In light of a few recent policy updates, Ryanair has shared a gentle reminder that certain passengers are required to present additional documentation to ground staff ahead of boardin
Two major budget airlines, Jet2 and Ryanair, advise that some passengers may require a supplemental document in order to fly. In addition to presenting their passports, pregnant flyers may be required to present a letter from their doctors or midwife declaring them fit to fly, as reported by Belfast Live.
Whether or not a pregnant passenger is required to present this ‘fit to fly’ letter depends on how far along they are in their pregnancy. The letter, which must be signed or stamped by a healthcare professional, must also outline details of the pregnancy including important medical considerations and whether the pregnant passenger is carrying multiples.
Most airlines have specific rules about when a fitness to fly letter is required, and it can often be downloaded straight from the carrier’s website. Ryanair and Jet2 have similar stances of these letters, but there are some minute differences. Ryanair allows passengers to fly without providing a fitness to fly letter if they are under 28 weeks pregnant. Once a pregnancy reaches 28 weeks, passengers are required to have their respective healthcare professional complete, sign and date a ‘fit to fly’ letter.
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Ryanair’s specific ‘fit to fly’ letter can be downloaded from the airline website and must be presented to cabin crew upon boarding. The letter must be dated within two weeks of the booked flight.
When it comes to pregnancy with multiples, a fitness to fly letter is required between 28-32 weeks, and travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy. Additionally, if you have a single pregnancy and are flying Ryanair, travel is not permitted beyond the end of the 36th week of your pregnancy.
Jet2’s policy for expectant mothers closely mirrors Ryanairs. Jet2 passengers expecting a single child can travel without a fitness to fly letter until their 27th week of pregnancy.
The rules explained
Between the 28th and 35th weeks of pregnancy, Jet2 passengers are required to present a fitness to fly letter provided by a doctor or midwife on surgery or hospital headed paper. After the 36th week of pregnancy, expectant mothers are not permitted to fly.
This timeline shrinks to 34 weeks when it comes to expectant mothers of multiples. Jet2 requires that fitness to fly letters are signed and dated within seven days of flight departure and 16 days of return. Bear in mind that these specifications may vary depending on a passenger’s health and any additional medical conditions or considerations. Pregnant passengers are encouraged to consult with their doctors and midwives to ensure they are safe to fly.
As a general rule, some airlines clamp down on pregnant women travelling when they are over the 37 week mark due to a higher chance of them going into natural labour. And while each airline has its own specific cutoffs, it is important to always make ground staff aware if you are flying after 28 weeks.