Can you fly with a cold?

It is recommended that if you have a cold that you do not fly; this should be enforced by airlines in the case of aircrew, and aircrew are required to self-report any symptoms of cold, flu, or similar.



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Now, if you need to delay your trip for illness, you can usually do so without penalty. Most airlines now allow changes with Economy tickets. When you are well enough to travel, you'll just have to pay the difference in cost for an airline ticket (if there is one for your new dates).

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Generally, you should also bag a trip if you have a fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit and symptoms such as coughing or sneezing, says William Schaffner, M.D., a professor of infectious diseases at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

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If you fly with a head cold or seasonal allergies, Dr. Pinkston said it's possible you may significantly stretch your eardrum because your Eustachian tubes wouldn't be working properly to equalize pressure. If the stretching of the eardrum is considerable, these problems may occur: Capillaries in the ear break.

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Personal Issue - Consumers who purchase nonrefundable tickets, but are unable to travel for a personal reason, such as being sick or late to the airport, are not entitled to a refund.

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The dry air, low pressure, and the low amount of oxygen cause the immune system to weaken and can lead to inflamed sinus cavities. This, in addition to being confined in a small area with little airflow, makes it hard to avoid getting sinusitis from another sick passenger.

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So, in order to help you stay on your journey, here are some quick tips to keep cough at bay while travelling.
  1. Warm water for instant relief.
  2. Moist cloth can go a long way.
  3. A blanket to keep you warm.
  4. Don't forget your OTC cough syrup.
  5. Read our top 10 cough articles.


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Who should not travel by air? Diseases that prevent you from boarding a plane
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • A recent stroke.
  • Infectious diseases, such as chickenpox, influenza or even COVID-19.
  • A recent surgery.
  • A pregnancy of over 28 weeks.
  • Angina (chest pain at rest)


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In fact, the Journal of Environmental Health Research says you're up to 100 times more likely to catch a cold on a plane than you are in your normal routine.

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Patients with active or contagious chest infections should avoid traveling until they are no longer infectious, as they may infect those sitting next to them. Flying is usually possible 7 to 10 days after the infection, even though the cough and mucus can last up to 3 weeks.

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Decongestants taken by mouth might help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before an airplane flight. However, if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder or high blood pressure or you're pregnant, avoid taking an oral decongestant. Take allergy medication.

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