Can you fly with bronchitis or pneumonia?

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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However, if the breathing rate is already accelerated due to pneumonia and the traveller is unable to take in enough oxygen, this situation, and thus the patient's condition, can deteriorate further.

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if you suffer from or have had:
  • angina or chest pain at rest.
  • an infectious disease (e.g. chickenpox, flu), including COVID-19.
  • decompression sickness after diving (sometimes called 'the bends')
  • increased pressure in the brain (due to bleeding, injury or infection)
  • infection of your ears or sinuses.
  • recent heart attack.


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Low air pressure during air travel also decreases the amount of oxygen in the air. This effect is modest and generally not noticeable for healthy travelers. For patients with significant lung disease, a small decrease in available oxygen can cause significant symptoms, especially with exercise.

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Having a lung condition should not stop you from travelling by air. Whether you are going on holiday, a business trip or a visit to family and friends, it should be possible to make the necessary arrangements - as long as you plan ahead.

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Our goal is to keep you well informed about this problem so that you may avoid the discomfort that is associated with it. PLEASE NOTE: You should avoid flying if your nose is congested from a cold or allergies.

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The impact being in a pressurised aeroplane could have on your symptoms. Whether you have existing chest problems which could mean flying could make your symptoms worse.

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Resting Pulse Oximetry
Values >95% on room air suggest that inflight hypoxemia is unlikely and that further evaluation is likely not necessary. Patients with saturations <92% on room air at rest should receive supplemental oxygen inflight, because they are at high risk of hypoxemia at altitude.

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Takeoff and landing are widely considered the most dangerous parts of a flight.

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Keep your coughs at minimum by either popping cough drops as needed or taking cough medicine before you take off. Decongestants are also a good idea for that runny nose. Little Kleenex packets are available at most airports and could save your nose as well.

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Some recent studies do in fact suggest that traveling, especially flying, can have a negative effect on your immune system, thus making it easier for you to get sick.

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Infectious Diseases
An airline can deny boarding of any passenger who looks unwell, especially if they suspect the passenger might be infectious (infect other passengers).

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If you have sinus pressure during flights then you should bring along a decongestant spray (Oxymetazoline or Phenylephrine), found in the nasal aisle at the drug store, and use it approximately one hour before a flight of any duration.

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Flying whilst infected with a cold increases the risk of physical damage to the inner ear and sinuses.

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