We all love the speed and convenience of flying, but have you ever gotten off a plane feeling swollen, dizzy, or exhausted? Lykkers, you're not alone.
Flying brings us to wonderful destinations, but the journey itself can sometimes take a toll on our bodies. That’s why we’ve gathered these flying health tips to help make our next trip not just smooth, but also healthy and refreshing.
Before You Fly: Start Healthy
Before boarding any plane, we should prepare our bodies and minds. It’s smart to check the health situation of the region we’re visiting. Are there any outbreaks or health warnings? We should also plan enough time to check in and reach the gate calmly—rushing only adds stress. Wearing loose, breathable clothes and comfortable shoes will help us relax in the air. If we're not feeling well, it’s always better to delay the flight. And for those of us with health conditions, talking to a doctor before flying is a must.
The Airplane Cabin: What's Really Going On
In-flight cabins are pressurized to simulate 5,000–8,000 feet above sea level. That means the oxygen level is lower than what we're used to. Healthy travelers usually don’t feel a thing, but those with heart, lung, or blood issues may struggle. It’s worth checking with a doctor if we fall into that group—some airlines even offer medical oxygen when requested in advance.
At high altitudes, the air inside our body expands too—especially in areas like our ears and sinuses. That's why we sometimes feel our ears "pop." During takeoff and landing, swallowing, chewing gum, or yawning helps balance the pressure. And for kids or babies, giving them a drink or a pacifier can make a huge difference.
Humidity on Planes: It's Drier Than You Think
The humidity in a cabin can drop below 20%, which is drier than most deserts. That explains the dry skin, sore throat, or itchy eyes after flying. So, what can we do? Let’s drink water regularly—about 8 ounces every hour—and skip drinks that dehydrate us like coffee or soda. Using nasal sprays, lip balm, eye drops, or skin moisturizers can also keep us comfortable.
Motion Sickness: Don’t Let It Ruin Your Flight
Some of us feel queasy during flights, especially when there's turbulence. If we’re prone to motion sickness, sitting near the wings and choosing a window seat helps. Flying on larger aircrafts also tends to be smoother. Avoiding strong smells and skipping heavy meals before the flight can help, too. And of course, if we know it’ll be a problem, bringing motion sickness medication is a smart move—just ask a doctor first.
Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Hidden Risk
Long flights mean long hours of sitting still, which can slow down blood flow in the legs. For some travelers, this can lead to swelling or even dangerous blood clots, a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It can appear days or even weeks after a flight. If the clot travels to the lungs, it could become life-threatening.
To avoid this, let’s stretch our legs often during the flight, do small foot and ankle exercises in our seats, wear loose clothes, and drink plenty of water. We should also avoid crossing our legs for long periods. If we have a history of DVT, surgery, or clotting disorders, we must talk to our doctor before flying.
Flying While Pregnant: What to Know
Flying during pregnancy is usually safe, but there are some things to consider. Most airlines don’t recommend flying after 36 weeks for single pregnancies and 33 weeks for twins or more. For high-risk pregnancies, it's always best to get a doctor’s OK. And it’s a good idea to keep our medical records and any needed medications in our carry-on bags.
Don’t Fly Sick: It’s Not Just About You
If we have a contagious illness, especially something respiratory, it’s best to avoid flying. We’re in close contact with others, and even a mild cold can make the flight painful—especially during descent. If unsure whether we should fly, a quick visit to the doctor will give us peace of mind.
Don’t Forget the Basics: Your Travel Health Checklist
- Bring your usual medications in your carry-on
- Carry a copy of your prescriptions
- Stretch, hydrate, and move during the flight
- Keep snacks that are easy on the stomach
- Avoid large meals and fizzy drinks before flying
- Talk to a doctor if you have any special health needs
Air Travel Shouldn’t Feel Like a Health Challenge
We all travel for different reasons—adventures, family, work, or a much-needed break. No matter where we’re going, our health should come with us. With these simple flying health tips, we can step off the plane feeling good and ready to enjoy our destination.
Lykkers, next time we fly, let’s take care of ourselves just as we take care of our travel plans. Have you ever had a travel health scare or learned a helpful flying tip? We’d love to hear from you. Safe skiesand happy landings to us all!
Health Tips When Flying
Video by Didoy MD
