Latest date to can fly to the US and back to the UK

[Tranquilitybaby]

Does anyone know when the latest number if weeks of you can be to fly?

Has anyone flown long haul in late pregnancy and if so how did you find it?

Thanks

[GwenStacy]

Also, make sure the insurance covers the baby after the birth!

[soapnuts]

I flew at 35 weeks (BA from Asia - their limit is 35+5) I can't say if recommend it unless you have to! I was lucky in that I had business class paid for but it was still hard work and you have the incertainty of having to get checked within (I think it was) 24 hours of departure to check you can fly etc. I had no choice - I wouldn't have rushed it if I had a choice. The latest I would fly to the us is probably about 20 - max 25 weeks because of the massive issue (mainly financial!!) if you went into premature labour. For a holiday I wouldn't so it personally. But it there is some reason and you're comfortable that you're covered medically (remembering that most standard holiday insurance doesn't cover pregnancy related costs) then 25 is when it starts getting really uncomfortable. I also flew at 20 weeks and was questioned by the airline because they thought I was further along so be prepared for that to and keep your scan photos on your phone to prove it

[soapnuts]

I flew at 35 weeks (BA from Asia - their limit is 35+5) I can't say if recommend it unless you have to! I was lucky in that I had business class paid for but it was still hard work and you have the incertainty of having to get checked within (I think it was) 24 hours of departure to check you can fly etc. I had no choice - I wouldn't have rushed it if I had a choice. The latest I would fly to the us is probably about 20 - max 25 weeks because of the massive issue (mainly financial!!) if you went into premature labour. For a holiday I wouldn't so it personally. But it there is some reason and you're comfortable that you're covered medically (remembering that most standard holiday insurance doesn't cover pregnancy related costs) then 25 is when it starts getting really uncomfortable. I also flew at 20 weeks and was questioned by the airline because they thought I was further along so be prepared for that to and keep your scan photos on your phone to prove it

[greentshirt]

Just to add to the insurance thing, YOU are probably covered in the us for pregnancy costs but the baby won't be and that's where the money will start adding up.

I went to NYC at 20/21 weeks and didn't really enjoy it, too tired and did a lot of worrying about the flight even though it was fine. I only went because it was booked before I found out I was pregnant, I would never have knowingly booked afterwards!

[FrumiousBandersnatch]

Check your policy - I am not aware of any uk travel insurance which will cover you past 32 weeks, and some will only take you to 28. Different airlines have different procedures but all will insist on a 'fit to fly' certificate from a doctor or mw.

[Tranquilitybaby]

Thank you. We are due to go to the US in July, so prob best not to think about TTC yet, just in case.

[scaevola]

Airlines follow the World Health Organisation guidelines and which stipulate a doctor's letter from 28 weeks, and a flying cut off of 36 weeks for singleton pg and 32 weeks for multiples.

You need also to check your travel insurance carefully about level of cover for a premature newborn.

[KitKat1985]

I'm flying out to the USA for a holiday between weeks 15-17. My SIL went to New York as well when she was 6 months (brave lady)! I think it's nice to have a break at this time - may be the last chance you get as a couple for a holiday together for a LONG time. Midwife said mid-second trimester is probably the best time to go for couples thinking of going away, as risk of miscarriage is low at this point, as is risk of premature labour which can be a problem in the third trimester. Also in the second trimester a lot of women and please let it apply to me as well feel less nauseous and aren't yet so heavy that travelling is a nightmare.

Most airlines I think expect a letter from your doctor if you are flying past 28 weeks to prove you are medically fit. I'm told when I booked the insurance (at travel agent) that providing you are having a healthy 'normal' pregnancy it won't be counted as a medical condition for travel insurance, but always check with the individual insurer.

Hope that helps. xxx