Ryanair: pregnancy, illness and fit to fly rules
What Ryanair actually requires — pregnancy cut-off weeks, certificate rules, infectious illness waiting periods and medical cancellations. From their own published policy.
The short answer. Ryanair carries an uncomplicated single pregnancy to the end of the 36th week and a multiple pregnancy to the end of the 32nd week. Ryanair requires a fit to fly letter from week 28 of pregnancy.
Pregnancy rules
| Requirement | Ryanair |
|---|---|
| Single pregnancy — last week carried | End of week 36 |
| Multiple pregnancy — last week carried | End of week 32 |
| Letter required from | Week 28 |
| How recently the letter must be dated | dated within 2 weeks of the booked flight |
Ryanair requires its own “Fit to Fly” form completed by a midwife or doctor once an uncomplicated pregnancy enters its 28th week. The form must show the passenger’s details, the expected due date, confirmation that she is fit to fly, and the clinician’s signature and date.
Two dates matter, and people plan around the wrong one. The first is the week from which you need a letter. The second is the week Ryanair stops carrying you — and that one applies on the day you fly home as well as the day you fly out. Work backwards from your return date first.
Chickenpox and infectious illness
At least 7 days must have passed since the last spot appeared, and Ryanair requires a medical certificate confirming fitness to fly.
The critical detail is which day you count from. Ryanair counts from the last new spot, not the first one. Chickenpox produces spots in crops over several days, so the airline’s clock can start well after the NHS clock for returning to school. Families are routinely turned away because they counted from the wrong day.
For measles, Ryanair requires 7 days from the appearance of the rash.
If you need written confirmation that you or your child are past the infectious stage, here is what the letter needs to say.
Medical clearance beyond a letter
A doctor’s letter covers most situations. Where a condition is more complex — a pregnancy with complications, a need for in-flight oxygen, a recent cardiac or neurological event, or travel soon after major surgery — airlines generally require formal clearance from their own medical department via a MEDIF form, not just a letter from your GP.
MEDIF clearance takes days rather than hours, so start it as early as you can. How MEDIF clearance works.
Cancelling a Ryanair booking on medical grounds
If illness means you cannot travel at all, the position is broadly the same across carriers: refund rights depend on your fare, and any medical cancellation or insurance claim will need documentation. Tell Ryanair or your tour operator as soon as you know — several insurers reduce a claim if a delay increased the cancellation charge — and then get the medical evidence.
Cancelling a holiday due to illness · The certificate insurers ask for
Common questions
How many weeks pregnant can I fly with Ryanair?
Ryanair carries an uncomplicated single pregnancy up to the end of the 36th week, and a multiple pregnancy up to the end of the 32nd week. Remember the limit applies on the day you travel — including your return flight.
Do I need a fit to fly letter for Ryanair?
Yes, from week 28. Ryanair requires its own “Fit to Fly” form completed by a midwife or doctor once an uncomplicated pregnancy enters its 28th week. The form must show the passenger’s details, the expected due date, confirmation that she is fit to fly, and the clinician’s signature and date.
How recently must the Ryanair letter be dated?
It must be dated within 2 weeks of the booked flight. Getting the letter too early is a common and expensive mistake — if it falls outside the window you will need a second one.
Can you fly with chickenpox on Ryanair?
Not until 7 days after the last new spot appeared. A doctor's letter confirming you are no longer infectious is also required.
What if I need to cancel a Ryanair booking because I am ill?
Refund rights depend on your fare type and, for a package holiday, on the operator’s terms. What is consistent across carriers is that a medical cancellation needs medical evidence. Notify the airline or operator as soon as you know you cannot travel, then get a not fit to fly certificate to support the claim. Your options in full.
Related
Sources. The airline and clinical facts on this page were checked against these primary sources on 24 August 2026. Airline policies change without notice — always confirm with your airline before you book or travel.
Need a fit to fly letter for Ryanair?
A GMC-registered UK GP issues the letter in the format Ryanair asks for, and can complete their own form where they have one. Same day on weekdays.
Get startedReviewed by a GMC-registered GP. Full refund if a certificate cannot be issued on clinical grounds.