Airsickness is a type of incompatibility disorder causing cold sweats, nausea and vomiting during the flight. It is felt intensely, especially when the plane is shaking, often the tremors of the plane trigger the airsickness.

Getting sick on a plane is most commonly referred to as airsickness, a specific form of motion sickness. It occurs when your brain receives conflicting signals: your eyes see a stable cabin, but your inner ear (vestibular system) senses the movement, bank, and turbulence of the aircraft. In 2026, medical professionals also use the term "Economy Class Syndrome" specifically to refer to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a more serious condition caused by sitting for long periods in cramped spaces. General illness caught from the recirculated air—though rare due to modern HEPA filters—is often colloquially called the "plane flu." To prevent the standard airsickness, 2026 travel health guides recommend focusing your gaze on the distant horizon, choosing a seat over the wing (the plane's center of gravity) for the smoothest ride, and staying hydrated while avoiding heavy or greasy meals before take-off.