Travelling during pregnancy
Flying puts additional strain on the body. If you wish to fly during pregnancy, there are a few things you need to take into account.
General information
Flying is not a problem during a straightforward pregnancy. Nevertheless, we recommend that pregnant passengers consult their gynaecologist about their forthcoming flight before embarking on their travels.
For the protection of children and pregnant travellers
Please note the following if you are planning to fly during your pregnancy:
- Pregnant travellers with a single and uncomplicated pregnancy may travel with Austrian Airlines without a gynaecological certificate up to no later than the start of the 36th week of pregnancy, or up to four weeks before the expected date of delivery of the child.
- They may do so in the case of a multiple and uncomplicated pregnancy up until the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy.
- It is not compulsory but we recommend that all pregnant travellers carry with them a current doctor’s certificate after the 28th week of pregnancy. This certificate must show:
- that the pregnancy is progressing straightforwardly and does not prevent the expectant traveller from flying; and
- the expected due date.
- Any risk pregnancy is an absolute contraindication for flying.
- Discuss any flight during pregnancy with a gynaecologist or treating physician, as you could be at increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.
- The regulations of the airline concerned apply if you are travelling with a codeshare partner.
Useful tips
Preventing thrombosis
With a flight duration of more than three to four hours, an increased risk of thrombosis is possible under certain conditions. The incidence of thrombosis can be increased by pregnancy. You should therefore consult your treating physician before commencing your flight.
Countermeasures
- Ensure sufficient fluid intake. Depending on the duration of the flight, you should drink an additional one to two litres. Avoid excessive intake of coffee and black tea, as these drinks have a dehydrating effect.
- Exercises in the aircraft help to accelerate the flow of blood in the veins. In addition, you should wear clothing that is loose and comfortable to avoid restricting the blood flow.
- Compression stockings of compression class 1 to 2 are recommended, even if the risk for thrombosis is low. Most of the time, calf-length stockings are sufficient. Please note: expert advice is absolutely essential before you purchase compression stockings because poor quality material or a bad fit with folds at the back of the knee are not suitable for preventing thrombosis.
You will find further information about travel thrombosis on our “Healthy travelling” page.
Entry regulations
Find out about the entry regulations at your destination country as the authorities can refuse you entry during pregnancy. Austrian accepts no liability if you are not given permission to fly on grounds of local national legislation. It is therefore strongly recommended that you find out well in advance from the relevant authorities about any national legal conditions relating to the permission to fly for expectant mothers.
More
The slightly reduced oxygen pressure in the aircraft does not represent a risk to pregnant travellers and the child. However, you should not fly during pregnancy if you are aware of any limited functioning of the placenta.
The metal detectors at the security control at the airport are not dangerous because they work magnetically. However, radiation exposure is generally increased when flying. Occasional long-haul flights in the context of a single long-distance trip are generally not considered dangerous.
