Motion sickness, often triggered by repetitive motion or conflicting signals between your inner ear and eyesight, can turn flying into an unpleasant experience. If you’re prone to nausea and dizziness while in the air, don’t worry—there are plenty of strategies to prevent or alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness. With some preparation and the right techniques, you can enjoy a much more comfortable flight. Here are practical tips to help you minimize discomfort and keep motion sickness at bay.
Choose the Right Seat
Where you sit on the plane can make a big difference. The middle of the aircraft, near the wings, experiences the least amount of motion during a flight because it’s closer to the plane's center of gravity. Avoid seats near the tail, which tend to feel bumpier during turbulence.
For those particularly prone to motion sickness, opt for a window seat so you can focus on the horizon or a fixed point outside. Keeping your gaze fixed on something stable helps your brain reconcile the movement, reducing symptoms like nausea and dizziness.
Avoid Heavy or Greasy Meals Before Flying
What you eat before boarding can heavily influence how you feel during the flight. Avoid heavy, greasy, or acidic foods before flying, as these can upset your stomach and make you more vulnerable to motion sickness.
Instead, eat light and stick to easily digestible meals like toast, crackers, or plain rice. If possible, have your meal an hour or two before your flight to give your stomach time to settle.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can worsen motion sickness symptoms, so it’s essential to drink plenty of water before and during your flight. Avoid excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol—they not only promote dehydration but can also irritate your stomach and heighten nausea.
Bring your own reusable water bottle if allowed and fill it after passing through security. Sip water throughout the flight to stay hydrated and keep your body in balance.
Use Over-the-Counter Medications
For those with severe motion sickness, over-the-counter medications can be a lifesaver. Antihistamines like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine are specifically designed to prevent symptoms of motion sickness.
These medications work best when taken about 30-60 minutes before boarding, so plan ahead. While effective, they can cause drowsiness, so it’s worth considering how this might affect your ability to enjoy your flight.
If you prefer prescription-strength solutions, consult a doctor about your options. Remember to test any new medication in advance to ensure you don’t experience unexpected side effects.
Try Natural Remedies like Ginger
Ginger is a time-tested natural remedy for nausea and motion sickness. You can consume it in various forms, including ginger tea, ginger candies, capsules, or even fresh ginger slices. Studies suggest that ginger can help settle the stomach and prevent nausea without causing drowsiness.
Peppermint is another alternative with calming effects on the digestive system. Bring peppermint gum or mints along to help pacify your stomach if you start to feel sick mid-flight.
Focus on the Horizon
Keeping your gaze fixed on the horizon or focusing on a stationary point outside the window reduces the sensory conflict that often triggers motion sickness. This helps your brain synchronize what you’re seeing with your body’s inner balance system.
If you can’t get a window seat, close your eyes and engage in meditative breathing exercises to calm your body. Avoid reading, looking at your phone, or watching movies, as these activities can heighten the feeling of dizziness during motion.
Use Acupressure Bands
Acupressure bands, like Sea-Bands, are another popular non-medical option for preventing motion sickness. These wristbands apply gentle pressure to the Nei-Kuan (P6) acupressure point on your wrists, which is believed to alleviate nausea.
Acupressure bands are widely available, easy to use, and drug-free, making them a good choice for travelers who prefer natural methods over medications. Simply wear them according to the instructions, and you may notice a significant reduction in nausea.
Practice Controlled Breathing Techniques
Calm, rhythmic breathing can help ease feelings of nausea and anxiety, especially during takeoff and turbulence. A simple exercise is to inhale deeply through your nose for four counts, hold your breath for four counts, and exhale slowly for six counts.
This technique helps relax your muscles and regulate your breathing rhythm, reducing the stress response often associated with motion sickness.
Listen to Calming Music or Audiobooks
Distractions can work wonders in preventing motion sickness. Bring noise-canceling headphones and listen to calming music, meditation tracks, or engaging audiobooks. Audio content draws your focus away from symptoms and gives your brain something else to process.
Just make sure to avoid overly stimulating media, as this could heighten your discomfort.
Plan Ahead and Bring Essentials
Preparation is key to managing motion sickness. Pack a travel kit with essentials like motion sickness medications, ginger candies, acupressure bands, a water bottle, and an eye mask. Having everything you need at hand can make dealing with symptoms less stressful.
It’s also a good idea to inform the cabin crew if you’re feeling unwell. They’re trained to assist passengers and may have remedies, such as ginger ale or soothing ice packs, to help you feel better.
Motion sickness doesn’t have to ruin your flying experience. By choosing the right seat, staying hydrated, using medications or natural remedies, and planning ahead, you can minimize discomfort and make your flight much more enjoyable.
Every traveler is unique, so experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you. With the right preparation, you’ll soon look forward to your next trip without the fear of motion sickness holding you back. Safe travels!
