Safety and fitness to fly
Important information an expectant mother should know about air travel.
Medical Certificate Guidelines
- Issued and signed by your doctor or attending midwife.
- Written on a clinic/hospital letterhead and/or stamped by the doctor or attending midwife.
- Issued within 7 days from the date of travel.
- State if the pregnancy is single or multiple.
- State the number of weeks of pregnancy and the Expected Date of Delivery (EDD).
- State that you are fit to fly.
- Easily understood and written in English or Arabic. Other languages are acceptable but must be verified by Etihad Airways check-in staff.
During the first 28 weeks of pregnancy
- Mothers expecting one or multiple children can travel without a medical certificate.
Single pregnancy
- From the beginning of the 29th week to the end of the 36th week: Mothers will need to submit a medical certificate.
- From the beginning of the 37th week onwards: Mothers will not be accepted for travel.
Multiple pregnancy
- From the beginning of the 29th week to the end of the 32nd week: Mothers will need to submit a medical certificate.
- From the beginning of the 33rd week onwards: Mothers will not be accepted for travel.
Read more
Hints and Tips
- We recommend you to
avoid air travel up to 7 days after delivery.
- Consult your doctor to
discuss any potential risks or concerns you may have.
- Avoid lifting heavy
weights. Extra care should be given when handling your baggage.
- Request for a seat near the toilet.
- Wear compression
stockings and elevate feet during the flight as the threat of thrombosis
increases during pregnancy.