Sick Of Flying?
There's a reason so many travelers swap vacation stories about catching a cold mid-flight. Planes are supposed to whisk us away to new adventures, but too often, they seem to deliver a side of sniffles. If you've ever landed feeling less than your best, you might be wondering what's really going on up there in the clouds. The truth is, the sky-high environment is full of surprises—and not all of them are pleasant. Here's why flying leads to feeling under the weather.
1. Filthy Tray Tables
Tray tables are notorious for being the dirtiest spots on airplanes. They can harbor hundreds of times more bacteria than the flush button in the airplane lavatory. Some of these germs can survive for days, turning surfaces into germ hotspots.
2. Dry Cabin Air
Airplane cabins are drier than most deserts, with humidity levels dropping to 10-20%. This ultra-dry air dehydrates the mucous membranes—your body's first line of defense—leaving you more vulnerable to germs after just a few hours in the air.
3. Low Oxygen Levels
The cabin pressure inside most planes is equivalent to standing on a mountain 6,000–8,000 feet above sea level. With less oxygen to go around, headaches and fatigue can creep in. Some people may even feel short of breath or dizzy as their bodies adjust to this "high-altitude" environment.
4. Jet Lag
Crossing time zones isn't just tough on the sleep schedule; it also throws your immune system for a loop. When your circadian rhythms are disrupted, your body's ability to fend off infections takes a hit that leaves you more susceptible to germs.
5. Close Quarters
For hours, you're seated mere inches from strangers, making it easy for respiratory droplets to travel from one passenger to another. If even one person is under the weather, germs can leapfrog across several rows, turning the flight into a flying petri dish.
6. Contaminated Seat Pockets
Think twice before stashing your snacks or personal items in the seat pocket in front of you. These pockets are rarely cleaned between flights and can be a treasure trove for bacteria, especially with used tissues and food wrappers left behind by previous passengers.
7. Motion Sickness
If you've ever felt queasy while flying, you know that airsickness is no joke. It's all thanks to mixed messages between your eyes, inner ears, and brain. The result is nausea, dizziness, and sometimes a cold sweat.
8. Stale Air
Newer planes prioritize fuel efficiency, reducing air refresh rates. This causes stuffy cabins, and complaints of headaches and discomfort are common. Stale air can also contribute to that "ugh" feeling that lingers long after you've landed.
9. Dehydration
Between the dry cabin air and the tendency to drink less water while flying, dehydration is almost inevitable. To top it off, that cup of coffee or glass of wine you enjoy at cruising altitude only adds to the body's fluid loss.
10. Touch Screens & Buttons
That shiny entertainment screen or call button may look harmless, but it's been touched by hundreds of hands before yours. With infrequent cleaning between flights, viruses can linger on these plastic surfaces for hours, making them prime spots for picking up unwanted germs.
Now that we’ve peeked behind the curtain of why flying can take a toll on your health, it’s time to flip the script. Let’s explore practical moves that can keep you feeling great.
1. Wipe Down Surfaces
Packing a few antibacterial wipes and giving the tray table and armrests a quick once-over can dramatically reduce your exposure to germs. Many passengers overlook this step, but it's an easy habit that can significantly improve your travel health.
2. Stay Hydrated
To keep dehydration at bay, make water your constant travel companion. Bring a refillable bottle and top it up whenever you can. While the beverage cart might tempt you with coffee or a celebratory drink, skipping alcohol and caffeine is key, as both can dry you out even more.
3. Eat Lightly
That tempting pre-flight burger can worsen motion sickness due to its heaviness and fat content. Instead, choose light and easy-to-digest snacks like crackers or fruit. Try ginger to naturally soothe nausea and keep your stomach calm during the flight.
4. Use Hand Sanitizer
With dozens of people sharing the same tray tables, armrests, and bathrooms, airplanes are a germ hotspot. Hand sanitizer is your best friend in this environment—use it after touching shared surfaces, especially since airplane bathrooms often run out of soap.
5. Use Saline Nasal Spray
The dry air in airplane cabins can leave your nasal passages parched, making it easier for germs to slip past the body's natural defenses. Packing a saline nasal spray is a travel hack that keeps your airways moist and more effective at trapping invaders.
6. Adjust Sleep Schedule
Jet lag doesn't have to ruin your trip if you start preparing before you even board. Gradually shift your sleep schedule to match the destination a few days ahead of time, and once you arrive, soak up some sunlight to help reset your internal clock.
7. Bring Your Own Blanket & Pillow
Airline-provided blankets and pillows might look cozy, but they're frequently reused between flights and not always washed as often as you'd hope. Bringing your own blanket and pillow not only ensures comfort but also shields you from the germs left behind by previous passengers.
8. Wear A Mask
Wearing a mask on a plane isn't just a pandemic habit—it's a smart move during cold and flu season or any time you want to reduce your exposure to airborne germs. Masks help block respiratory droplets from fellow travelers, and many airlines now encourage their use.
9. Avoid Touching Your Face
Even with the cleanest hands, touching your face is an open invitation for germs to enter your system through your eyes, nose, or mouth. Most of us do it without thinking, but making a conscious effort to keep our hands away from our face can significantly reduce our risk of getting sick.
10. Pack Essential Medications
Don't let a headache or upset stomach catch you off guard mid-flight. Pack any essential medications you might need, including remedies for common travel woes. While some airlines carry basic medications, supplies are limited, so it's best to be prepared with your own stash.
