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Flying While Sick: What’s Allowed — and What’s Just Gross

Flying While Sick: What’s Allowed — and What’s Just Gross

Let’s not dance around it: flying while sick is one of those moral gray zones that brings out the worst in all of us. You feel like crap, you’ve got non-refundable tickets, and maybe you have to be somewhere. So you think, “It’s just a cold… right?” But let’s get real: some of you are out here coughing your lungs out mid-flight, touching everything with your germy hands, and acting like you're not ground zero for an in-flight outbreak. Yeah, we noticed. So let’s talk about what’s actually okay — and what’s just nasty.

Can You Fly Sick? Technically, Yes.

Airlines aren’t your mom. Unless you’re visibly dying at the gate, most carriers won’t stop you from flying while sick. That said, if you're hacking up a lung and look like a CDC case study, they can deny you. Flight crews are allowed to make judgment calls if they think you're a health risk. Translation: if you look and sound contagious, you might get pulled aside — and frankly, you should.

When You're Probably Fine to Fly

Let’s break it down. If you have:
  • A mild cold
  • Seasonal allergies
  • Slight sinus pressure
You're good to go — if you take precautions. But if you have:
  • A high fever
  • Nonstop coughing fits
  • Stomach issues (we’re talking anything explosive)
  • Flu or COVID symptoms
Sit this one out. Seriously. No flight is worth turning into an airborne biohazard.

What’s Allowed (aka How Not to Be a Menace)

Take Medicine Before the Flight

You know you’re sick. That’s not a mystery. So don’t “see how it goes” at 35,000 feet — take something before you board. Decongestants, cough suppressants, whatever works for you. No one wants to sit next to a live sound effects machine for five hours when you are flying while sick.

Bring All the Things

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Tissues (the good ones)
  • Cough drops
  • A mask (yes, still a thing, especially if you’re coughing)
Show your rowmates you're trying. That small effort goes a long way when you’re obviously under the weather.

Wipe Down Your Area

Tray table, seatbelt, armrest, buttons — all of it. Not just for others, but for your own health. Planes are basically flying petri dishes when you are flying while sick.

What’s Just Gross (Stop Doing This)

Bare-Handed Sneezing

No tissue? Use your elbow. Not your hand, not the seat in front of you, and DEFINITELY not your sleeve. Have some self-respect — and some respect for the people trapped around you when you are flying while sick.

Using the Seat Pocket as a Trash Can

You know what’s in those seat pockets? A mystery sandwich of germs. So don’t stuff your used tissues in there. That’s how other people get sick. Wrap your garbage up and toss it in the lavatory trash, or keep a disposable bag on hand when you are flying while sick.

Not Wearing a Mask When You’re Coughing

No one’s trying to shame you for being sick — we’ve all been there. But if you’re coughing the entire flight and not wearing a mask, you’re being a jerk. Full stop.

Ignoring the Bathroom Situation

If you have stomach issues, you probably shouldn’t be on a plane. But if you're going to risk it, at least be aware: those tiny lavs are shared. Clean up after yourself. If you destroy the bathroom, alert a flight attendant. Don’t leave it like a biohazard zone for the next poor soul when you are flying while sick.

Flying While Sick? Here’s How to Be a Decent Human

  • Pick a window seat. Fewer people near you = fewer people you infect.
  • Don’t talk the whole time. Rest. Hydrate. Shut up and recover.
  • Let the crew know. They can help with water, tissues, or moving you away from other passengers if possible.
  • Don’t touch everything. Keep your hands to yourself.
  • Don’t fly if you're barely upright. If you can’t stand in line without wobbling, maybe postpone that trip.

Sometimes You Just Shouldn’t Fly

Yes, tickets are expensive. No, you probably won’t get a full refund. But spreading your illness to a plane full of strangers is selfish — and honestly kind of cruel. Some people on that plane are elderly, pregnant, immunocompromised, or flying to visit a sick relative. So before you pack your cold meds and hope for the best, ask yourself: Am I sick — or am I contagious and inconsiderate? There’s a difference.

Bottom Line: Don’t Be Gross, Don’t Be Selfish

Flying while sick happens. We get it. But if you do it, be self-aware. Take steps to avoid infecting the whole plane. Because no one wants to end up sick just because you couldn’t reschedule a meeting or wanted to make your beach weekend. Flying while sick isn’t a crime. Being gross about it kind of is. Visit our website for more details. Also Read: What to Eat Before and During a Flight to Avoid Jet Lag