Doctors Share The Symptoms That Make Air Travel Unsafe

Air travel can be taxing in general: the long security lines, flight delays, dry cabin air, uncomfortable seats and rude passengers. But when you’re not feeling well, flying can be an even more unpleasant experience.

You may wonder which symptoms are mild enough to travel with and which symptoms mean you should probably consider adjusting your plans (as inconvenient and pricey as that can be) for your own comfort and safety, as well as the health of the passengers and crew around you.

And given the record-breaking flu season across the United States, these concerns are top of mind right now. We asked doctors which signs of illness warrant postponing a flight in their view; here’s what they advise and why. (And of course, you should always consult your own health care provider for personal guidance or medical advice).

If you have an illness with a fever — defined as a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or more — you probably shouldn’t be getting on that flight, all three of our experts said.

“Especially if it’s paired with chills, body aches or that deep exhaustion you feel when you’re coming down with something,” board-certified emergency physician Dr. Jordan Wagner, known as “Doctor ER” on YouTube, told HuffPost. “A fever is a clear sign your body is actively fighting an infection. Between the dry cabin air and the stress of travel, dehydration happens much faster.”

The same goes for a fever that’s accompanied by respiratory symptoms such as a cough or runny nose, said Dr. Sarah Dupont, a family medicine physician at Emory Healthcare and assistant professor at the Emory University School of Medicine.

“This makes a more serious contagious virus like influenza, COVID or RSV much more likely,” she told HuffPost. “You are at risk of infecting many other people and putting them at risk of severe illness or ruining their vacation.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also says you should not travel when experiencing flu-like symptoms.

If you absolutely must travel for some reason, be sure to wear a high-quality, properly fitting mask (such as a KN95) at the airport and on the plane, wash your hands frequently and take over-the-counter medication to manage symptoms (as long as it’s been approved by your doctor).

Gastrointestinal symptoms are “incredibly difficult to manage on a flight,” Wagner said, “especially when access to medical care is limited, and you’re confined to a small space.”

They can also lead to dehydration, dizziness and electrolyte imbalance, he noted. Not to mention that illnesses that cause vomiting and diarrhea, such as norovirus, can be very contagious.

Consider, too, that “it can be difficult to maintain hygiene or observe flight safety if you need frequent or prolonged access to a bathroom,” Dupont said.

That said, if the diarrhea is mild or short-lived, then you may be able to take over-the-counter medication like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol to get through a flight, Dupont noted, “as long as you do not have any other contraindications to those medicines.” Just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom.

Strongly consider rearranging your travel plans if your breathing is compromised. Wagner called this “non-negotiable.”

“Airplane cabins are pressurized to high-altitude levels, meaning there’s less available oxygen than on the ground,” he explained. “If you’re already struggling to breathe, that environment can turn a manageable issue into a real emergency.”

As Dr. Neha Pathak, WebMD’s chief physician editor of health and lifestyle medicine, told HuffPost: “If you’re short of breath at rest, wheezing badly or your asthma or COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease] is flaring, postpone travel. Planes are pressurized, oxygen levels are lower and breathing problems can get worse.”

Chest pain, which may feel like a tightness, squeezing or aching sensation, can be a sign of some life-threatening conditions that involve the heart and lungs. So it’s important to rule out any potentially serious issues, especially if you’re about to travel.

“If you’re experiencing chest pain, you shouldn’t be at the gate,” Wagner said. “You should be at the nearest emergency room.”

When accompanied by nausea, heart palpitations or sweating, chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack, Dupont noted. And you really don’t want to risk having a medical emergency mid-flight.

If you’re dealing with minor symptoms of the common cold (think: runny or stuffy nose, mild sore throat or cough) but feel fine overall, then you are probably OK to fly, provided that you have not tested positive for COVID or the flu, mask up during the trip and wash your hands frequently, Dupont said.

If you’re dealing with congestion — from a sinus infection, for instance — be aware that the changes in cabin pressure can worsen sinus and ear pain, particularly during takeoff and landing. But that’s often “more of a comfort issue than a safety one,” Pathak said.

Taking an oral decongestant prior to the flight may help alleviate uncomfortable symptoms — but check with your doctor first, especially if you have an underlying health condition. Staying hydrated, swallowing, yawning and chewing gum can also help. But if the congestion is severe, you may want to rebook when you’re feeling better.

It’s also typically fine to fly with seasonal allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, mild congestion, Wagner said.

“As long as there’s no fever and symptoms are controlled with your usual medications, flying is generally safe,” he added. “Wearing a mask can also help reduce irritation from dry air and limit the chance of spreading germs.”

Still not sure if you should get on that flight or stay home? If you are feeling unwell and getting worse rather than better, no matter the cause, don’t fly, Pathak said. However, “if you’re stable and can manage symptoms safely, flying is usually fine,” she said.

When someone is on the fence, Wagner suggests asking these two questions: “Could this get worse in a low-oxygen, high-stress environment? And would I be OK managing this for several hours without access to medical care?” he said.

If you answer “no” to either one of these — or if traveling would jeopardize others’ health — you’re better off postponing the trip.

“A delayed flight is inconvenient, but a medical emergency at 35,000 feet is a much bigger problem,” Wagner said. “Prioritizing your health and the health of those around you is always the smarter move.”

And this bears repeating: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor to get their recommendation when trying to come to a decision. This is especially important if you have a chronic health issue or have recently dealt with a medical event.

“For readers who are thinking about air travel after major events like a recent heart attack, stroke, a collapsed lung, or serious COPD or asthma flare, timing to fly varies,” Pathak said. “People should get individualized clearance from their doctor.”

Wagner echoed a similar point: “Anyone with chronic heart, lung, or immune conditions should be especially cautious and consider checking in with their own doctor before flying, even if symptoms seem mild,” he said. “Better safe than sorry.”

If you do decide to adjust your travel plans, call your airline’s customer service number to inquire about your options. Policies vary and depend on the type of ticket booked — for example, basic economy tends to be less flexible than other types of fares.

Many airlines have gotten rid of change fees, but know that you may still have to pay the fare difference when rebooking for a new date. And though you may not be able to get a refund if you cancel the trip, there’s a good chance you could get travel credit to use in the future. Also, if you purchased travel insurance, contact the company to see if your illness is covered and what documentation you might need to file a claim, such as a note from your doctor.