How Common is Motion Sickness on Planes?

How Common is Motion Sickness on Planes?

Motion sickness can be a real pain, especially when you are on a plane. Imagine settling into your seat, looking forward to a relaxing flight, and then that queasy feeling hits. It may be one of the worst things about travelling.

It often happens when there is a disconnect between what your eyes see and what your inner ear (which helps control your balance) senses. On a plane, your eyes might see a calm cabin, but your inner ear feels the plane moving. This mix-up confuses your brain and can lead to dizziness, nausea, and sometimes vomiting.

Image: A photo of an aeroplane flying through the sky against a backdrop of a glowing, colourful sunset.

How Common Is Motion Sickness on Planes?

If you think you are alone, you are wrong. Motion sickness is something that affects quite a lot of people while flying, especially on bumpy flights or during turbulence. It also often kicks in during takeoff or landing, as that is when the plane is moving the most, and your body can feel the changes in altitude and speed.

Of course, not everyone feels it the same way. It comes with different signs and symptoms. Some might just feel a little uneasy or dizzy, while others may feel really sick and need to reach for those air sickness bags. For most, it passes quickly once the plane settles down or when they get used to the motion.

How to Prevent Motion Sickness on a Plane

Here are some things you can do to prevent motion sickness while flying;

Pick the right seat - Where you sit can make a big difference. The middle of the plane, over the wings, is usually the steadiest part, as it moves less than the back or front, which means you might feel less motion here.

Look out the window - Focusing on the horizon or looking at something stable outside can help your brain make sense of the movement. Try to keep your gaze on a fixed point.

Avoid reading or staring at screens - Reading a book or watching a movie can make things worse, as your brain has to work harder to process the still images while your body feels the plane moving.

Try motion sickness medications - If you know you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking over-the-counter medications like Dramamine or using motion sickness patches before the flight starts.

Image: A photo of a man covering his mouth with one hand, seemingly feeling unwell or nauseous

What to Do If You Feel Motion Sickness During the Flight

If you start feeling sick mid-flight, don’t worry. There are a few things you can do to ease the symptoms;

Close your eyes and lean back - This can help reduce the confusion between what your body and brain are sensing.

Use the air vent - Aim the air vent at your face to get some fresh, cool air. This can help reduce nausea.

Stay still - Try to stay as still as possible, and avoid turning your head quickly. Sudden movements can make motion sickness worse.

Distract yourself - Listening to calming music, a podcast, or doing some breathing exercises can take your mind off the motion.

Use a cold compress - A cool, damp cloth on your forehead can help you feel better. 

Ginger - Ginger is known to help with nausea. Try ginger tea, ginger ale, or ginger candies to calm your stomach.

Conclusion

Motion sickness on planes is more common than you might think, and it is nothing to be embarrassed about. While it is an uncomfortable experience, there are plenty of ways to reduce the symptoms or avoid it altogether.

Simple things like choosing the right seat, avoiding screens, and bringing some ginger candy can make a big difference. So next time you fly, just relax, be prepared, and try out some of the tips we have shared above.