancy

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