Tips for Avoiding Air Sickness

Experts at Travel Lens recently revealed tips people can use before and during a flight to avoid or reduce air sickness symptoms. Otherwise known as motion sickness, this feeling happens when the body receives conflicting information from the eyes, ears and muscles. The airplane’s movement confuses the brain, causing nausea, fatigue and dizziness.

Here are a few tips on how to avoid or reduce motion sickness:

Seat Choice

Typically, passengers sitting in seats in the middle, wing and closer to the front of the plane feel more stable. Try to avoid the back of the plane as it might experience more turbulence.

Air Flow

Fresh, cool air can help ease feelings of nausea or dizziness, so make sure to turn on the air vent above your seat to help circulate air flow.

Pay Attention

While reading a book or watching a movie is relaxing for some flyers, sufferers of air sickness may experience a different effect. Avoid screens all together, put down your book or turn off the movie. Instead, turn on some music to relax and focus on your breathing. Pay attention to where you are looking, as well. Focusing on a fixed horizontal object or line helps stabilize the brain and lessen symptoms.

Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol dehydrates the body quickly, which can worsen your symptoms. Instead, opt for a soda, juice or water. Once you’ve landed, make sure to wait until your symptoms are completely gone before drinking alcohol.

Get Comfy

Consider taking a travel pillow along to ease the strain on your neck during the flight. Put any unnecessary items in the overhead bin. If your seat reclines, try to put it back a little to help relax the body.

Ginger

Ginger helps settle the stomach and some studies found having ginger before a flight can help stop nausea. Take it as a supplement, in raw form, candy or even in a can of ginger beer. Come prepared with one of these in your carry-on for easy access throughout the flight.