Expectant Mothers

We happily welcome expectant and new mothers on board all of our flights! 

In this article:

• Requirements and Restrictions
• At the Airport
• On Board

Requirements and Restrictions

If your pregnancy is complication-free and no previous history of premature labour, you’re welcome to fly with us up to 36 weeks for a single pregnancy or 32 weeks for multiples. We recommend consulting your physician before you travel.

If you’re between 36 and 38 weeks with a single pregnancy, or 32 to 38 weeks with multiples, you’ll need to submit a Medical Accommodation Form issued within 72 hours of your flight confirming you’re fit to fly.

Once you’re past 38 weeks, we’re not able to accept you for travel.

 The medical certificate must state:

• the physician has examined the patient
• found them to be physically fit for air travel
• the estimated date of birth (due date)

At the Airport

Security Screening

A full-body scanner is used to reveal objects, including weapons and explosives, that could be concealed under clothing. These scanners project low-level radio frequency (RF) energy over and around the passenger’s body.

Health Canada's research concludes that the energy emitted by the scanner is within Canada’s RF exposure guidelines and does not pose a risk to health and safety in single or repeated exposures. As the energy used is non-invasive, it is safe for pregnant women as well as passengers with pacemakers or surgical metal implants (e.g. plates, screws).

To be scanned, passengers must be able to walk through the scanner unassisted and lift their arms fully above their heads. If a passenger has a medical condition that may require special attention during the screening process or cannot lift their arms above their head, they should let the screening officer know before the screening process begins.

If passengers do not wish to undergo a full body scan, they may request that airport security conduct a physical search. A physical search (pat-down) may involve the following:

• The screening officer performs a visual search to look for any unusual objects.
• A physical search by the screening officer using touch to check for items that could be hidden under a person’s clothes.

Please note: Passengers have the right to refuse the scanning and/or the physical search; however, they will not be permitted to pass beyond the pre-board screening checkpoint. For more information, please visit the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority's website at CATSA's Website

Pre-boarding

If an expectant mother requires additional time to board the aircraft, they may be accommodated during our pre-boarding announcement at the departure gate. Once pre-boarding ends, they will be required to board by the zone shown on their boarding pass during general boarding. 

On Board

• In the interests of safety, we ask our passengers to keep their seat belts fastened at all times when seated.
• We recommend that expectant mothers keep the seat belt fastened under their belly and low on their hips. Seat belt extenders are available upon request.
• It is important to stay comfortable and maintain good circulation. Expectant mothers may wish to perform some simple seated movements (one leg at a time) by gently extending and then stretching their calf by first pointing and then flexing their foot, rotating their ankles, and wiggling their toes. Many expectant mothers find the use of compression socks very helpful.
• We recommend that expectant mothers layer their clothing to ensure they can adjust to the onboard temperatures, which can fluctuate drastically during their flight.
• Expectant mothers should keep themselves hydrated as aircraft are notorious for low humidity. We recommend bringing a water bottle from home as most airports have filling stations once passengers have passed through security.
• Bring snacks. While we do offer snacks and meals for purchase on most of our aircraft, there can be times when we have limited food options, so we recommend packing some easy snacks, such as granola bars.

You can find more tips and information about travel and pregnancy at Pregnancyinfo.ca.