What do you put in your nose when flying?

The best offense is always a good defense, Powell says. Use saline nasal spray before and after the flight. The plane air is so dry and that dries out your mucus membranes, which reduces your resistance to infection, but keeping these membranes moist with saline spray may help.



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Spray Afrin nasal decongestant spray twice into each nostril one hour prior to flying. Begin taking a decongestant, like Sudafed, one hour before the flight. Both of these medications can be purchased over-the-counter in a drug store.

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Use a Decongestant Spray Before Takeoff. As previously mentioned, keeping your congestion at bay from the very beginning is the best way to avoid in-air sinus problems. Before your flight, visit the pharmacy and pick up a decongestant spray from the nasal aisle and use it right before you board the flight.

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In order to maximize the ability of the eustachian tube and sinus passageways to work, we will give you a few helpful hints: Spray Afrin nasal decongestant spray twice into each nostril one hour prior to flying. Begin taking a decongestant, like Sudafed, one hour before the flight.

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Treat congestion before your trip
If you're congested from allergies or an upper respiratory infection, it's important to do what you can to resolve the congestion before you fly. Common treatments for congestion include antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal steroid sprays.

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With a doctor's approval, adults can take a decongestant. “If it's a short flight, take it [the decongestant] before leaving,” House says. If it's a long flight, eight hours or so, you might take it an hour or so before the scheduled landing.

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These include any hormone-based drugs, like the contraceptive pill and some fertility medicines, and drugs used to prevent heart attack and stroke. Antihistamines should also not be used to help passengers sleep during a flight.

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Over-the-counter medicines
  • Diarrhea medicine (Imodium or Pepto-Bismol)
  • Antacid.
  • Antihistamine.
  • Motion sickness medicine.
  • Cough drops, cough suppressant, or expectorant.
  • Decongestant.
  • Pain and fever medicine (acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen)
  • Mild laxative.


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Benadryl - Many parents ask about giving Benadryl to their child before a flight to promote rest and sleep. This is not necessary. Benadryl does not necessarily cause a child to sleep or sit quietly. In fact, it may cause a child to be hyper and/or irritable.

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However, when an airplane is ascending or descending (during take-off and landing, or in mid-air), the pressure difference can be felt for a short while inside the cabin as well. This sudden change in ambient pressure is the trigger for sinus pain and discomfort.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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As mentioned, you don't need to have your pills in their original bottles under TSA guidelines. However, when traveling out of the country, having those pills in their original prescription bottles may make the customs process smoother and simpler.

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Medications can be packed in a pill box. However, it is usually best to keep medicines in labeled containers provided by your pharmacist. TSA does not require medications to be in their original, labeled, prescription containers. However, using the original containers may limit delays or additional questioning.

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How long before flight should I take Benadryl? If you're taking antihistamines, decongestants, or over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, it's important to take your medication at least an hour before your flight so it has time to work before your plane takes off.

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Hearing loss accumulates over a lifetime, so even if you aren't a frequent flyer, you should protect your ears on every flight. Everyday sounds like music in fitness classes, noisy movie theaters and gas-powered lawn tools can cause damage to your hearing (3).

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Preventing Airplane Ear If clogged ears or ear pain cause you problems when flying, there are several steps you can take to prevent it from happening: Use filtered earplugs. Chew gum or suck on candy. Use a nasal spray 30 minutes before takeoff.

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The window seat is much noisier. Not only are you getting the sound blast from the jet engines and propellers, but there's also the rushing air from outside. The best place to sit is toward the front of the plane, anywhere past the wings. This will give your ears the best chance of protection.

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