Flying with a cold: essential rules and advice

Flying when you have a cold is never pleasant, but sometimes you don’t have a choice. If you must travel despite a sore throat, you can take steps to protect yourself and those around you. Follow these six key strategies to make the trip smoother and help you feel a little better than when you started.

1. Decide whether to fly at all

Before you book or check in, ask yourself whether the trip is absolutely necessary. If you can postpone it, that might be your best option. Colds often last a few days, and delaying your flight by 24 to 48 hours might save you from suffering in the air and spreading germs. However, if the trip is essential - like a business meeting, family obligation, or nonrefundable ticket - you will need to prepare thoroughly. Consider whether your health will worsen during travel and whether you have access to medical care at your destination. If symptoms are severe - high fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing - consult a doctor before flying. When you commit to flying with a cold, treat it like a mission: plan carefully and stay alert to how your body feels during the flight.

2. Choose your seat and timing smartly

Where and when you sit can influence how tolerable your flight will be. Try to fly at a time when you are likely to feel your best - morning flights often come before congestion peaks at airports. Reserve a seat with extra legroom or an exit row if possible so you can stretch and move without disturbing neighbors. Avoid middle seats. Whenever possible, sit close to the restroom so you minimize walking distances when congestion or coughing hits. Also, if the cabin layout allows, pick a seat near the wing. That area tends to experience less turbulence, which helps when you're feeling fragile. Finally, look for flights with fewer connections; each layover introduces fresh air exposure and adds stress to your body. 

Don't forget - you have rights as a passenger! For canceled flights, delays, or lost or damaged luggage, you may be entitled to compensation. AirClaim can help you claim what you're owed.

You can also receive compensation if you're denied boarding!

3. Hydrate and support your body

When you have a cold, staying well hydrated is essential. On the plane, drink small amounts of water frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid drinks that dehydrate you further, like coffee or alcoholic beverages. Use a saline nasal spray regularly to keep nasal passages moist, which helps reduce irritation and congestion. Sucking on throat lozenges or chewing gum (sugar-free) helps stimulate saliva production and prevents throat dryness. If throat spray relieves pain, carry a travel‑size version. Add vitamin supplements or electrolytes if you regularly use them and they are safe for you. Avoid heavy meals or dairy on the plane, as they may produce excess mucus or upset digestion while you’re already stressed. Light protein and carbs fare better under the circumstances. Read more about what your travel medical kit should include.

Read more about what your travel medical kit should include. It’s worth having basic supplies like painkillers, lozenges, tissues, and hand sanitizer ready.

4. Protect your ears during takeoff and landing

Air pressure changes during climb and descent can cause severe discomfort when your sinuses are congested. To equalize ear pressure, yawn, chew, or swallow often as the plane ascends and descends. Use pressure-regulating earplugs or filtered earplugs if you have them - they slow the change in pressure on your eardrum. Just before takeoff and landing, gently clear your nose (sniff gently, don’t blow hard), then swallow or perform the Valsalva maneuver (close your mouth and gently try to exhale through your nose). If allowed by your doctor and safe for you, take a decongestant about 30 minutes before those phases. Be cautious with decongestants if you have high blood pressure or heart conditions. If you feel severe ear pain or hearing changes, alert the flight crew and ask for assistance.

5. Mask up, cover coughs, and be considerate

You may feel terrible, but your actions can protect others. Wear a high-quality mask - preferably surgical or N95 - throughout boarding and during the flight. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or into a tissue, not your hands. Carry extra tissues and sanitizing wipes to clean your tray table, armrests, and seatbelt buckle. If you need to speak with flight attendants, wait until moments of quiet and lower your mask only briefly while speaking, then immediately replace it. Be especially cautious when walking in aisles; maintain distance where possible. If you notice someone nearby looking uncomfortable or avoiding your direction, be extra discreet and keep your distance. Your courtesy matters as much as your mask.

6. Rest, pace yourself, and allow recovery time

Your body fights harder when sick, so you need extra rest. On the plane, lean back, close your eyes, and try to sleep. Use an eye mask, neck pillow, and noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to block distractions. After landing, schedule downtime - resist the urge to jump immediately into full activity. Continue using over-the-counter remedies and medications your physician has approved.

Take it slow: walk gently rather than rushing, hydrate more, and stick with mild meals. Avoid heavy exertion, crowded indoor venues, or temperature extremes until symptoms ease. Monitor how you feel - increased fatigue, chest tightness, or worsening congestion may mean you need medical attention. Give your body the space and time to heal fully.

If you face any travel hiccups, trust the AirClaim specialists to help you secure the compensation you deserve for flight-related troubles.