A cold can be very uncomfortable, especially if you have a flight planned.
But does that mean you should cancel your flight?
Flying with a cold can be a challenge, both for the passenger and those traveling with him.
A cold can affect the ears, nose and throat, which can cause pain and discomfort during the flight.
There is also a risk of infecting other passengers.
Flying with a cold: when is it not advisable?
Whether you should fly with a cold depends on various factors.
If you only have mild cold symptoms such as a runny nose or cough, you can usually fly without any problems.
However, you should be careful not to infect other passengers.
Use tissues, wash your hands regularly and make sure to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
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A woman sits on an airplane and blows her nose into her handkerchief.
© Matej Kastelic/Imago
The decisive factor for a flight is whether you can equalize the pressure, says Michael Deeg from the German Professional Association of Ear, Nose and Throat Doctors, according to the
Travelbook
industry portal : "Hold your nose and blow air into your nose.
If there is a crackling sound in the ears, the pressure equalization is successful and those affected can fly.” If the pressure equalization does not work, however, Deeg urgently advises against flying.
This could lead to barotrauma, in which veins in the ear burst.
In the worst case, permanent damage to the inner ear could result.
When flying with small children, you should also clarify with the doctor whether a flight makes sense if you have a slight cold.
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Tips for flying with a mild cold
If you have to fly despite a cold, there are a few tips to make traveling as pleasant as possible:
Bring nasal decongestant sprays and painkillers
: A nasal decongestant spray is great for clearing a stuffy nose and relieving pressure on your ears.
Painkillers can help relieve headaches.
Drink plenty of water
: Fluid helps moisturize irritated mucous membranes and improves pressure equalization.
Take cough drops and lozenges with you
: they also help soothe a sore throat.
Well taken care of on the go: This belongs in the first-aid kit
Well taken care of on the go: This belongs in the first-aid kit
Fever & Co.: What to do if you have severe cold symptoms?
If you have severe cold symptoms such as fever or difficulty breathing, it is advisable to postpone or cancel the flight.
Fever can be dangerous not only for you but also for other passengers, as it is often a symptom of an underlying contagious disease.
On top of that, there is an increased risk of thrombosis in flies with a fever.
Make sure you get enough rest and medical attention before flying again.
This article was created with the help of machines and carefully checked by the editor Franziska Kaindl before publication.
List of rubrics: © Matej Kastelic/Imago
