Can You Fly While Pregnant? Airline Week Limits and Tips
Reviewed by Safi Allah Khan
Medically reviewed by: Safi Allah Khan · Written by the Momi team · Airline policies checked 20 October 2026
Quick answer: Can you fly while pregnant? In a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy, usually yes. ACOG says occasional air travel is safe, and most US airlines allow flights until about 36 weeks. Many airlines want a doctor's letter from about 28 weeks, and limits are earlier for twins. Check with your provider and your airline before you book.
Mid-pregnancy is often the easiest time to fly. Find your week with How Many Weeks Pregnant Am I?, and remember that the week on the date of your return flight is what counts.
Is flying safe in pregnancy?
ACOG's guidance on air travel says that, without obstetric or medical complications, occasional air travel is safe, and pregnant women can fly observing the same precautions as other travelers. ACOG notes the lower cabin air pressure is fine for a healthy pregnancy, and that cosmic radiation risk to the fetus is negligible for most travelers.
Talk to your provider first if you have any complications, such as a history of preterm labor, bleeding, placenta problems, high blood pressure or a multiple pregnancy.
Airline week limits
Airlines set their own rules. Here's what four airlines' own pages said when we checked on 20 October 2026:
| Airline | Letter or certificate needed | Last week you can fly (one baby) | Last week (twins or more) |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | Pregnancy form or letter from week 28 | End of week 36 | End of week 32 |
| easyJet | Not routinely; see a doctor first if you've had complications | End of week 35 | End of week 32 |
| Emirates | Medical certificate from week 29 | End of week 36 (not from week 37) | End of week 32 (not from week 33) |
| United Airlines | Medical clearance may be needed from 36 weeks or if high-risk; note dated within 72 hours | Not stated as a fixed cut-off | Not stated |
ACOG says most airlines allow flights within the US until about 36 weeks, and that international cut-offs may be earlier. Policies change, so always check your airline's current page and the rules for the return leg.
What a fit-to-fly letter usually includes
Based on airline requirements such as Emirates':
- that you're carrying one baby or more
- that your pregnancy has no complications
- your estimated due date
- that you're fit to fly on your travel dates
Ask your midwife or doctor in good time. Some airlines want the letter dated close to travel.
Safety tips for flying
| Tip | Why | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wear your seat belt at all times, low under your bump | Protects you in turbulence | ACOG, United |
| Walk around every 30 minutes or so on long flights | Lowers the risk of blood clots | NHS |
| Wear compression stockings on flights over 4 hours | Helps blood flow and swelling | NHS, ACOG |
| Drink plenty of water; limit caffeine | Keeps you hydrated | ACOG, United |
| Rotate and flex your ankles in your seat | Reduces swelling | United, NHS |
| Choose an aisle seat | Easier toilet trips and walks | United |
| Carry your maternity notes | Helps if you need care abroad | NHS |
| Ask about nausea remedies if you get motion sickness | Comfort | United |
DVT warning: the NHS says long journeys of more than 4 hours raise the chance of DVT, and pregnancy raises it too. Get urgent help for throbbing pain or swelling in one leg, and call an emergency number if you also have chest pain or breathlessness.
Travel insurance and planning
- Check your insurance covers pregnancy, including care during labor, premature birth and changing your return date if you go into labor (NHS).
- Find out about healthcare at your destination and where the nearest hospital with maternity care is.
- Check vaccines and malaria tablets with your GP: the NHS says most live vaccines aren't recommended in pregnancy, and some anti-malaria tablets aren't safe.
- Avoid Zika areas: the NHS says pregnant women shouldn't travel to places where Zika is a risk. Check the CDC travel pages or Travel Health Pro.
- Book flexibly in case your plans change.
When not to fly
Speak to your provider before flying if you have:
- bleeding, pain, or fluid leaking
- signs of preterm labor
- placenta praevia or other placenta problems
- high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia
- a history of blood clots
And remember the NHS point: the chance of going into labor is higher after 37 weeks (or around 32 weeks with twins).
Other ways to travel
- Car: ACOG says wear your seat belt with the lap belt low on your hip bones, below your bump, and make frequent stops to move around. The NHS suggests avoiding long car journeys if you can.
- Ferries: check the operator's rules; many restrict travel in late pregnancy.
How Momi helps
Before you book, check your week in Momi for both your outbound and return dates. Add the appointments around your trip to visits with medicine reminders, and log how you feel in the diary. In the third trimester, the kick counter and contraction timer are on your phone wherever you are.
Download Momi free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional Premium.
Related: second trimester honeymoon period · pregnancy leg cramps · due date calculator · 28 weeks pregnant · third trimester
Sources
- ACOG, Committee Opinion 746: Air Travel During Pregnancy
- ACOG, Travel During Pregnancy
- NHS, Travelling in pregnancy
- CDC Yellow Book, Pregnant travelers
- British Airways, Medical conditions and pregnancy, checked 20 October 2026
- easyJet, Medical information, checked 20 October 2026
- Emirates, Before you leave, checked 20 October 2026
- United Airlines, Flying while pregnant, checked 20 October 2026
- NHS, DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
Medical disclaimer: Momi and this website provide general information, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife; in an emergency call your local emergency number.
FAQ
How many weeks pregnant can you fly?
It depends on the airline. ACOG says most US airlines allow flights until about 36 weeks. When we checked in October 2026, British Airways and Emirates allowed single pregnancies until the end of week 36 and easyJet until the end of week 35, with earlier limits for twins. Check your airline before booking.
Do I need a fit to fly letter?
Often, later in pregnancy. The NHS says airlines may ask for a letter from your doctor or midwife after 28 weeks confirming your due date and that you have no complications. British Airways requires one from week 28, Emirates from week 29, and United may need clearance from 36 weeks.
Is it safe to fly in the first trimester?
ACOG says occasional air travel is safe in a pregnancy without complications. Some people prefer not to fly early on because of nausea and tiredness. Flying doesn't cause miscarriage, but get advice before travelling if you've had bleeding or pain.
Are airport scanners safe in pregnancy?
Yes. United Airlines notes that TSA security equipment is safe for you and your baby. ACOG says the risk to the fetus from cosmic radiation on flights is negligible for most travelers, though very frequent flyers and aircrew may need advice.
What's the best time to fly while pregnant?
ACOG says the best time to travel is mid-pregnancy, 14 to 28 weeks, when energy is back and morning sickness has usually eased. The NHS notes the chance of going into labor is higher after 37 weeks, or around 32 weeks with twins.
Related guides
Track this in Momi
Momi is a free pregnancy tracker app for iPhone and Android that follows pregnancy week by week, estimates the due date, and keeps a pregnancy journal, weight log, kick counter and contraction timer in one place.
