Flights are usually booked at least weeks, if not months, in advance. Being struck with a cold just before flying can add extra stress, as it's not a pleasant experience. But we're here to help! Discover airline policies, top tips and FAQs about flying with a cold or the flu!
Yes, it is safe to fly with a cold if your symptoms are mild. The cabin pressure can sometimes worsen your symptoms (like congestion or ear pain) but it's completely manageable if you follow our tips below.
If you have severe cold or flu symptoms, such as a high fever, severe cough or difficulty breathing, we recommend postponing your flight. These symptoms could be signs of a more serious illness.
Please contact your GP if you have concerns about flying with a cold or any other health conditions.
Although flying with a cold can be uncomfortable, you can make the journey more bearable by following these tips:
Specific airline policies regarding cold and flu symptoms will vary, however, most airlines don't have strict rules that stop passengers with colds or flu from flying.
You should check with your specific airline for their guidelines on flying with a cold or flu. Some airlines require passengers with certain respiratory symptoms to provide a medical clearance before boarding, especially for international flights.
We also recommend:
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Yes, you can fly with a cold, however, it might be an uncomfortable journey.
You can make your symptoms more bearable by staying hydrated, using nasal sprays and decongestants and chewing gum to equalise the pressure in your ears during takeoff and landing.
If your symptoms are severe (such as a high fever, severe cough or difficulty breathing), you should consider postponing your flight.
In most cases, it is safe to fly with a mild cold, however, the experience may be uncomfortable.
When you're in a plane, especially during take-off and landing, the external air pressure (the pressure outside your sinuses and middle ear) changes more rapidly than your internal air pressure (the pressure inside your sinuses and inner ear).
This can result in symptoms including pain, dizziness, congested sinuses, or dulled hearing. Symptoms can be worse if you have existing respiratory conditions such as allergies or asthma.
Travelling while sick is not recommended as you are at risk of feeling worse and infecting other passengers on the flight.
You should not be flying if you have shortness of breath, a racing heart or could be contagious.
The pressurised cabin has less air, meaning your body can take less oxygen. Therefore, we recommend delaying your flight until you are feeling fit to fly.
If you're flying with a cold, you can get ear congestion due to the change in cabin pressure. To unclog your ears you should try:
Sadly, an airline might not be sympathetic about your last-minute need to cancel your flight due to the onset of sickness. Whether you receive a refund will depend on the terms and conditions of your flight ticket.
In some cases, it might help your chances to get a sick note from your doctor stating that you are not fit to fly, although it depends on the rules of each airline.
If you haven't yet booked your flights with us and are worried you might be too ill to fly, we recommend adding Cancellation Protection or Cancel For Any Reason during the booking process.
If you have booked your flights through Alternative Airlines, you can contact our customer service team for more information regarding the cancellation policy of your airline ticket.
It's not recommended that you fly whilst suffering from an ear infection. If you can, it is best to change the dates you plan to travel to avoid serious ear problems.
Please speak to your doctor for professional advice before flying with a sinus/ear infection.
Find out more about flying with an ear infection here.
Flying with a baby that has a cold is usually okay, as long as the baby is not at risk of developing a serious infection. However, we recommend talking to a doctor before flying with your baby in order to maintain full safety.
If you're flying with a baby who is feeling unwell, we advise that you breastfeed or bottle-feed during ascending and descending on the aircraft as this will help the baby's ear pressure to adjust to the changes.
Nobody wants to miss out on a trip they've been looking forward to, and it can be a very tough decision to postpone or change your plans.
However, authoritative bodies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US and the NHS in the UK set out the following guidelines to help you decide whether you are fit to travel.
It is recommended that you do not fly, or seek professional medical advice before travelling if you are experiencing a combination of a fever of 100°F (37.7°C) upwards or/and any of the following symptoms:
Yes, flying with a cold can potentially damage your ears. This is because the changes in cabin pressure during take-off and landing can cause ear congestion and inflammation, which can be quite painful.
If the pressure buildup is severe and not relieved, it can cause fluid to become trapped in the middle ear, leading to a condition called barotrauma. This can cause pain, hearing loss and a rupture of the eardrum.
Follow our tips above to minimise the risk of ear damage when flying with a cold.
You might be getting a sore throat after your flight because of:
Next time you fly, avoid getting a sore throat by drinking plenty of fluids, using a humidifier, avoiding mouth breathing and washing your hands frequently.
Yes, you can bring cough drops on the plane with you.
Cough drops are considered a personal care item and are usually allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage.
If you're travelling internationally, check with your airline or the destination country's customs regulations, as there may be specific restrictions for certain types of cough drops.
Find out more about flying with medication in our guide here.
