Ryan air: Ryanair Updates Travel Policies for Expectant Mothers
Changes in Travel Policies
Previously, Ryanair had specific guidelines for expectant mothers, allowing travel up to 28 weeks of pregnancy without a ‘fit to fly’ letter. However, as of March 9, 2026, certain passengers traveling with Ryanair and Jet2 will now require additional documentation to board their flights.
Ryanair permits travel until the end of the 36th week of pregnancy for single pregnancies, while for twin or triplet pregnancies, travel is restricted to the end of the 32nd week. A ‘fit to fly’ letter is mandatory for expectant mothers traveling beyond these limits.
Immediate Effects of Policy Changes
The decisive moment for these changes came with the increasing scrutiny of airline policies regarding pregnant passengers. Ryanair’s updated guidelines now closely mirror those of Jet2, which does not carry expectant mothers after the end of the 35th week of pregnancy for single pregnancies and requires a doctor’s certificate confirming the stage of pregnancy after the end of the 27th week.
Jet2’s policy stipulates that the doctor’s certificate must be dated within 7 days of the outbound flight and 16 days of the inbound flight. This alignment in policies may lead to increased clarity for passengers but also raises concerns about accessibility for expectant mothers.
Expert Perspectives
Experts emphasize the importance of clear communication from airlines regarding travel restrictions for pregnant passengers. Ryanair advises, “If you have any doubts about your suitability to fly or if you have had any complications while pregnant, please consult your doctor before booking your flights.”
Similarly, Jet2 states, “We are not able to carry expectant mothers after: the end of the 35th week of pregnancy in the case of a single pregnancy; or – the end of the 33rd week of pregnancy in the case of multiple pregnancies.” EasyJet also allows travel until the end of the 35th week for single pregnancies and the end of the 32nd week for multiple pregnancies.
As these policies evolve, the implications for expectant mothers traveling with these airlines become increasingly significant, particularly in light of the recent challenges posed by Ryanair and Ryanair Sun against the European Commission’s approval of German state aid for Condor.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how these changes will be implemented across all flights and the potential impact on future travel regulations for pregnant passengers.