In a recent study by Breathnach et al (2004) of international airlines, Three of seventeen (17.5%) airlines applied no restrictions at all to pregnant passengers. The remainder applied restrictions to air travel with varying gestations (28 to 36 weeks). A full delivery kit was carried by 5/17 airlines (29%), and some form of training in the management of a delivery was provided to the cabin crew in 12/17 airlines (70%). Experience of in-flight obstetric emergencies was reported by 11/17 airlines (65%).

Caution should be used in the interpretation of this study, as the response rate was only 25%.

Breathnach F et al. Air travel in pregnancy: the 'air-born' study. Ir Med J. 2004; 97: 167-168.