The Policies of Flying Pregnant
Tuesday August 28, 2007
It wasn't always easy but I traveled a lot by air during my own pregnancy. What I discovered is that airlines really vary in terms of rules. Factors that influence an airline's policies and can make it more restrictive for pregnant women to travel include: how far along one is in one's pregnancy; whether one is expecting a singleton or multiples; and overall health and risks during one's pregnancy. Air travel isn't the only travel area that restricts pregnant women, even more stringent with rules is travel on a cruise ship (some start restrictions at 24 weeks!). This ties into air travel only if you are planning a babymoon - a trip before a baby arrives - since cruises are often chosen because they can be very relaxing for a pregnant mom-to-be.
What the different policies on airlines may mean as a pregnant air traveler is either having practically no restrictions until weeks before the due date, to requiring medical personnel to travel with you.
Given that policies vary, I have compiled the information from airlines based on different parts of the world.
Pregnant and Flying - In the Americas
Pregnant and Flying - Europe / Africa
Pregnant and Flying - Asia / Pacific
image courtesy of Arlene Fleming
My question is which ones give the best customer service? Are they helpful and friendly or mean and dismissive? Feel free to rant or rave at http://www.measuredup.com a new social network based on the customer service experience.