Flying when pregnant~ Can they not let me on the plane? =)

[Climbing Rose]

  So I am a little nervous. 

What are the chances of me getting any static from the airline for flying in the beginning of my third trimester? 

What if they think I look bigger/farther along? 

Can they just say NO at the gate? 

Do I need a doctor's note? 

Anything else I should know?

Thank you!!

[katelove]

If you're concerned about it then I think the safest thing would be to have a letter from your HCP saying how many weeks you are. Not sure about the US but, in Australia the airlines tend to have a policy like "not after 36 weeks" so you may be asked to prove you are less than that.

[CEG]

The indiviual airlines have policies on their websites.  Most of the them say "no signs of active labor".  I would just get a note from your doctor or midwife saying "cleared to fly on February 4 and return on February 10" or whatever.  I have never had to show the note but I always had it just in case.

[la mamita]

I flew (Northwest, I believe?) at 37 weeks with a midwife's note that I had no signs of active labor and a healthy pregnancy. I wasn't given any hassle at all and I don't think they even asked for the note, but get one just in case.

[Magali]

Check your the policy of your airline.  I flew westjet this summer, and no one said anything to me.  My Dr. wouldn't give me a "fit to fly" note, so I asked her to just write something saying how far along I was, because I was just far enough along that westjet didn't require a Dr.s note saying I was in good health ...which I was but my Dr. and I didn't get along and that is a whole other story lol.  But I didn't have to show anyone anything.

[Cujobunny]

I agree, check the airline policy on their website. I flew at 29 wks & the airline said that once you're in the 3rd trimester, to have a note stating how far along you are & that it's an uncomplicated pregnancy. I had the note, but noone asked to see it.

[mclisa]

I would bring a copy of your medical record that states when your due date is.

I've flown pg before.  One time I was 28 weeks pg.  No issues.  One time I was 31 weeks pg and the flight attendant did ask me when the baby was coming.  We had had a 3 hour flight delay and I was getting crabby.  I almost replied "Getting closer every minute" but fortunately held my tongue.  I told her "Easter" and let her do the math.  I'm not sure if she was concerned or was just making small talk.

You can understand the airlines concern.  They really don't want to divert the plane if you are 36 weeks and pop into labor. 

[tracymom1]

Yes - they can say no at the gate. I had a friend who was flying when she was 34 weeks. She had a note from her midwife stating how far along she was and that hers was a normal pregnancy. On her return flight, which was 2 weeks later, they told her that 1. The note was only 'good' for 1 week and 2. that now she was 36 weeks and they don't allow women that far along on the airplane. I don't remember the airline, but I know she had to switch her flight to the next day because they actually made her go see an OB in their city and get a note from him!!!! Madness, I say!!!

Just check, check and double check. When in doubt, wear a big coat and if anyone asks if you are pregnant, just scowl at them and say "HOW RUDE!!" very loudly

[Climbing Rose]

Originally Posted by tracymom1 

 When in doubt, wear a big coat and if anyone asks if you are pregnant, just scowl at them and say "HOW RUDE!!" very loudly

[MamaPhD]

I flew @ 32 weeks on Southwest and they didn't ask me for anything even though I looked about to pop.