What should I do if I feel unwell on a plane?
If you feel unwell on a plane, press the call button or tell a flight attendant immediately — don't wait until it gets worse. Crew are trained in first aid, carry medical kits and oxygen, and can contact medical experts on the ground by radio. If needed, they will ask whether there's a doctor on board, and in a serious emergency the pilots can divert to the nearest suitable airport.
What to do right away
- Tell the crew. Describe your symptoms, any conditions you have and medicines you take.
- If you feel faint, sit or lie back, loosen tight clothing and raise your legs if you can. Don't try to walk to the lavatory alone.
- For nausea, look at a fixed point, use the air vent, sip water and keep the airsickness bag handy.
- Take your own medicine if you have it with you and it's what you normally use.
- Tell the person next to you so they can call for help if you get worse.
Why people feel unwell on planes
- Lower cabin pressure. Cabins are pressurized to the equivalent of roughly 6,000–8,000 feet, so there's a bit less oxygen in your blood. Most people don't notice, but it can matter if you have heart or lung disease.
- Dehydration and dry air.
- Alcohol, little food or little sleep before the flight.
- Motion sickness from turbulence.
- Sitting still for hours, which slows circulation in the legs.
Prevention
- Drink water regularly and go easy on alcohol and caffeine.
- Eat a light meal before flying.
- Move your legs and walk the aisle when it's safe.
- If you're prone to motion sickness, choose a seat over the wing and ask a pharmacist about medication before the flight.
- If you have a chronic condition, ask your doctor whether flying is safe and keep medicines in your carry-on.
FAQ
Why do people faint on airplanes?
Usually from a combination of dehydration, low blood sugar, standing up quickly, heat and the slightly lower oxygen level in the cabin.
Where is the least nauseating place to sit?
Over the wings, where the plane moves least, ideally by a window so you can look at the horizon.
Can I fly after fainting?
If you fainted on a flight, see a doctor before your next one to rule out an underlying cause.
Is it common to vomit on a plane?
It happens, especially in turbulence. That's why airsickness bags are in every seat pocket — tell the crew if you need more.