Flying when pregnant.
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Category: Pregnant
Forum Name: Pregnancy
Forum Description: Pregnant! Wanting to chat to other mums-to-be (or dads-to-be)? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas... This is that place!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36188
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Topic: Flying when pregnant.
Posted By: Flutterby
Subject: Flying when pregnant.
Date Posted: 11 October 2010 at 4:12pm
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My brother is getting married in Jan and my mum is thinking about flying me down to Wellington from here in Auckland to save me the long drive down to Wellington. I would stay overnight half way but it will still be hard in the summer heat and at 33wks preg.
Will they let me fly at 33wks? What have been other peoples experiences flying domestically after 30wks? I am also worried about how I will handle DS, a carseat, and our luggage by myself. Though there is a chance that I could get on the same flight as my dad and his family that way they can help me. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Replies:
Posted By: AandCsmum
Date Posted: 11 October 2010 at 7:12pm
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I drove to Auckland at 37 weeks for my brothers wedding. I stopped in Turangi overnight. I didn't drive but DH did though.
Depends I guess how you are feeling yourself in your pregnancy. I had really bad sciatic pain but there was no way I was missing his wedding, but sitting was fine. It was the sick child puking in the back seat that the annoying part. I also gave birth 11 days later so in reality was really far along  I just made sure I had my labour bag & baby bag & car seat etc for him just incase.
We did at new years so hot but not unbearable. No aircon in car either. I think you'll also be fine to fly at that time, just clear it with your midwife I guess a day or so before? Also airport staff will be really helpful. ------------- Kel http://lilypie.com"> 
A = 01.02.04 & C = 16.01.09 & G = 30.03.12 |
Posted By: Plushie
Date Posted: 11 October 2010 at 7:13pm
| Here is the official part from the Air NZ webpage - i don't know if it says or not, i only skim read, but they will normally require you to provide a certificate from your doc/midwife stating your due date. I believe this is to avoid people lying to get on the plane. I think getting a flight with your dad would be the way to go - but airport staff have always been fairly helpful to me im sure you can wangle a helpful fellow to help you get the luggage on and off the carosal etc. |
Posted By: Plushie
Date Posted: 11 October 2010 at 7:13pm
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Oh, here is the actual link mentioned above. Duh...
http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/special-assistance-travelling-when-pregnant |
Posted By: 4thtymlucky
Date Posted: 11 October 2010 at 8:03pm
| Hey yeah good question, I'm wanting to travel to Samoa for 5 nights at the end of Nov and according to my LMP dates I will hit the 36th week mark on my 3rd day there but according to my scan dates I will be just on the 35th week mark. Either way, do you ladies reckon it'll be okay? |
Posted By: Flutterby
Date Posted: 11 October 2010 at 8:14pm
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I read on the NZ site that if you are flying after 36wks for longer then 5hrs then they require a med cert. I think I will ring them and ask them, since I have heard stories about them saying one thing on the website then another at check in.
I would much rather fly down even though I could stop with friends for a night or two half way down. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Flutterby
Date Posted: 11 October 2010 at 8:16pm
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Oh and another question, will we have to get a seat for DS or could he sit on my lap, or rather dads or stepmothers lap? (I don't think I will have much room on mine) ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 11 October 2010 at 8:23pm
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If he's under 2, no he doesn't need a seat - he would go on someone's lap (but yep, would recommend someone else's lap!) ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: maysie
Date Posted: 12 October 2010 at 2:48pm
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I flew to Christchurch and back from New Plymouth (via Wellington) at 34 weeks. Air NZ didn't have a problem with it. In fact, when we checked in to fly home she gave us the emergency exit seats as she said we looked strong and healthy, I told her I was pregnant so she scrapped that but gave us a whole row to ourselves (I was wearing a coat and front on you couldn't really tell!).
It was slightly uncomfortable, I was a bit nervous with take off and landing but otherwise fine. I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to do it alone with a toddler and bump! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Rainbow
Date Posted: 12 October 2010 at 3:25pm
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Biggest thing for flying in the last trimester, apart from airline regulations - for overseas like Samoa - will be getting travel insurance past 28 weeks....not a problem for domestic travel I suppose. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: billiebob
Date Posted: 12 October 2010 at 6:56pm
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I flew three times this weekend. No problems and wasnt even asked to provide any evidence of my due date or if there had been any problems with pregnancy.
You cant get travel insurance after 28 weeks for international travel so wouldnt recommend it. -------------  
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Posted By: sbeach
Date Posted: 12 October 2010 at 7:32pm
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I dont think there are any airlines that will let you fly internationally after 7 months pregnant...not matter what distance ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: 4thtymlucky
Date Posted: 13 October 2010 at 7:20am
Hey thanks everyone and sorry to hijack your thread Codysmum I've decided not to travel because of the stress it'll cause me (even just thinking about it -the insurance, bubs health, my sanity)...the money etc, I'm happy to send hubby and the kids over for that weekend though..hehehehe
Codysmum- if you can offload your wee man onto someone else's lap that will be a huge help for you and I'd rather fly down too (the travel will all be over before you know it). Congrats to you and the family for your bro's wedding and your new bubs 
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Posted By: Flutterby
Date Posted: 13 October 2010 at 9:26am
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Thanks ladies. I managed to get onto the same flights as dad and co so DS will be sitting on one of their laps. And I will get a letter from my MW just incase they ask for it.
Will I be allowed to take the car seat on as carry on luggage? If not I can always check it in and Mum can bring our luggage down in the car with her as she is driving down the same day. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: thmprs
Date Posted: 13 October 2010 at 1:30pm
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Codysmum that is good you got on the same flights as your dad will help out cause you wouldnt want DS on your lap.
We are flying to Aussie for Xmas and i will be 32 weeks, Other advice my MW said is take your notes with you just in case something does happen you have all your MW notes. when you are trravelling with a child you can take a bag for you & a bag for DS, In addition to other allowances, strollers and car seats are permitted free of charge, when travelling with an infant. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  <a href="http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">[IMG]http://lb2f.lilypie.com/ue02p12.png" / |
Posted By: Flutterby
Date Posted: 13 October 2010 at 3:33pm
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Thanks Thmprs, so I should be able to just check the car seat in then. Will phone up Air NZ closer to the time and just check with them. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: thmprs
Date Posted: 13 October 2010 at 3:56pm
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yip definatly when you check in with your bags just check the car seat in then too.
My SIL brought her one down to Gissy a few months ago from AKL & had no problems at all, sometiems they just give you a plastic bag to put it in so easier for them to pick up but that is easy. You might just have to ask at the desk for a plastic bag for it & the extra bag tag, but defiantly no problems it is on the air nz website under baggage checked if you want to have a quick read. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> <a href="http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">[IMG]http://lb2f.lilypie.com/ue02p12.png" / |
Posted By: Nutella
Date Posted: 14 October 2010 at 2:30pm
I flew from NZ to Nrth Queensland when I was 32 or 34 weeks something like that. I understand it is after 36 weeks they don't like you to fly long distance but nowhere in NZ is that far 
Re the travel insurance.....if you read the fine print you will likely find it is from about 18 weeks or something like that., I'm sure it is earlier than 28 weeks....but ONLY medical insurance...the other part of the insurance ie lost bags etc you will still get. But it is way earlier than what you might think. ------------- 
 Oct 11
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Posted By: Rainbow
Date Posted: 14 October 2010 at 6:41pm
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We have managed to get travel insurance for post 28 weeks but it was costly and we had to really search for it! Not ideal but our trip was booked a long time ago! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: thmprs
Date Posted: 15 October 2010 at 8:44am
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Rainbow who did you use for your travel insurance? ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> <a href="http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">[IMG]http://lb2f.lilypie.com/ue02p12.png" / |
Posted By: Rainbow
Date Posted: 17 October 2010 at 8:02pm
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thmprs we used http://www.columbusdirect.co.nz/?sourcecode=GOonZ2 - link who will insure up to 30 weeks - which we will just be within! (trip booked before we got preg!!)
Was obviously a bit pricier but we are going to the USA and just wouldn't risk having no insurance! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: thmprs
Date Posted: 19 October 2010 at 8:37am
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no you defiantly wouldnt want to go without any to the USA. Good they cover you to 30 weeks.
I am a travel agent so was interesting to see that someone would.. we are travelling to Aussie when i am 33 weeks but not to worried as going to family so if anything to happen can just live with them. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> <a href="http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">[IMG]http://lb2f.lilypie.com/ue02p12.png" / |
Posted By: Manda23
Date Posted: 19 October 2010 at 1:22pm
| I'm pretty sure it depends on the individual- past problems, how you feel about how far along you are and flying etc. Youre best to call the airline and see what they have to say too. Good luck :) |