Flying with a cold – rules and tips

The flight is booked, the accommodation is reserved and the suitcases are packed – but then you feel a scratchy throat and a runny nose? That sounds like a cold. We clarify the question of whether you can start your journey like this and give you some important rules and helpful advice to help you reach your destination unharmed.

What is a cold?

A cold, also known as a flu-like infection, is a common viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. It is usually caused by different types of viruses. The typical symptoms are a runny or blocked nose, sore throat, mild headache and aching limbs and occasionally a slight fever.

Can you fly if you have a cold?

A common question asked by travellers is – there is no clear yes or no answer. You should assess your own health to make an informed decision before travelling. 

Can you fly with cold symptoms?

In principle, it is possible to fly with mild cold symptoms. However, typical symptoms such as a blocked nose or earache will make the flight more uncomfortable. The difference in pressure in the aircraft cabin often exacerbates these symptoms and causes additional discomfort.

Under what circumstances are you not allowed to fly?

If you have extremely pronounced cold symptoms, which are more likely to indicate flu or bronchitis, it is advisable to postpone your journey in order to protect yourself and avoid infecting others. You should also not fly on holiday if you have a serious illness such as chickenpox or measles.

What symptoms mean you should not fly?

Extreme symptoms of illness indicate that you should avoid flying. These include severe fever and respiratory symptoms, severe headaches and persistent nausea, as well as general malaise. These are just some of the symptoms that mean you should be in bed and not on an aeroplane.

To fly with a cold or not?

The decision whether or not to board a plane depends on your state of health, the severity of your symptoms and the potential risk of infection for other travellers. To be on the safe side, you can seek medical advice before travelling.

Cancelling a flight or flying with a cold?

This decision is a personal consideration between the urgency of the trip and your own well-being. If a cancellation is possible and the trip is not expressly necessary, we recommend postponing the trip to speed up your recovery.

What to do if you have to fly with a cold?

You have to take the booked flight at all costs and are asking yourself: What should you do if you have a cold and have to fly? Prepare yourself with the following measures to protect yourself and other air travellers.

Measures to protect yourself during the flight

• Wear a mask to minimise the risk of transmitting diseases.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use a sanitiser.
• Try to keep a certain distance from other air travellers.
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and use the crook of your arm or a handkerchief instead of your hands.
• Try to choose a window seat, as this allows less contact with other passengers than an aisle seat.
• Disinfect all surfaces such as armrests, tables and handles with disinfectant wipes after landing.

Why can flying with a cold be dangerous?

You should be aware that there is a risk of infecting the flight crew and other travellers. For yourself, there is a risk that the typical cold symptoms will be exacerbated by the differences in pressure during the flight. This will only delay your recovery and may even lead to a worsening of your state of health.

Tips for flying with a mild cold

If you are travelling anyway, it is best to follow these recommendations:

• Use decongestant nasal sprays to clear your sinuses and reduce the strain on your middle ear caused by the change in pressure.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic drinks to stay hydrated and prevent dehydration of the mucous membranes.
• Take appropriate medication to alleviate the symptoms of a cold, such as painkillers for headaches and aching limbs.
• Try to rest during the flight and avoid excessive exertion so as not to put additional strain on your body.
• Ensure good hand hygiene by washing your hands regularly or using sanitiser.

Tips for equalising pressure despite having a cold

The so-called Valsalva manoeuvre is often used to equalise pressure, in which you exert pressure on the sinuses by breathing out through the nose, but holding it closed and keeping your mouth closed at the same time. 

However, it is not recommended if you are ill, as the additional pressure on the sinuses can lead to discomfort in the middle ear. Instead, follow our recommendations:

• Use decongestant nasal sprays.
• Chew several chewing gums.
• Yawn or swallow regularly.
• Use special ear defenders.

FAQ: Flying with a cold

To put all your possible worries at ease, we answer other frequently asked questions about travelling by air with a cold below. 

Can children fly with a cold?

Children can usually fly too, but parents should take the severity of the symptoms into account. Be prepared for their discomfort to only get worse. Seek medical advice from your paediatrician or family doctor if necessary. 

Why nasal spray when flying?

Nasal sprays help to equalise the pressure in the ears by decongesting the mucous membranes and clearing the sinuses and ears.

Do ear plugs help when flying?

Special earplugs or earmuffs help to equalise pressure as they regulate air circulation in the ear and reduce possible discomfort.

Can you fly with a cough?

You can fly by aeroplane even if you have a slight cough. However, you should consider your own state of health and the risk of infection for other air travellers. If you have a severe or persistent cough, it is advisable to seek medical advice and postpone your journey if necessary.

Can you fly with a cold?

You can normally fly with a mild cold. However, individual symptoms, pressure equalisation and the potential risk of infection for other passengers must be taken into account.

Is flying with a cold dangerous?

As a rule, flying with a cold does not harbour any direct dangers. However, the pressure differences in the aircraft cabin can cause unpleasant symptoms such as pain in the ear.

Can I fly with the flu?

It is recommended not to fly with flu, especially if the symptoms are severe or accompanied by a fever.

Conclusion on flying with a cold

Flying with a slight cold is possible, but requires consideration. Assess how ill you feel, the urgency of the journey and consider postponing if you have severe symptoms or serious health concerns. If you choose to fly, prepare to protect yourself and avoid infecting other travellers.