Before You Leave

Get set for your journey with a few useful travel tips.

• Buy travel insurance: make sure you have comprehensive cover for the type of trip you’re taking, particularly for adventure holidays, diving or skiing trips.
• Pack well: look after your back and try not to carry too much weight. Two lighter suitcases can be better than one heavy one. We have a 32kg limit on individual pieces for the safety of the baggage handlers.
• Look after yourself: get a good sleep before the flight. Using moisturiser help your skin feel fresh and be sure to drink plenty of water.
• Dress for the occasion: wear comfortable clothes for the journey.
• Check the time: give yourself time to get through check-in, security and immigration at the airport and you can relax into your journey. Make sure you’re at the gate 45 minutes before departure and gates close 20 minutes before the flight.

Check with your doctor four to six weeks before you travel to see if you need any specific vaccinations for your destination. Even if you’ve had a vaccine before, you may need a booster. You can also check the vaccination requirements here.

Remember to bring a copy of your vaccination records with you on your trip.

Check if your destination is a risk area for malaria and speak to your doctor about malaria medication. You can use this map from the US Center for Disease Control to check the destinations that pose a risk of malaria.

You can book your flight as usual up to the end of your 28th week of pregnancy.

If you are travelling during or after your 29th week of pregnancy, you will need to bring a medical certificate signed by your doctor or midwife. You may not be accepted on the flight if you travel without one. 

Single Pregnancy

During or after the 29th week until the end of the 36th week of pregnancy, you will require a medical certificate. 

You are not allowed to travel from the 37th week of pregnancy.

Multiple Pregnancy 

During or after the 29th week until the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy, you will require a medical certificate. 

You are not allowed to travel from the 33rd week of pregnancy.

Medical certificate 

For both single and multiple pregnancies, the medical certificate must include: 

• Confirmation of a singleton or multiple pregnancy 
• That there are no complications during the pregnancy
• The estimated date of delivery 
• The latest date your doctor expects you to be fit to travel 
• That you are in good health 
• That there is no known reason that would prevent you from flying

Complicated pregnancies

If your single or multiple pregnancy is complicated at any stage, you must apply for medical clearance by submitting a medical information form (MEDIF). This includes a section to be completed by your doctor.

The MEDIF should be completed based on the passenger's condition within one month from the planned date of travel and submitted at least 48 hours before the flight. 

Other considerations for travel during pregnancy 

• Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance cover in case of preterm labour abroad.
• Some countries have entry restrictions for non‑national pregnant women. Check with the local consulate or embassy if you’re in any doubt. 
• Leave the heavy lifting to someone else. Check out our helpful baggage services in Dubai International airport including baggage porters and baggage delivery.

We’re here to help you at every step of your journey when you fly with your newborn.

Your baby must be at least seven days old to fly, unless it’s for emergency medical treatment. If that’s the case you will need to complete a medical information form (MEDIF).

You can order a baby bassinet for the aircraft ahead of your flight, either when you book or through Manage Your Booking. To help you on the journey we have separate check-in desks for families and baby strollers at Dubai International airport. On board, we have infant kits with essentials like nappies, bibs and wipes. And there are baby changing tables in our washrooms on board. Find out more about travelling with infants here.

You can find information about our accessible travel services, including how to travel with mobility aids and medical equipment, on our Accessible travel page.

It’s important that you’re safe and comfortable on your journey. If you have a serious medical condition or you need assistance to travel, you may need to complete a MEDIF form.

• If you have a medical condition such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, epilepsy, or other chronic disease, see your doctor at least four to six weeks before you travel.
• Ask your doctor for a letter describing any medical conditions you have and the usual treatments, including specific medications and dosages.
• Make sure you have enough medication for your journey and carry it in your cabin baggage. You also need to check whether your medication isn’t prohibited in your destination and whether you need special authorisation.
• We’re not able to keep your medication cool, so make sure you bring a cool bag or vacuum flask if you need to.
• Keep your immunisations up to date and carry your immunisation card with you.
• Make sure you have comprehensive insurance cover for international travel.

You can find out more about travelling with a medical condition or flying with mobility aids, medical equipment or an assistance dog on our Accessible travel page.

It’s always good to travel prepared. Here’s a checklist of some medical items you might need depending on where you’re flying and things to remember to carry on your travels. You can also bring a ready-made kit from the pharmacy.

• Your regular medications (don’t forget to check if they’re allowed in your destination and bring a covering letter from your doctor)
• Vaccination certificate
• Travel Insurance with medical cover
• Digital thermometer
• Analgesics (paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen)
• Antacids for indigestion, heartburn or an upset stomach
• Topical antiseptic/antibiotic
• Antihistamines for allergies
• Dressings and adhesive bandages
• Mosquito repellent
• Malaria tablets, if your doctor has prescribed them
• Sunscreen
• Oral rehydration preparation