Air canada: Travel During Pregnancy
Air Canada: Rules for pregnant travelers
As long as your pregnancy has been uneventful and you are traveling during the second trimester, flying while pregnant can be both safe and comfortable. Consult your doctor or midwife first and study the airline's restrictions if you have a medical issue or want to fly early or late in your pregnancy.
Do you intend to make one final excursion before the birth of your child? Prior to boarding, you should review the airline's pregnant passenger policies, whether you're traveling for work or a babymoon.
The good news is that airlines want your journey to be comfortable and safe. They will frequently transfer you to an aisle seat with convenient access to the restroom or let you choose your seat in advance without charging you.
Is it safe to fly while pregnant?
Airlines have a "honour policy" in place. Telling agents that you are pregnant and how far along you are is your responsibility. Travel limitations won't be mentioned by ticket salespeople unless asked. When you reserve your seat, make sure to inquire about them.
The ideal time to travel during pregnancy is between weeks 18 and 24, as the majority of issues usually arise between the first and third trimesters. Most women with a typical pregnancy can fly safely for up to 36 weeks, according to the Canadian government.
Until the final month of pregnancy, when you might require a letter from your doctor to travel, most airlines do not prohibit pregnant passengers. However, regardless of when you are due, it is advisable to speak with your doctor before taking a flight.
Obtain a "permission-to-travel" letter from your physician confirming your anticipated due date as a precaution. When making the return trip, don't forget to factor in your due date. If your pregnancy is high-risk, you won't receive a permission letter, and you shouldn't.
What about taking a flight later in your pregnancy?
There are additional limitations on flying travel after your final month. These are the guidelines for pregnant passengers flying with a few Canadian carriers.
Up until and including 36 weeks, you can travel on all Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express flights without a doctor's letter. The only requirements are that you have never experienced an early labor or delivery and that your pregnancy was uneventful.
Up until 35 weeks of pregnancy, there are no limitations on Air Transat. If you are between 36 and 38 weeks pregnant, you must show a medical certificate that was issued within 48 hours before your departure. If you are 39 or 40 weeks pregnant or older, you are not permitted to go on any Air Transat flights.
You can travel with Porter Airlines up until and including your 36th week. The airline advises speaking with your doctor before flying, but medical clearance is not necessary at this time. A doctor's letter must be given within 48 hours of your flight if you are between 36 and 38 weeks pregnant. If you are more than 38 weeks pregnant, you are not permitted to fly on Porter Airlines.
WestJet allows you to travel at any stage of your pregnancy, but if you are more than 36 weeks along, the airline advises seeing your physician or midwife first.
It might not be obvious which airline is being used if your trip is all-inclusive. You should talk to your vacation business about your pregnancy. They will provide you with information about the airline and its policies.
As you can see, every airline has different policies, so it's important to let them know you're expecting when you make your reservation. For additional information, see the website of the vacation operator.
Find out more about why you need travel health insurance while pregnant, how to have a safe and enjoyable journey, and safe travel throughout pregnancy. Cheers to your journey!
