By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department

Recently, a woman who concealed her pregnancy and gave birth mid-flight in an attempt to secure U.S. citizenship for her child made headlines. Though both mother and baby were unharmed and the story was initially hailed as touching, the incident has sparked public debate over the risks to aviation safety and the waste of social resources involved in traveling abroad solely to obtain citizenship. The precautions pregnant women should take when flying have also drawn increased attention. It is strongly advised not to take flights near the due date or to take unnecessary risks for the sake of acquiring foreign nationality, as such actions can affect the rights and safety of many others.

Most airlines prohibit pregnant women who are more than 32 weeks pregnant from flying. If a pregnant woman needs to fly, she must provide a fitness-to-fly certificate and should not conceal her condition. Since there are no doctors or medical facilities on board, any pregnancy-related risks, discomfort, bleeding, or miscarriage could be difficult to handle promptly. This poses not only a threat to life safety but may also cause unnecessary panic on the plane. Regulations vary slightly between airlines, so it's essential to check in advance.　

Additionally, it is recommended that pregnant women who must travel abroad avoid countries requiring long-haul flights. They should wear loose, comfortable clothing, research the entry regulations for pregnant travelers at their destination, prepare for any potential discomfort, inform the airline, avoid overly packed itineraries, and plan for special dietary or medication needs.

Domestic Major Airlines' Policies on Pregnant/Women Who Have Given Birth Flying:


EVA Air

1. Pregnant women who are 36 weeks or more (within 4 weeks of the due date) and women who have given birth within 7 days are not allowed to fly. Multiple births with pregnancies over 32 weeks are also not accepted. Pregnant women between 12 to 4 weeks before the due date (28 to 36 weeks pregnant), and multiple births between 12 to 8 weeks before the due date (28 to 32 weeks pregnant), must obtain a MEDIF fitness-to-fly certificate filled out by their attending physician within 10 days before the flight and approved by EVA Air’s physician. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours before departure.

2. To facilitate immigration checks at the destination and smooth boarding, it is recommended to carry a diagnosis certificate issued by the attending physician indicating the due date.

3. Some countries have special entry regulations for pregnant women. It is advised to consult the local office of the destination country before departure.

(Source: EVA Air official website)

China Airlines

1. Pregnant women who are less than 32 weeks pregnant or more than 8 weeks away from the due date and are in good health are treated as regular passengers.

2. Pregnant women who are more than 32 weeks pregnant and are expected to give birth within 4 to 8 weeks must fill out a liability waiver form and provide a fitness-to-fly application signed by an obstetrician within 7 days before departure.

3. In principle, pregnant women expected to give birth within 4 weeks are not accepted for boarding.

4. For safety reasons, women who have given birth within 14 days are not accepted for boarding.

(Source: China Airlines official website)

TransAsia Airways

1. Women who are less than 32 weeks pregnant, with no signs of premature labor, habitual miscarriage, or pregnancy complications, can generally be accepted for boarding.

2. Passengers who are 32 weeks pregnant or more must provide a “fitness-to-fly certificate” issued by a qualified obstetrician, and the airline will decide whether to allow boarding based on the actual situation.

3. Immigration authorities in various countries have different restrictions for late-stage pregnancies. It is recommended to check relevant regulations before traveling to avoid being denied entry.

4. If the passenger is unsure about the pregnancy duration, the due date is unknown, or there is a concern about complications during childbirth, a “fitness-to-fly certificate” issued by a qualified obstetrician is required. The airline will decide whether to allow boarding based on the actual situation.

5. The fitness-to-fly certificate must be issued within seven days before the flight. There is no fixed format, but it must include: desired travel dates and suitable travel period, due date, key points to observe during the flight, and the handwritten signature of the passenger or their spouse.

(Source: TransAsia Airways official website)

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