Yes, the vast majority of people can fly with a cold. It's worth bearing in mind that the cold virus is highly contagious and travelling in the enclosed space of an aircraft will leave other people on the flight prone to infection.

While you can technically go on holiday with a cold, the primary concern is the physical discomfort and potential health risks during air travel. The most significant issue is "Airplane Ear" (Ear Barotrauma); when your sinuses are congested, your Eustachian tubes cannot equalize pressure during takeoff and landing. This can cause intense pain, temporary hearing loss, or, in severe cases, a ruptured eardrum. If you must fly, using a decongestant nasal spray 30 minutes before descent is a peer-to-peer recommendation to help open the airways. From a social responsibility standpoint in 2026, it is also important to consider your fellow passengers; wearing a high-quality mask (like an N95 or FFP2) is standard etiquette to prevent spreading the virus in a confined cabin. If your cold is accompanied by a fever or a heavy cough, you should check your airline's "Fit to Fly" policy, as they reserve the right to deny boarding to anyone who looks visibly ill. Ultimately, if the cold is mild, you can proceed, but you may spend the first few days of your vacation resting in your hotel rather than exploring.