Flying While Pregnant: Delta Air Lines Restrictions

Delta Airlines imposes no restrictions on pregnant women wishing to travel with their company. In the event of a ticket change, pregnant women cannot reimburse their costs.

Flying Delta Airlines while pregnant

A pregnant woman should always book her plane ticket early (at least 48 hours before departure). For this category of travelers, it is not possible to make the reservation online, but rather by phone. Call the following number: 1.80.0221.12.12.

If it is an uncomplicated pregnancy and the mother-to-be is in good health, the variations in atmospheric pressure and/or the drop in humidity have no impact on the mother and her baby.

A plane flight cannot be responsible for a miscarriage, premature delivery or water loss

Anyone flying is exposed to low levels of radiation, but occasional flights are not considered risky for mother and baby.

Regarding the safest period of pregnancy to fly, the College makes the following recommendations:

before 37 weeks for a single pregnancy. After this time, labor can start at any time, so it is recommended to avoid flying.

before 32 weeks for an uncomplicated twin pregnancy.

However, it advises pregnant women not to fly in case of:

– Increased risk of preterm delivery

– Severe anemia

– Sickle cell disease with recent crisis

– Recent vaginal bleeding

– Pathology of the lungs or heart affecting breathing

In any case, it is advisable to seek advice from your gynecologist or midwife before considering air travel.

The risk of thrombolitic disease on the plane

Venous thrombosis results from the formation of a clot in the legs or pelvis. This clot can travel up into the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. Long air travel poses a risk of occurrence of thrombolitic disease due to three mechanisms: the mobilization of the legs and mobility in the plane, dehydration and the so-called hypobaric atmosphere (reduced atmospheric pressure).

Pregnancy is an increased risk due to various factors: venous stasis, compression by the pregnant uterus and hypercoagulability.

This risk increases with the duration of the flight and in the presence of risk factors such as a history of thrombosis or being overweight.