How to Deal With Airsickness (and When to Worry)

Why it happens

Your inner ear says "we're moving"; your eyes say "we're sitting still." The mismatch triggers nausea.

Seat selection

• Over the wing is the most stable part of the aircraft.
• Window seat lets you fix your gaze on the horizon.
• Avoid the back of the plane on turbulent days.

On the day

• Eat something light a couple of hours before.
• Avoid alcohol and heavy fatty foods.
• Stay hydrated.
• Bring ginger candies or capsules.

Medications

• Bonine (meclizine) — non-drowsy, taken 1 hour before.
• Dramamine — effective but drowsy.
• Scopolamine patch — prescription, behind the ear, 8-hour onset, lasts 3 days.

During the flight

• Look at the horizon if visible.
• Air vents directly on your face help.
• Cold cloth on the back of the neck.
• Slow, deep breathing.

When it warrants a doctor

If airsickness is suddenly new, severe, or paired with hearing issues, see an ENT — inner-ear conditions can present this way.

After landing

Pin the flight in FlightyFlow — knowing the gate and bag carousel before you stand up reduces the amount of post-flight reading and movement, which helps the recovery.