Tips for Flying While You Are Sick

There is already a lack of joy that comes with flying. There's the ten minute mad dash to your next flight that is already boarding. Security can be a hassle if you happen to be the random search of the day. Sometimes you have to sit in the middle seat during a six hour flight. If flying wasn't already such a mess, now imagine doing it all while you were feeling sick. Flying while you're sick makes airports, layovers, and flights almost intolerable- especially if the airline will not let you rebook your flight for a later day. But don't feel like you have to suffer through a flight because you're sick. I have a few tips that will ease the Hell that can come when you have to fly with a cold.

Flying While Sick Tip #1: Take a good cold medicine with you.
If you feel a cold coming on before your flight make sure you pick up some cold medicine before your flight. In some cases you can ease the symptoms and have a decent flight. But a cold can be a cruel thing and hit you while you're at the airport. Most shops in the airport sell the travel sized pack of medications. Each usually comes with four pills which is enough for two doses. Pick up how many you think you will need for the duration of your flight. Also set your clock four to six hours from taking your first dose so you don't forget to take the medicine later, especially if you're crossing time zones. Worse than missing a dose is taking too many of the pills. It is best to avoid that, even if you think it will ease the cold. You don't want to be under the haze of a cold medicine while trying to navigate an airport- it's already hard enough.

Flying While Sick Tip #2: Grab lots of Kleenex when you can.
Be sure to take lots of tissue with you on the flight, especially if your cold comes with a runny nose that can't be left unattended. If you're already in an airport shop to buy cold medicine, you should go ahead a grab a packet of the travel Kleenex. It will leave your nose and face less chapped than using the toilet paper or paper towels from the bathroom. Even if you're nose doesn't seem to be running, Kleenex is a good thing to have on the flight. You never know how the altitude changes will affect your sinuses during the flight.

Flying While Sick Tip #3: Stay hydrated and eat!
Staying hydrated while you're sick is important especially while you're flying. In some cases you may not have a chance to let your body recuperate while flying- whether it is because you're running from one end of an airport to the other or breathing the recycled air while on the plane. Picking up a bottle of water, orange juice, or a sports drink will help keep you hydrated since you'll usually only receive a tiny cup of something to drink when you're on the flight. Drinking lots of liquids will also help flush the cold out of your system. Sure, you may have to make a lot of trips to the tiny airplane bathroom, but don't feel like you shouldn't keep your body hydrated to avoid that fate.

Food is important too. Even if nothing looks edible while you're sick, you still need to keep your energy levels for your flights and layovers. Find an airport restaurant that is serving soup or chili. At the very least you'll feel like you're having your mom's favorite cold remedy and you'll feel better.

Flying While Sick Tip #4: Rest when you can.
There is no good reason to over-exert yourself when you're traveling sick. If you find your next flight early, you can sit in the waiting area and let your body rest (pending that there are no last minute flight changes). You also don't have to be in a mad rush like everyone else at the airport. If you can, take your time and take it easy. If you're lucky enough to have a window seat or have the ability to sleep sitting up, you may also be able to catch a short nap on the flight. Don't be afraid that you'll snore because your nose is stuffed, others will probably be sleeping too and you'll only see those people once. Most people will leave you alone if you don't feel well. So go ahead and shut your eyes for awhile.

Flying While Sick Tip #5: Remember your cold etiquette.
Just because you're sick and flying doesn't mean you should forget your cold etiquette. No one else should have to feel miserable because you do. Remember that you should be coughing and sneezing into the crook of your elbow. Be sure to use the anti-bacterial gels on your hands as well as washing your hands when you get a chance. Dispose of all your used Kleenex properly, even if that means keeping them in a bag that you have on you until you find a trash can. Just remember to keep your germs to yourself as best as you can. You don't have to pass your cold to everyone flying to the same destination as you.

Hopefully you will never have to travel while you're sick. But there may be a day when you find yourself in the airport feeling less than well. If that ever happens, remember these tips. They won't completely take the hassle out of flying while sick, but they will help make the trip more tolerable.