Here’s what pregnant fliers can expect and how to determine the baby’s citizenship.
Going into labor can feel scary any time, but going into labor at 30,000 feet can be downright terrifying. That was the case for one woman who gave birth mid-flight on an Emirates plane en route to Dubai from Tokyo in January 2023. CNN reported that the 12-hour flight still landed on schedule, just with one more traveler in tow, and with the care of the flight crew, both parent and baby were in stable condition upon arrival.
Beyond the initial inconvenience of giving birth in an airplane lavatory, there are a number of other factors to consider for pregnant fliers. Here, we go over what you can expect and how to best navigate the experience.
Guidelines for Flying While Pregnant Vary
Let’s face it, giving birth mid-flight is not an ideal situation. Doctors typically recommend pregnant women stop flying after 36 weeks. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is crucial to take precautions when flying, such as walking around the aisles, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding gassy foods and drinks before the flight.
Airlines have their own policies as well. British Airways, for example, recommends carrying a letter from your doctor or midwife with your expected due date, confirming that there have been no complications with the pregnancy. Moreover, American Airlines requires pregnant fliers to provide a doctor’s note if they are flying within four weeks of their due date.
What Happens If You Go Into Labor Mid-flight
So, you’re already up in the air when the baby decides it’s time—what next? Flight attendants are trained to react quickly in emergencies, including medical ones. One flight attendant noted that she “could deliver a baby if I have to,” indicating that they are prepared to handle such situations.
If a doctor happens to be on board, they could be called into action. This was the case when a woman gave birth to a baby boy mid-flight from Istanbul to Chicago on Turkish Airlines. Dr. Feridun Kubilay was called on to help deliver the baby—his first in decades.
You Probably Believe This Common Myth About Flying
The Baby’s Citizenship May Be Uncertain
Determining the baby’s citizenship can pose a whole new set of questions. CNN noted that it comes down to the country: If the baby is born over land, some countries may grant citizenship. The U.S., for example, automatically grants citizenship to anyone born in the country’s waters or airspace. Conversely, other countries might consider factors such as the parents’ citizenship or the country where the plane is registered.
Do You Really Get a Lifetime of Free Flights?
What everyone really wants to know is, will the baby get to fly for free? The short answer is, maybe. As reported by CNN, there have been instances where an airline has gifted flights to a baby born onboard, such as one boy who received a lifetime of free flights with Buraq Air in 2016, and a newborn on a Cebu Pacific flight awarded 1 million air miles.
They are born travelers, after all.
