The airport and airline rights pregnant travellers need to know

If you are taking a plane when pregnant, you are entitled to all sorts of rights and benefits at the airport and on board that might not be immediately obvious.

Skipping a queue or getting assistance can make the process of flying while you’re expecting much less stressful.

Here’s everything you need to know.

You can (sometimes) use priority and Business Class at check-in

Some airlines allow pregnant travellers to use priority or Business Class lanes when checking in.

The rules vary between companies and airports, however, so check with a staff member first.

You can use the family lane at security

Although signage may imply that family lanes at security are only for those travelling with young children, the majority of airports also allow pregnant women to take advantage of them.

This is often made clear on airport websites, so it’s worth a quick check online first if you are unsure.

In Europe, this is the case for Rome Fiumicino, Venice Marco Polo, Munich, Paris Charles de Gaulle (during school holidays) and the 46 Aena-operated airports in Spain, which include Madrid, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Málaga-Costa del Sol.

Even if it’s not stated on the website, you’ll often find you are ushered to the priority queue if you are visibly pregnant, or will be unlikely to be refused if you ask.

You can opt out of body scanners

Airport body scanners and metal detectors are completely safe for pregnant women and developing babies, but you have the possibility to opt out if you wish.

Within the EU, all passengers have the right to refuse a body scan. “In this case you will be screened by an alternative method including at least a hand search,” official regulations state.

UK government guidelines state: “You can ask for a private search instead of a body scan. This is a thorough hand-search and you may be asked to loosen or take off some clothing.”

You can request mobility assistance from your airline

Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility can request special assistance from their airline, usually at least 48 hours prior to departure.

This is not an automatic pregnancy entitlement, but can be requested if you are suffering from conditions like severe morning sickness or pain and need a wheelchair or help getting around large terminals, such as with golf buggy transportation.

You can fly without a medical certificate up to around 28 weeks

Most airlines allow you to fly without needing any medical certification until 28 weeks or later for singleton pregnancies.

This varies by carrier, so always make sure to check before you book.

Your airline might allow you priority boarding

Many airlines offer priority boarding for pregnant passengers, according to the customer advice website AirHelp.

This is not explicitly stated on carriers’ websites, but it is worth asking at the gate if you feel you need it.

Your travel companion will be able to sit next to you for no extra cost

Under a new package of EU reforms granting additional rights to air passengers, pregnant travellers will be able to sit next to a travel companion without seat reservation fees.

The new rules are expected to go into force in mid-2027.