Should you be flying with a cold? Catching a cold when you’re about to go on a trip is never ideal. Colds always seem to come at the worst times, and flying on an airplane with sinus pressure and congestion can be uncomfortable and incredibly painful.
While the best solution is to avoid flying altogether, it’s not often realistic to wait for a cold to go away before hopping on a flight. Symptoms can linger for days, even weeks, and not all airlines are accommodating to flight changes.
If you’ve got a flight coming up, these wellness travel tips from a pharmacist can prepare you for flying with a cold, alleviate the symptoms, and help you get through the flight as best as possible.
Tips for Flying with a Cold
Bring Cold Supplies – While it wasn’t in your travel plan, pack plenty of cold medicine, cough drops, tissues, and other comforts to help you when traveling.
Rest as Much as You Can – It’s hard to sleep well when you aren’t feeling well, especially on an airplane. Getting enough sleep and resting your body is vital to helping you feel better so that you can enjoy your trip.
Stay Hydrated – Instead of drinking a relaxing alcoholic beverage or indulging in a soda, which can cause dehydration, opt for warm water or hot tea during your flight. The cabin during the flight lacks humidity due to the pressurization and can cause your mucus membranes to dry out. Hydration packets are great for flights.
Take Over-The-Counter Decongestant Products – At least a half hour before your flight is scheduled to take off, take an OTC drug like a decongestant to relieve symptoms and clear out your sinuses before you fly. Don’t forget that pharmacists are a resource when deciding to purchase. If you have any questions, ask a pharmacist. When your sinuses are congested, the air pressure can cause issues, leading to ear pain and even permanent ear damage. If you have a more extended flight, be sure you have more decongestants to take 30 minutes before you land. If you forget to bring some, decongestants may be available at the airport.
Chew Gum or Suck on a Cough Drop – You can bring gum to alleviate sinus pressure during takeoff and landing. Start chewing gum or take a cough drop to suck on to provide short-term relief during ascent and descent.
Wear Earplugs – Earplugs can be a safe way to equalize pressure during your flight. Be sure to insert earplugs before the door closes and pressurization within the cabin begins. Once you reach the maximum altitude, you can remove the earplugs until you are about to descend.
Yawn, Swallow, or Blow Your Nose – Clearing your ears can be challenging when you have a cold. Yawning, swallowing, and bowing your nose effectively clears your sinuses and opens up your ears to prevent pain and damage. You can practice different techniques until you feel slight popping or hear a ringing sound indicating air entering your ears.
Focus on Post Flight Care – After you land and settle in your hotel, take a warm steamy shower to decongest and soothe your sinuses. Take a little nap or downtime to rejuvenate before you explore or participate in any activities. Pack shower steamers or bath oil.
When to Avoid Flying
While no one wants to have to cancel or postpone a trip due to illness, there are times when you have to reschedule to focus on your health. Travelers need to be mindful, especially in the wake of Covid-19. Symptoms that may indicate you are too sick to travel include:
- Fever of 100 degrees or higher
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Severe and persistent cough
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Lethargy and weakness
Airlines could refuse you as a passenger if you are visibly sick. They may require medical clearance before you can fly. If your condition worsens in the air, the pilot may make an emergency landing to get you the necessary care. If you have any severe symptoms or think your illness may be getting worse, it may be worth it to reconsider flying and rescheduling. Your health is more important than any trip.
Takeaways
Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about whether a medication will work for you. When you have to fly with a cold, these tips can help relieve the pain and pressure and provide some small comforts as you travel. Be sure to bring sanitizer and protect those around you to prevent the spread of illness to other travelers. Be sure to take care of yourself first, and remember that no flight is worth the risk.
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The content on this site is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute medical advice.
