10 Tips For Flying When You Are Unwell!

The sniffles, the sneezing and the cough you try to muffle!

The last thing you want to do is board a plane when you are unwell. It can be the worst.

Cancelling your trip is an option, but what about your business meeting with that important client or the sad faces your children will make when they come to know the dream vacation you have been planning for a month is not going to happen?

Don’t worry we got your back!

We at AirWhizz, have compiled a list of travel hacks that can help you get through to your journey when you are feeling under the weather while you fly.

1.PREPARE BEFORE YOU LEAVE

The first key to a healthful flight anywhere is to make sure you have all the required and recommended travel vaccinations and medical supplies before you depart.

It is always wise to pack a travel sized first-aid kit, so you are prepared in the event of an emergency. Most airport stores have a pharmacy section where you can buy medicine in travel size.

In case you are carrying specially prescribed medicines, carry a prescription note from your doctor to show to the personnel at the security checkpoint.

You can also talk to an airline representative and explain your situation. See if they can help. It may not work, but it’s worth a try.

2.GET YOURSELF VACCINATED

Getting vaccinated before taking a trip is the best way to avoid serious illness and your family doctor can help you figure out the exact flu shots you need for before boarding a flight.

Even if you are just flying domestically, be sure to get your annual flu shot, especially because the busy holiday travel season will put you in touch with more people (and potential carriers of the flu virus) than normal.

3.GET TRAVEL INSURANCE

It may sound like a farfetched idea, but traveller’s insurance can make a world of difference in the event that something serious happens.

Travel insurance covers emergency medical expenses, emergency cash expenses at the hospital and personal accidents which might occur when you are on-board.

It is a wise decision to buy travel insurance since it costs just a fraction of your total trip and you are at ease while travelling when you are insured.

4.CHECK-IN YOR BAGGAGE

Try to pack light but in case you have to carry suitcases with you, get your luggage checked-in.

Although this can be expensive in some low-cost carriers, it is worth the price!

Carrying extra bags can be downright exhausting while sick, so let the airline do the heavy lifting for you.

5.DRINK LOTS OF FLUIDS

There’s nothing new about this tip but people don’t drink as much water as they should even when they’re healthy so don’t forget this one.

Also, the air on the plane is dry, cold and stifling and it can make breathing really difficult when your nose is blocked and your body is weak. Drink a TON of fluids the whole time you are on your flight!

In case you feel like having something other than water, you can drink coconut water, Gatorade or simply ask the cabin crew for some hot tea with honey.

6.EAT HEALTHY

Foods like sandwiches, tuna/chicken salad, burgers etc are easily available at the airport but avoid such deep-fried and fatty foods when you are flying unwell.

Pack some fruits rich in vitamin C like oranges or vegetable-based salads and bring them along with you on the flight as these items are often lighter and more nutritious than the regular plane food.

Loading up on fruits and veggies is really important cause they help boost your immunity system to fight illness and keep you comfortable and light throughout the flight.

7.DONT FORGET TO PACK TISSUES

Imagine having no tissues while you are sick and sneezing your nose out in an airplane filled with people giving you dirty looks!

Not a good situation to be in!

A very basic tip, but a really important one because sometimes the body fluids just can’t wait when you are sick. Pack ample tissue papers or handkerchiefs in your carry-on bag to help you get through the sneezing and coughing while you fly.

8.CATCH UP ON YOUR SLEEP

Travelling through traffic and catching your flight at the airport while being sick can take a toll on your body.

Once you are on board and the flight has taken off, try to catch up on some much need sleep your body needs. If your body is tired, it won’t be able to help you fight and fix what’s wrong with you.

The more rest you get, the stronger you’ll be!

9.PREVENT CONTACT WITH OTHERS

When you’re on the plane and you need to use the bathroom, grab a tissue to open and close the door with. Try to minimize contact with other objects people touch, as much as possible.

In an airplane, passengers are constantly passing germs back and forth between each other and you never know what could be hanging around. Prevent the possibility of contracting and spreading more germs as much as you can. You don’t want to worsen your health and make fellow passengers fall ill!

10.DON’T STRESS

Yes, you do feel angry and upset while you are travelling sick, but it won’t fix anything. In fact, stress can actually make you more sick.

DON’T STRESS OUT! Do your best to avoid stress before, during, and after your trip.

Try not to sweat the small stuff, take deep breaths, and find ways to smile through the challenging situations. After all, those “challenges” are likely to become great stories when you return!

With a relaxed attitude, you will surely enjoy your trip and stay healthier throughout.

So, if you are looking for pharmacies at the airport, look no further. Download the AirWhizz App and get information about shops, emergency contact details and other services available at the airport on the move. We have also partnered up with prestigious travel insurance companies such as HDFC Ergo, so you can book your travel insurance via the app itself.

Travel with ease the next time you are sick and Fly Stress-Free!