Flying while pregnant: weeks, fit to fly letter, Ryanair rules

You can fly while pregnant, but each airline sets its own rules on weeks of pregnancy and medical letters. With Ryanair, for example, you can fly freely up to week 28; from week 28 you need a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming you are fit to fly, and you cannot travel beyond the end of week 36 (week 32 for twins or triplets). Before booking, read your airline's rules and talk to whoever is looking after your pregnancy. Here is what to know.

How late in pregnancy can you fly?

There is no single rule: each airline decides, and the limits can differ for single and multiple pregnancies. As a concrete example, these are the rules Ryanair publishes on its help centre:

Other airlines may have different limits or their own form, so look for the pregnancy page on your airline's website. What counts is the week on the day you fly, including the way home: if you return after a fortnight in Lanzarote, do the maths for the date of the return flight.

The fit to fly letter

With Ryanair, from week 28 the fit to fly letter must be completed by your doctor or midwife and shown to the cabin crew when boarding: without it you cannot travel. If you have any doubts about flying or have had complications, Ryanair advises consulting your doctor before you book. A few practical tips:

1. Get the letter close to the flight, so it shows the right number of weeks.
2. Make sure it states your due date and whether it is a single or multiple pregnancy.
3. Carry the original in your hand luggage, with your maternity notes.
4. Count the weeks for the return flight, not just the outbound one.
5. Check your travel insurance covers pregnancy-related care abroad.

Tips for a more comfortable flight

• choose an aisle seat so you can get up and walk around more easily;
• wear the seatbelt under your bump, across your hips;
• drink often and move your legs during the flight;
• ask your doctor or midwife whether compression stockings are advisable in your case;
• carry your European or Global Health Insurance Card when travelling in the EU.

After the birth there are other rules: with Ryanair a mother can fly 48 hours after an uncomplicated delivery, or after at least 10 days with her doctor's written approval following a caesarean, and the baby must be at least 8 days old. Our guide to flying with children and infants on Ryanair explains the details.

If the flight is delayed or cancelled

A long delay is even more tiring when you are pregnant, and you have the same rights as any passenger: if the flight arrives 3 hours or more late, is cancelled with less than 14 days' notice or you are bumped because of overbooking, you may be owed €250, €400 or €600 depending on the distance, plus meals, drinks and, if needed, a hotel while you wait. Our flight delay compensation page explains the rules. With DelayFlight24 you can check for free in 2 minutes whether you are owed compensation: you pay nothing upfront and our fee is 25% + VAT only if you get compensated.

Frequently asked questions about flying while pregnant

Until what week can I fly when pregnant?

It depends on the airline. With Ryanair, until the end of week 36 for a single pregnancy and week 32 for twins, with a letter from week 28.

Do I need a medical letter to fly while pregnant?

With Ryanair, from week 28: a fit to fly letter from your doctor or midwife, shown to the cabin crew when boarding.

Do all airlines have the same rules?

No, each airline sets its own limits and paperwork. Always check the pregnancy page of the airline you are flying with.

Are the rules different for twins?

Yes, usually stricter: with Ryanair you need the letter between weeks 28 and 32 and cannot fly beyond the end of week 32.

Am I entitled to compensation if the flight is delayed?

Yes, like any passenger: €250, €400 or €600 if you arrive at least 3 hours late and the delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances.

Find out more

• Air passenger rights
• Delayed flight: when you can claim compensation
• Cancelled flight: refund and compensation
• Overbooking: what you are owed
• What our service costs

Article updated on 22/10/2026 by the DelayFlight24 editorial team.