Medical letters and medical certificates are often confused, but they serve different purposes. Here's how to tell them apart and which one you actually need.
Medically reviewed by Dr Sulaiman Shah , MBChB BMedSci, MRCGP — General Practitioner and founder of The GP Clinic. Last reviewed: 06 October 2026
If you’re pregnant and planning to fly, a fit to fly letter for pregnancy is one of the most commonly requested travel documents — and one of the most confusing, since every airline sets its own rules. This guide covers what the letter is, exactly when you need one, what each major UK airline requires, and how to get one issued the same day.
A fit to fly letter for pregnancy is a medical certificate from a GP or midwife confirming you’re fit to travel by air. It typically includes:
Airlines request it to confirm you’re unlikely to go into labour mid-flight and that flying poses no additional risk to you or your baby.
As a general rule, confirmed by NHS guidance: an uncomplicated pregnancy is safe to fly in, and most airlines don’t ask for any documentation before 28 weeks. From 28 weeks, most airlines require a dated letter. Beyond a certain point — usually somewhere between 32 and 37 weeks depending on the airline and whether it’s a single or multiple pregnancy — airlines stop accepting pregnant passengers altogether, regardless of any letter.
If you have a higher-risk pregnancy (gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, a history of premature labour, or a multiple pregnancy), airlines and GPs alike may be more cautious even before 28 weeks — always flag this when booking your consultation.
Policies vary, and airlines do update them, so always double-check directly with your airline close to your travel date. As a general guide:
| Airline | Letter required from | Latest you can fly — single pregnancy | Latest you can fly — twins/multiples |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | 28 weeks | 36 weeks | 32 weeks |
| Ryanair | 28 weeks (dated within 2 weeks of travel) | 36 weeks | 32 weeks |
| easyJet | 28 weeks (recommended; required if any complications) | Around 35 weeks | Around 32 weeks |
| Jet2 | 28 weeks | Around 34–35 weeks | Around 32–33 weeks |
| TUI | 28 weeks | Around 35 weeks | Around 32 weeks |
| Wizz Air | 28 weeks | 34 weeks | Earlier — check directly |
| Aer Lingus | 28 weeks (advised) | 36 weeks | 32 weeks |
Figures above are a general guide based on publicly available airline policies and may not reflect the most current rules — always confirm directly with your airline before booking or travelling, especially for Wizz Air, Jet2, easyJet and TUI, where exact cut-offs are quoted inconsistently across sources.
Flying is generally considered safe for uncomplicated pregnancies, but it’s worth being aware of:
If you have a high-risk pregnancy or any underlying health conditions, speak to your GP before booking your trip, not just before the flight.
Speak to a GMC-registered UK GP by video, same day, from £55. Have your due date, a recent blood pressure/blood test report, and your scan report (if 12+ weeks) ready — we can also complete your airline’s own form if needed.
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Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Airline policies change and should always be confirmed directly with your airline. Whether a fit to fly letter can be issued always depends on individual clinical assessment. In a medical emergency, call 999 or NHS 111 — this service is not for emergencies.
Some airlines apply the same pregnancy policy to domestic and international flights, especially once you’re in your third trimester — check your specific airline rather than assuming domestic flights are exempt.
Most airlines want it dated close to your travel date — commonly within about 2 weeks of departure. Get your letter near your travel date, not weeks ahead, or you may need a fresh one.
You risk being refused boarding at check-in or the gate. If your airline’s policy calls for a letter at your stage of pregnancy, travel with it rather than risk it.
There’s no single universal template — most GPs know what to include — but some airlines have their own specific form. Mention this when you book, and your GP can complete the airline’s own form rather than a generic letter.
Online GP consultations for this letter typically start around £55, with the letter included if clinically appropriate. Some NHS GPs may issue one for free or a smaller fee, though appointment availability can be limited.
With an online GP service, often the same day — a video consultation of around 20 minutes, with the letter emailed shortly after if appropriate.
Airlines generally apply earlier cut-offs for multiple pregnancies, and a GP may be more cautious about issuing a letter if there are complications. Flag this clearly when booking your consultation so the doctor has the full picture.
