Warning about flying in Europe while pregnant

[AutumnAir]

See this thread in TAO.

We had an awful experience with a particular airline, which I can't mention, last week when trying to fly back from Nice to Liverpool. They denied us boarding, stating that our doctor's letter (which you're required by most/all European airlines to have from 28 weeks on) was 'too old', despite there being absolutely no mention of a time limit in any of the information available on their website.

Apparently other pregnant women have had similar experiences, particularly with this airline, where they're denied boarding then sent off to a local OB-GYN who orders up heaps of expensive tests and ultrasounds, which of course they have to pay out of pocket for, in order to get an 'acceptable' letter allowing them to board - basically a scam.

I'm doing everything I can think of to bring them to justice for what was done to us, and how we were treated, but I wanted to get the word out there so that anyone else thinking of flying with them would be forewarned. I don't want anyone else to be treated the way that I was.

[Magali]

Wow. I just read your thread in TAO. What a really awful thing to have happen. I am flying, in Canada, around 30 weeks pg. I plan on getting a Dr.s note just in case, and now, I will absolutely make sure it will be very close to the time of our flights. I know your experience is in Europe, but I'd rather cover all my bases, yk? I hope you find some satisfaction at the end of all of this.

[AutumnAir]

Bumping just to make sure there's a good chance for everyone to read this.

[paintedfire]

Yikes. I always preferred the to take trains when when I lived in Europe, and this is solidifies my opinion even more.

[CLH_X3]

Thanks, Im a frequent flyer with easy jet, and even though im not preg yet, this is a big help as I will be pre warned

[spargel]

good to know because I live in Europe. Had no idea I needed to have a letter that early on. I'm flying twice in the next month, but still not showing so I should be ok.

[Ola_]

Oh my goodness, that is just awful! I don't see how the dr's letter could be "too old". You were X weeks along three weeks ago, now you're X+3 weeks. Duh!

And all the running around they made you do and the extra stress is surely much more stressful on your body than flying! I'd see if there's a website or a Facebook group out there publicizing this issue with this airline and add your story to it. And if there's not, I'd start one!