Skip to flight searchSkip to main content

Flying with a Cold

Find out how to manage your cold or flu symptoms on your flight

Flying with a Cold

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 policiestop tips and FAQs about flying with a cold or the flu!

A man holding his head while sitting at the airport

Is it Safe to Fly with a Cold?

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.

A woman wearing a mask sitting at the airport with a suitcase

Tips for Flying with a Cold

Although flying with a cold can be uncomfortable, you can make the journey more bearable by following these tips:

  • Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of liquids can help thin mucus and reduce congestion.
  • Use decongestants or nasal sprays. This will help relieve congestion and make it easier to breathe.
  • Chew gum or suck on hard candy to help equalise pressure in your ears during takeoff and landing.
  • Bring a humidifier. This will help keep your sinuses moist and reduce discomfort.
  • Consider postponing your flight. If your symptoms are severe, it might be a good idea to reschedule your trip.
A flight cabin with a view of the aisle

Airline Policies for Colds and Flu

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:

  • Informing the airline of your condition if you're concerned about flying with a cold or flu.
  • Wearing a mask as this will protect yourself and others from spreading germs.
  • Washing your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.

Trusted globally

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines

FAQs

Can you fly with a cold?

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.

Is it safe to fly with a cold or the flu?

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. 

How to tell you are too unwell to fly?

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.

How to unclog ears after flying with a cold?

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:

  • Yawning or swallowing
  • The Valsalva manoeuvre - pinch your nostrils closed, close your mouth and gently blow out.
  • Chewing gum or sucking on hard sweets
  • Decongestants
Can I cancel my flights due to sickness?

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.

  • Cancellation Protection entitles you to a full refund if you need to cancel due to emergency reasons (such as severe illness, home emergencies, mechanical breakdowns, etc).
  • Cancel For Any Reason entitles you to a 70% refund if you wish to cancel for any reason, no questions asked.

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.

Can I travel with an ear infection?

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.

Can I fly with a baby who has a cold?

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. 

When should I postpone travel due to a cold or flu?

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:

  • Chest pain
  • A severe ear, sinus or nose infection
  • An infectious disease that's easily transmissible  
  • Noticeable signs of sickness, such as physical weakness
  • A skin rash or lesions
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Persistent, severe cough
  • Persistent diarrhoea
  • Persistent vomiting that’s the result of your sickness
  • Skin and eyes turning yellow or noticeable discolouration
Can flying with a cold damage your ears?

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.

Why do I get a sore throat after flying?

You might be getting a sore throat after your flight because of:

  • Dehydration - dry air in the cabin can cause dehydration which can irritate your throat and cause dryness/soreness.
  • Mouth breathing - if you're breathing through your mouth due to congestion or other respiratory issues, your throat can become dry and irritated.
  • Bacteria and viruses - the aeroplane cabin is a breeding ground for germs.
  • Changes in pressure - the rapid changes in cabin pressure during takeoff and landing can affect delicate tissues in your throat.

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.

Can you bring cough drops on a plane?

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.