Hi there,
I remember being asked for a certificate when I was pregnant last time when checking into a flight. Luckily I had one!
Does anyone know how far in advance the Dr. certificate can be? I'll only be 7 months pregnant, but I'm huge already, so want to have the document ready. But my Dr. will be on vacation the week before I leave... United is the carrier we will be flying with, and the info on their site is kind of vague, only refers specifically to women who are in their 9th month of pregnancy:
"Guidelines for pregnant travelers
Passengers traveling in their ninth month of pregnancy must have an obstetrician’s certificate dated within 24 to 72 hours prior to their flight departure.
The certificate must state:
The passenger has been examined by an OB and is physically fit to travel by air
Departure and arrival destinations and dates
The estimated birth date of the baby"
Anyway, thanks for sharing any personal experience you have. I want to be as prepared as possible!
H.
Thank you, everyone!
Geraldine T., I am anticipating being asked for some documentation just like you were, since I am huge! I'm planning to do just what you suggested. :)
since you won't be 9 months pregnant i don't see that it should matter. get the note as late as you can, and have the dr. put your due date, which will show you are not 9 months pregnant.
and of course, always call the airlines. they can document your record ahead of time which will make the trip smoother as well.
I flew twice when I was in the later stages of pregnancy. Once at almost 8 months and again at almost 8 1/2 months both on United. I was asked one of the times how far along I was, I told them and that was that. If they ask you, and you aren't 9 months then I wouldn't worry about it. It doesn't state you have to prove you "aren't" in your 9th month.
Is there anyone else in the office that can give you a note? What about your regular Doctor?
Sounds like you already have your answer-United only wants a cert if you are in your 9th month and must be dated 24-72 hours prior to flight.
If you are still concerned, contact the airline directly and speak to someone in customer service and if they tell you anything different than what is printed on their site ask for it to be sent to you in writing! If they say it is no different than the site, print off the page and take it with you just in case. You could also get a statement from your OB listing your due date but according to their guidelines you won't need it.
I was on a plane when i was 8 months and no one even asked me how far along I was. If I were you I would just get the note from you doc before her leaves so you have something. But the might not even ask you about it and if you do just tell them how far along you are and they still might not even ask for proof.
I have been asked a certificate even though I was not 9 months (showing big, I guess). I told the lady that I wasn't 9 months and she asked if I could prove it. Luckily I had a certificate!
So, just in case, I would ask your doctor (anytime) a short certificate with the due date. (I, Dr. xxx , certify that Mrs YYY is having a healthy pregnancy. She is fit to travel by air. Her baby is due on11/11/2010)
If they ask you something, you have a proof that you are not 9 months pregnant, so the 24-72 hours prior (and the flying dates) does not apply.
