Cheapflights.co.uk gets you set to jet set

Angelina Jolie’s doing it again and J-Lo has just done it for the first time, what’s that you wonder – having a baby that’s what. If you’re in keeping with the current celeb baby trend and are preparing to take to the skies for a little trip, then you’ll need some guidance on how to arrive in style.

Of course, during pregnancy, planning a stylish arrival is more about keeping healthy than it is about fashion.

Cheapflights.co.uk, the UK’s leading flight price comparison website, has devised some great tips to keep you fully prepared prior to departure, in the air, and even post landing.

Before Take Off…
Provided you have the all clear from your doctor, most airlines will carry pregnant women up to 27 or 28 weeks into their pregnancy. However, you should always check the rules with either the airline or travel agent upon booking as you may be required to supply a letter from your doctor confirming your due date and eligibility to fly.

Create a comfortable on-board environment by calling the airline ahead of time to book a bulkhead seat. You should also arrive early for check-in to avoid queues and try requesting an upgrade as well as an isle seat for loo breaks. Many airlines offer extra legroom for an extra £200 or so. For a guide to seat pitches, have a look at the Legroom Report at Cheapflights.co.uk.

In the Air…
Comfort in the air revolves around eating right, wearing the right clothing and shoes, and moving around the cabin.

Eat your way to good baby health on board with plenty of water, fresh fruit, salad, and freshly cooked foods. Things to avoid include alcohol, fast food, and caffeine. For special meals, call the airline in advance or take snacks like crackers, sandwiches, grapes, dried apricots and a bottle of water.

Clothing is imperative to your comfort while flying, so wear loose fitting attire in natural fabrics as well as comfortable shoes and DVT socks because pregnant women are more susceptible to deep vein thrombosis. What you wear on your face is of equal importance. Babies absorb everything you do, so try to use only natural cosmetics.

Airborne Assurance...
Although you may have taken the necessary steps prior to travel, exceptional circumstances may still arise, so make sure you’re equipped. Preparation can be summarised in one word: insurance. You’ll need to shop around but in the event of an emergency, it entitles you to free or reduced price medical care.

This will come in particularly handy if your baby decides to put in an early appearance mid-flight as in the case of Rabab Ahmed. The mother to be was travelling from Boston to Egypt on a British Airways flight when labour struck. The captain made an emergency landing stop at Halifax International Airport in Canada, but Ms. Ahmed’s baby girl was too eager to make her debut and had to be delivered onboard.

The lucky part of being “airborne” is the potential choice of citizenship. Rules vary depending upon ‘airspace’. In the case of Ms. Ahmed, the child was given Canadian citizenship.

While you’re Away…
If your holiday involves the beach, stay away from water sports and diving. Also remember that your skin is more sensitive and subject to pigmentation during pregnancy, so use protective sunscreen.

If you’re planning an overseas delivery, try to allow at least one week before departing back home. Although there is no restriction on post natal travel, some airlines do require a newborn to be at least seven days old, so always check with the airline or booking agent.

Above all, relax and enjoy your last nappy free vacation.

For comprehensive tips on travelling while pregnant, visit Cheapflights.co.uk/travel-tips.