Healthy air travel tips

Healthy travel tips

Domestic leisure air travel in the U.S. has bounced back

to pre-pandemic levels. And American travelers with the necessary means intend to take an average of 3.8 international vacations within the next 12 months, up 72% from 2019*. That means you should start thinking about booking flights for spring break and summer vacation now.

Even if COVID-19 is less of a threat when flying now, it’s still important to take steps to stay healthy so you don’t suffer during your vacation or when you return home.

Here are some tips for flying the friendly skies in good health and comfort.

Travel in comfort

Use a neck pillow

on longer flights to avoid neck strain and help you rest easy while sleeping.

Take an eye mask

to block out light and activity while trying to rest or sleep. If your feet can’t reach the floor, use a foot hammock to prevent back pain.

Try earplugs or noise

cancelling headphones to block out noise that keeps you from resting or makes you anxious.

Pack a lightweight blanket

in case you get chilly.

Find out about COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for entering and

exiting every country you plan to visit.

Schedule any immunizations

If you’re flying internationally or cruising, schedule the immunizations you’ll need as soon as you plan your trip. Check out the CDC’s destination pages for travel

health information for individual countries.

Pack all of your medications in your carry-on, even when

flying home. You never know when your luggage will be lost or you’ll be delayed in an airport.

Ask your provider about medication

or breathing exercises you can use if you get airsick or anxious when flying. Stay hydrated by drinking water and using saline nasal spray and eye drops before, during and after your flight. You’re less likely to get sick if you’re well-hydrated and have moist nasal passages.

Get up and walk around every 2-3 hours to avoid deep vein thrombosis.

If there isn't enough room or the "fasten seatbelt" sign is on, do calf raises and other leg stretches at your seat every 30 minutes.

Sanitize hard surfaces

Clean hard surfaces like the seatbelt buckle, armrests and tray table with sanitizing wipes before you touch them. Be diligent while sitting inside the airport too!

Consider wearing

a mask over your mouth and nose to filter out germs from the air.

Chew gum to allow fresh air into your middle and inner ear, which will even out the pressure and make you more comfortable, especially during takeoff and landing.

Skip the alcohol – it dehydrates you.