Ryanair, Jet2 and easyJet have shared their stances (Image: Cineberg via Getty Images)
Certain Ryanair and Jet2 passengers will need an extra document in order to be allowed to board flights, according to similar terms and conditions across both airlines’ websites.
According to NHS guidelines, most women can travel safely “well into their pregnancy, with the proper precautions such as travel insurance”. People are advised to “make sure your travel insurance covers you for any eventuality, such as pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth and the cost of changing the date of your return trip if you go into labour.”
Airlines’ stances on pregnant women flying at various stages are usually similar, though each travel operator has its own guidance. For example, after a certain point in the pregnancy, women flying with Ryanair and Jet2 will need a medical document – or they may be refused entry to their flight.
Ryanair advice explains that “you may fly up to 28 weeks of pregnancy” and once a pregnancy reaches week 28 “you will need to carry a completed ‘fit to fly’ letter from your doctor/midwife”. Information on its website continues: “If you have a single pregnancy, travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 36th week of your pregnancy; For a twin/triplet pregnancy, a ‘fit to fly’ letter is required between 28-32 weeks, and travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy.
“If you have any doubts about your suitability to fly or if you have had any complications while pregnant, please consult your doctor before booking your flights.”
Jet2 takes a similar position, stating: “We are not able to carry expectant mothers after: the end of the 35th week of pregnancy in the case of a single pregnancy; or – the end of the 33rd week of pregnancy in the case of multiple pregnancies (for example twins).
“After the end of the 27th week of pregnancy, expectant mothers must provide us with a doctor’s certificate confirming their stage of pregnancy and that they are fit to fly, failing which we reserve the right to refuse carriage. This certificate needs to be dated within 7 days of the outbound date of travel and 16 days of the inbound date of travel.”
easyJet guidance says “you are able to travel until quite late into your pregnancy” however adds: “If you have experienced any complications during your pregnancy, you should consult your medical practitioner before flying with us.
“You can travel up to the end of the 35th week for single pregnancies. If you are expecting more than one baby you can travel up to the end of the 32nd week”.