6 Ways to Prevent Motion Sickness While Flying
No one wants to get sick on a plane—the bathrooms are tiny, the seats are crowded and there’s no fresh air. If you get motion sick or are afraid you might while flying, these tips can help.
Choose your seat strategically
Because you’re flying through air currents, the flight will have a normal bumpiness to it. Different seats, however, may be bumpier than others. Choose a seat between the plane’s wings or closer to the front of the airplane, where the ride tends to be more stable. Avoid sitting in the back of the plane.
Take Dramamine
If you know you’re prone to motion sickness or nausea in other forms of travel, make sure to pack Dramamine®. It actually prevents nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Try our original Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief or our long-lasting Dramamine® All Day Less Drowsy formula to prevent nausea, dizziness and vomiting. The tablets come in a convenient travel vial so you can slip them into your carry-on bag. If you’re traveling with little ones, try Dramamine® For Kids, formulated specially for children ages 2-12.
Try to relax
Anxiety and stress make motion sickness worse and can make it last longer. If you have a fear of flying, consider learning meditation or deep-breathing exercises to help you stay relaxed before and during your flight. If you’ve never flown before, talk to someone who has so you can understand the normal sounds and movements of an airplane and not be frightened when you hear them firsthand. Most of all, especially if you are traveling for fun, look forward to your destination and keep a positive mindset that everything will be all right.
Stay away from greasy or spicy foods
Eat light before you fly – both the night before and day of your flight – and pick up some crackers or other bland snacks in the airport to help in case your stomach gets upset. Stay away from greasy and spicy foods and limit your salt intake as well since flights can be dehydrating.
Avoid digital screens and reading materials
Reading, whether from a book, magazine or digital device, can cause motion sickness or make it worse. If you enjoy reading, try an audio book using headphones instead. Avoiding tense thrillers, mystery novels and anything about flying may also be a good idea to help you stay relaxed.
Ask for ginger ale from the beverage cart
Once the flight attendants bring the beverage cart through, opt for ginger ale or sparkling water instead of colas, juice or alcohol. The ginger ale can help keep nausea at bay, just drink it in small sips rather than gulping it down quickly.
If you feel sick even hours after your flight, you can still take the Dramamine® as directed or switch to our Dramamine® Non-Drowsy Naturals, which uses ginger to help prevent and treat nausea from motion sickness. Use our Where To Buy tool to find Dramamine® while away from home.