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WHAT SHOULD PREGNANT WOMEN KEEP IN MIND WHEN TRAVELING BY PLANE?
The right time
For pregnant women, the most suitable time to travel by plane or even other means of transportation is during the second trimester (months 4, 5, and 6). However, in reality, if you are in good health and have no unusual problems, you can absolutely travel by plane until the 36th week of pregnancy.
Things to note when booking airline tickets
- Inform airline staff, ticket agents, or travel agents about your pregnancy to receive advice on necessary regulations and precautions.
- Choose a seat in the middle of the cabin near the wing to minimize oscillations and pressure changes during landing, takeoff, or when the plane encounters turbulence.
- If you have health problems or are pregnant, you should carefully consider this before booking your flight. If air travel is necessary, it is advisable to have a nurse accompany you on the flight.
Get a prenatal check-up and prepare all necessary health certificates.
Each airline has its own regulations regarding the transportation of pregnant passengers. Depending on the airline you choose, you may need to prepare the appropriate health certificates before your flight.
In addition, you should also bring your prenatal check-up booklet and health record booklet when traveling by plane.
Things to do on a flight
Pregnant women on airplanes should remember to fasten their seatbelts to ensure the absolute safety of both mother and fetus.
- On long flights, pregnant women should also avoid sitting in one place for too long. Except for periods when you are required to remain seated, you can move around and do light exercises such as neck rotations, arm stretches, and calf massages to help prevent fatigue.
- You should drink plenty of fluids, preferably milk and fruit juice, as the relatively low humidity on the plane can cause dehydration.
Things to consider before flying
- High blood pressure during pregnancy.
- Hyperglycemia or diabetes that is uncontrolled or poorly controlled.
- Sickle cell disease (red blood cells break down easily at high altitudes and in low oxygen concentrations).
- There is a risk of premature birth and placental abnormalities.
Airline regulations regarding pregnant passengers
In addition to identification documents such as ID cards, national identity cards, or passports, pregnant women wishing to travel by plane also need to bring a health certificate, which is required by each airline.
Vietnam Airlines
- Pregnant passengers under 32 weeks of gestation can present their identification documents as usual; no health certificate is required.
- Pregnant passengers between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation need to have a health certificate (MEDIF I, MEDIF II) before the flight.
- We do not transport passengers who are pregnant beyond 36 weeks.
VietJet Air
- Pregnant passengers who are at least 27 weeks pregnant are required to provide documentation confirming their gestational age and sign a liability waiver.
- Pregnant passengers who are between 27 and 32 weeks pregnant must present a doctor's certificate confirming the number of weeks of pregnancy and that they are fit to travel (signed within 7 days of the departure date) and sign a liability waiver agreement.
- We do not transport passengers who are pregnant beyond 32 weeks.
Jetstar Pacific
- Pregnant passengers under 28 weeks of gestation who are in good health do not need to bring their prenatal care records, but must sign a liability waiver at the time of check-in.
- Pregnant passengers between 28 and 36 weeks of gestation are required to present a prenatal examination record or health certificate (signed within 10 days of the flight departure date) and must sign a liability waiver at the time of check-in.
- We do not transport passengers who are pregnant beyond 36 weeks.
Bamboo Airways
- Passengers who are pregnant under 28 weeks are required to provide their regular prenatal check-up records, ultrasound report confirming gestational age, and sign a liability waiver agreement.
- Pregnant passengers between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation must present their regular prenatal check-up records, ultrasound report confirming gestational age, a doctor's certificate (signed within 7 days of the flight departure date), and sign a liability waiver agreement.
- We do not transport passengers who are pregnant beyond 32 weeks.
