Can you get altitude sickness on a plane? It’s a question many travelers ask after stepping off a flight feeling dizzy, nauseous, or just plain off. Flying thousands of feet above sea level is thrilling and convenient, but it can come with unexpected health concerns. While jet lag often gets the blame, altitude sickness, also called mountain sickness, is another possibility—but the answer isn’t as simple as you might think.
Altitude sickness typically occurs at high altitudes when the body struggles to adjust to oxygen levels, causing symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and nausea. But what about airplanes, which maintain pressurized cabins? This blog dives into the connection between flying and altitude sickness, how it differs from jet lag, and the signs to look out for when you’re feeling off mid-flight. Understanding the risks can help you take the right precautions before your next trip.
To make your flights smoother, we’ll also share actionable tips to avoid altitude sickness while flying and address common questions about feeling unwell during air travel. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or preparing for your first trip, this guide will ensure you arrive at your destination feeling your best. Keep reading to fly healthy and worry-free!
Altitude sickness, also called acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a condition that can affect people who travel to high altitudes typically defined by being above 8,000 feet (2,500 meters). When individuals fail to acclimatize properly, they can develop altitude sickness, leading to symptoms such as headaches and shortness of breath. It’s caused by lower oxygen levels from the high altitude environment, and it can become more severe the higher you go.
Altitude sickness typically develops within 12-24 hours of going up in altitude. Symptoms can include:
In addition, High altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is a severe form of altitude sickness, often stemming from acute mountain sickness (AMS) and marked by severe hypoxemia. But you're not at risk of these conditions in an airplane, they are usually a threat altitudes of 14,000 and higher.
The body needs time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes, the process of acclimatization. This adjustment period is necessary because the higher you go, the less oxygen is available, making it essential for the body to adapt to these conditions.
Can you get altitude sickness in a plane? Yes! Although many will tell you that you don’t get altitude sickness in a plane, science has hinted there might be a correlation. We think some passengers can get a mild form of altitude sickness, let us explain why.
High altitude medicine provides valuable insights into understanding altitude sickness in planes. It highlights the physiological effects and medical conditions that can occur at elevated elevations, which are relevant to the conditions experienced during flights.
Cabin pressure is the culprit. Most commercial flights pressurize the cabin equivalent to the altitude of between 6500 to 8000 feet high (1981 to 2438 meters). The FAA regulations require no more than 8,000 feet.
That threshold of 8,000 feet is exactly where altitude sickness can start developing. In fact, even in Denver at 5280 feet high, some visitors can see mild forms of altitude sickness. Therefore, we think there’s a high probability for risk of mild altitude sickness in a plane.
Don’t just take our word for it, let’s look at the research. Here’s what studies show:
Yes, you can get altitude sickness in a plane. Although there are mild risks and symptoms, the evidence shows actual cases of altitude sickness, lower oxygen levels, which are similar to altitude sickness causes, impaired athletes from airplane travel, and dehydration fluid balance issues.
While jet-lag is defined as a separate condition than altitude sickness, the symptoms are oddly similar.
Although they share similar symptoms, altitude sickness and jet lag are considered different conditions. Jet lag is caused by changes in your circadian rhythm due to changes in time zone.
Jet lag is what you experience when your body clock is out of sync with local time. You can experience jet lag when you travel across time zones by plane — hence the name “jet lag.”
The symptoms are oddly similar to altitude sickness, including:
While we acknowledge these are separate conditions—altitude sickness caused by lower oxygen levels and jet lag caused by circadian rhythm issues—we think there’s evidence of some overlapping causes and symptoms. High elevation can exacerbate altitude sickness due to lower oxygen levels, leading to symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue. With the evidence of mild altitude sickness in a plane, if you want to know how to avoid jet lag, it’s highly possible the symptoms are linked to the cabin altitude pressure.
While jet lag is often blamed for discomfort during travel, altitude sickness can also significantly contribute to that unpleasant experience. If you’re worried about altitude sickness or other physical challenges during a flight, these tips can help ensure a more comfortable journey:
Cabin air is notoriously dry, with humidity levels often dropping below 20%, which is much lower than what our bodies are accustomed to on the ground.
This dry air can exacerbate dehydration, leading to symptoms like fatigue, and headaches, which may even mimic the effects of altitude sickness. If left unchecked, dehydration can become life-threatening, significantly worsening altitude sickness. To stay comfortable and healthy during your flight, it’s essential to drink plenty of water both before boarding and throughout the journey. And consider bringing a portable water bottle for consistent hydration, and a hydration chewable to enhance water absorption.
High altitudes can lead to oxidative stress due to lower oxygen levels, which put extra strain on the body’s cells.
Studies have even shown that high altitudes can deplete glutathione, a vital antioxidant that helps protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. To combat this, consider boosting your antioxidant levels by supplementing with amino acids such as glutathione. Doing so can support your body’s ability to adapt to the challenges of high-altitude environments and maintain overall cellular health.
Overexertion can leave your body more vulnerable to fatigue, soreness, and other discomforts, especially when traveling.
To stay energized and healthy, it’s important to plan for adequate rest both before you take off and after you arrive at your destination. Giving your body time to recharge can make a big difference in how you feel during and after your journey. If symptoms of altitude sickness occur, it is crucial to avoid further ascent to prevent worsening of the condition.
Medications like acetazolamide (Diamox) can help your body adjust more easily to lower oxygen levels, making them particularly useful for flights with high-altitude layovers or destinations. Be sure to consult your doctor or medical professional first. Additionally, some travelers opt to bring motion sickness remedies, such as Dramamine, to ensure a more comfortable journey.
Regularly walking or stretching can significantly improve blood circulation, helping oxygen and nutrients reach different parts of the body more efficiently.
At a higher elevation, such as during a flight, the risks associated with altitude sickness can increase. This improved circulation can reduce feelings of lightheadedness or fatigue, boost overall energy levels, and even contribute to better focus and mental clarity throughout the day. These simple activities are an easy and effective way to support your overall well-being.
By following these steps, you’ll feel your best—even at 35,000 feet!
Whether the high-altitudes from a plane, a mountain, or feeling lagged from traveling, these two ingredients show promising results to help your body hydrate, revive, and recover.
Glutathione, the body's master antioxidant, plays a key role in combating altitude sickness. Oxygen at high elevations, which could include airplane pressure, depletes glutathione levels. Using this powerful antioxidant helps replenish glutathione levels and neutralize free radical damage from airplane travel.
Glutamine has been shown to increase cellular hydration and delay or lower fatigue levels. This amino acid is vital to help your body combat the dehydrating cabin conditions of planes and other possible symptoms.
Glutathione and glutamine, two natural ingredients, can have substantial benefits for potential negative effects from high altitudes or other issues related to airplane travel. They are a great option for supplements, whether you want jet leg pills or altitude adjustment pills.
When using supplements, it is important to consider pre-existing medical conditions. Individuals with certain conditions should seek advice from healthcare professionals to ensure their safety and well-being.
Zaca created a product that gives you a more enjoyable travel experience. A natural chewable supplement that contains both Glutamine and Glutathione, as well as a few other key ingredients, are known to give you an enhanced travel experience. It helps keep you feeling hydrated and replenished throughout your trip. You can use it before or after your plane ride, or if you need to keep going on long journeys like a vacation or business trip. And designed in packets to fit in a pocket and travel with you anywhere in the world. Try our Zaca chewable tablets today and feel refreshed for your next trip!
Understanding your risks of altitude sickness in a plane and preparing accordingly can make all the difference in your comfort level during air travel. Awareness, hydration, and the right precautions mentioned above ensure that nothing disrupts your in-flight experience—or your adventures to come.
Next time you're gearing up to fly, apply these tips for a healthier and more enjoyable trip—so you can step off the plane refreshed and ready to explore!
Feeling sick on a plane is far from uncommon. According to research, nearly 25% of passengers experience discomfort or illness during commercial flights—a significant portion of travelers each year. Considering there are approximately 800 million passenger flights annually in the U.S. alone, that’s a considerable number of individuals affected, adding up to over 200 million passenger flights.
Yes, motion sickness is common during flights and can affect both passengers and crew members. Interestingly, even pilots are not immune to this issue. In fact, they have reported experiencing motion sickness at a rate of over 25%. Motion sickness can be caused by turbulence, rapid changes in altitude, or the disconnect between visual and physical cues, making it a challenge for many in the aviation world.
Dehydration, altitude sickness, changes in cabin air pressure, lack of movement during the flight, or even jet lag caused by crossing time zones and disrupting your circadian rhythms can all contribute to feeling sick or dizzy after flying. The dry air in the cabin can leave you parched, while the reduced oxygen levels at higher altitude cabin pressure may cause fatigue or headaches. Long periods of sitting can also lead to poor circulation, adding to feelings of discomfort, and adjusting to a new time zone can throw off your body’s internal clock, leaving you drained and disoriented. Additionally, lower oxygen levels can pose greater risks to passengers with lung disease, exacerbating their symptoms compared to those who are healthy.
There are several reasons why flying can make you feel unwell. The recycled air in the cabin, while filtered, can still increase your exposure to germs, making it easier to catch a cold or other illnesses. The low humidity levels aboard planes can dry out your nasal passages and throat, weakening your body's defense against infections. Cabin pressure at high altitudes can also affect how your body feels, causing mild hypoxia or other discomforts. Additionally, stress from travel, disrupted sleep patterns, and jet lag can all lower your immune response, making you more susceptible to illness.
The duration of flight nausea can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the symptoms. For most people, the nausea typically subsides shortly after the flight ends, as the body readjusts to stable conditions on the ground. Mild cases may resolve within a few minutes to an hour, while more severe cases could last several hours. If nausea persists for an extended period after the flight, it may be a sign of an underlying issue, and consulting a healthcare professional may be necessary.
To avoid sickness on a plane, consider several proactive measures. Start by staying well-hydrated before and during the flight, as dehydration can worsen symptoms of discomfort. Avoid alcohol before or while flying, as it can contribute to nausea, headaches, and dehydration. Additionally, practicing controlled breathing can help calm your body and reduce feelings of sickness. Lastly, having some ginger candies on hand may provide natural relief for nausea, and Zaca chewables can support you body with antioxidant defense against the cabin pressure stress and enhance hydration.
There are several factors that can contribute to diarrhea after flying. According to the Houston Methodist Leading Medicine, changes in routine, such as irregular meal times and sleep patterns, can disrupt your digestive system, leading to gastrointestinal distress. Airplane food or meals eaten at airports may also play a role, as they tend to be rich in preservatives, salt, and fats, which can irritate the stomach. Furthermore, dehydration caused by the low humidity in airplane cabins can affect digestion, making it harder for your body to process food. Lastly, travel stress—whether from rushing through airports, dealing with delays, or adjusting to a new environment—can upset the balance in your gut, potentially triggering diarrhea. Being mindful of these factors.
Yes, altitude sickness can occur at elevations as low as 5,000 feet, such as in Denver, Colorado, though it is less common at these heights compared to higher altitudes. Symptoms can begin as low as 4,000 feet but are most frequently experienced at 8,000 feet or above. This explains why altitude sickness can be relatively common during air travel, as most planes maintain cabin pressure equivalent to altitudes between 6,500 and 8,000 feet.
Copy the coupon code & use it at checkout
