Is it OK to fly with a chesty cough?

If you're travelling long haul with a chesty cough, you're unlikely to rest properly, placing additional strain on your body and leaving you feeling exhausted. If you have existing lung problems, you should always consult your doctor before flying if you have any sort of cough or cold.



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The main risk of flying commercially while suffering from a chest infection is acute respiratory distress. The oxygen level and atmospheric pressure are respectively lower and higher than we are used to in a pressurized cabin. Passengers with a chest infection are especially vulnerable to these changes.

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The most important preventive measure is to avoid flying when symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection are present. When this is not possible, passengers should yawn, swallow, or chew to relieve pressure in the middle ear. Use of the Valsalva maneuver and decongestants or antihistamines may be helpful.

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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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The answer to the question “Can I fly with pneumonia” is in many cases 'No'. Flying in a commercial airliner when you are infected by pneumonia is not possible because of the risks associated with the flight. As a general rule, doctors do not recommend flying commercially.

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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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Persons with any of the following conditions should not travel by air: Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) within 2 to 3 weeks prior to travel. Pleural effusion (excess fluid occurring between the pleural layers) within 2 weeks prior to travel. Major chest surgery within 10 to 14 days prior to travel.

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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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Sea-level flights allow patients with pneumonia to fly Although some fluctuations in air pressure will still occur in an ambulance plane with a special pressurized cabin, especially during the ascent and descent, these can be compensated for by giving the patient additional in-flight oxygen.

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Choose a seat in the middle of the plane. As the air circulates across the rows and not up and down the plane, some experts believe the worst air is in the front or the back of the plane. Stay well hydrated by drinking lots of fluids (water or fruit juice) and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which will dehydrate you.

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It is important to note that an airline has the right to refuse a passenger if staff believe that the passenger meets the following conditions: if the passenger could be considered a potential safety hazard, might require medical attention during the flight, has a condition that might deteriorate during the flight, or ...

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2. What is denied boarding?
  • for health, safety, or security reasons;
  • for failing to follow airline rules or instructions;
  • because a passenger does not have appropriate travel documents; or.
  • the passenger has failed to respect check-in and departure gate cut-off time limits.


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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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