[name_m]Hi[/name_m] berries! I’m expecting my first baby in [name_f]September[/name_f] 2025. (I’ve had an account here since I was like 14…so exciting to finally say that 
[name_f][/name_f] !) I have a friend who lives across the country that I want to visit before the baby comes. Trouble is, as a teacher, I can’t get the time off until the summer. Did any of you do air travel later on in your pregnancy? What was your experience?
Thanks in advance!
I didn’t but just FYI many airlines only allow travel up until week 35/36 of pregnancy so consider that when you time your flight.
If you’re feeling well, generally okay with flying and the airlines will allow, I don’t see why you can’t or shouldn’t! I guess my only advice would be to not make any promises to your friend, and maybe plan for you trip as early in the summer as possible.
[name_f][/name_f]Being your first pregnancy it’s hard to know how uncomfortable you might be as you near your due date [name_f][/name_f]- personally I wouldn’t have wanted to fly while pregnant because everything is already more difficult with a pregnant belly haha but I hate flying in general so take that with a pinch of salt!
I flew late in my 2nd trimester and didn’t have any issues with it. I was already having some hip and back pain then, and it got worse in the third trimester, but I think travel would have been manageable as long as it wasn’t too close to my due date. Uncomfortable probably, but manageable.
I don’t have any experience, and I’ll be completely honest: I wouldn’t. I depends on when in [name_f]Summer[/name_f] you’re actually going to travel and how far along you’ll be exactly, but it’s a significant risk. Not the traveling itself per se, but a due date is just an indication. What if you go into early labour or have complications? I’ve had 5 pregnancies (including twins) and only two of them lasted until 36 weeks, so my view is definitely coloured by that, but it’s a real possibility.
[name_f][/name_f]That being said, if you’re in your second or very early third trimester, you should be fine. But I’d definitely talk it over with a medical professional beforehand, so you know what to do be safe during the flight. And also think about what you’ll do if you need medical care while visiting your friend.
I’ve not been pregnant, but those in my family who have and the medical professionals I know strongly suggest consulting with your doctor. The insight as to whether you fly or not should be determined between the two of you.
Personally I wouldn’t risk it, but that’s because I am well aware of my potential issues. But I would have a heart to heart with my doctor before you decide.
I will add that my mom delivered quickly and (debatably) early with me (her first), so her doctor wouldn’t let her travel (from what I’ve been told) when she was in her last trimester with her second in case something happened. I say debatably because half the family says I was early by two weeks, the other half says I was a week late and my parents are split — also it keeps changing in the retelling every time. I was a small baby compared to the rest of the family.
I think if you did it earlier in the summer, say [name_f]May[/name_f] or early [name_f]June[/name_f] you would be fine as long as you feel fine and have a healthy pregnancy. I won’t be as far a long but I’m planning on taking a 3 week roadtrip this summer while pregnant (as long as my Dr OKs it)
[name_f][/name_f]However I will caution some airlines require essentially a permission note from your doctor. Some require it as early as 28 weeks. So make sure you research whatever airline (or airlines if you book through 3rd party and will be traveling multiple airlines)
Congratulations! How exciting!
[name_f][/name_f]How far along would you be at that point? I know certain airlines don’t allow you to travel past a certain point in pregnancy as it’s deemed not as safe.
Thanks! [name_f][/name_f] I’ll be between 26-29 weeks depending on when exactly I go
Thank you all for your feedback! [name_f]My[/name_f] doctor agreed with the idea that it’s mostly about comfort [name_f][/name_f]- she said she herself went camping at 34 weeks pregnant because she figured she’d be uncomfortable anywhere [name_f][/name_f]- might as well be somewhere fun! And she agreed with not flying after 36 weeks. She said the main thing is to stay hydrated. And finally my friend is actually a labor and delivery nurse, she she’d know exactly what to do if something goes wrong!
[name_f][/name_f]I’ll try to plan my trip as early as I can, or wait until the baby is born. Thank you all again!
I have flown and driven long distances fairly late in pregnancy. If you are healthy, I don’t see anything wrong with in-country travel up until ~37 weeks. I would just make sure that you get an aisle seat (so you can pee lol), and try not to interrupt your sleep schedule for flights, even if it’s a bit more expensive.