How do I Deal with Dizziness on a Plane Journey?

How do I Deal with Dizziness on a Plane Journey?

Dizziness on a plane is just the worst, right? You are just sitting there, trying to relax, but suddenly everything feels off-balance. Your head feels light, and the world starts spinning a little. It is not fun.

If you feel this way or are worried about getting dizzy on a plane, you are not alone. And luckily, there are plenty of ways to handle it.

Image: A photo of an aircraft flying against a stunning sunset sky with vibrant orange and pink hues.

Why Do We Get Dizzy on a Plane?

Before we get into some of the ways to deal with dizziness on a plane, why does it even happen in the first place?

While there may be a lot of reasons, the main one is the pressure changes when the plane is taking off or landing. Planes fly at really high altitudes, and your body sometimes struggles to adjust to the lower air pressure. That can mess with your inner ear, which controls balance, leading to dizziness.

Dehydration, lack of fresh air, or even stress about flying can also make dizziness worse. Sometimes, it is motion sickness from all the movement and turbulence. All of this together can really throw your body off.

What to do when you Feel Dizzy on a Plane

1. Stay Hydrated

The dry air on planes can dehydrate you fast, and dehydration can be a major cause of dizziness. Make sure you drink water before, during, and after your flight.

Consider bringing an empty water bottle through security and fill it up at the airport. Airplane water is fine, but having your own supply is even better. Also, skip the sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeine if you can, as they can make dehydration worse.

2. Choose the Right Seat

You probably never thought about this, but where you sit matters too. The middle of the plane, near the wings, is the most stable spot. It is kind of like sitting in the middle of a seesaw. You feel less of the up-and-down motion. The window seat is also a good pick if you need to look outside for fresh air and to feel more grounded.

If you tend to get motion sickness, try to avoid sitting in the back. The plane moves a lot more in this area, which can mess with your balance even more.

3. Distract Yourself

Focusing too much on how you are feeling can sometimes make things worse. It is like that time when you feel that something bad is going to happen, and it just makes it worse. Distracting yourself can help stop that cycle.

Move around, watch a movie, listen to music, read a book, or play a game on your phone. The more you can take your mind off the dizziness, the less intense it might feel. 

Image: A photo of an aeroplane cabin with bright lighting and a calm atmosphere showing rows of seats with passengers seated.

4. Move Around (If and When You Can)

Sitting still for hours can make dizziness worse. If the seatbelt sign is off and you are able to, get up and walk down the aisle. Stretching your legs and moving around helps with circulation and can make you feel more at ease.

Even if you can’t get up, doing some simple stretches in your seat can help. Roll your shoulders, stretch your arms, and flex your feet to keep the blood flowing.

5. Take Motion Sickness Medicine

If you often get dizzy or motion sick, consider bringing motion sickness pills. Over-the-counter options like Dramamine or Meclizine can be lifesavers. Take them before your flight, and they can prevent dizziness before it even starts. Remember to always read the directions before use.

If you prefer natural remedies, ginger is a great option. You can bring ginger candies or ginger tea packets to help settle your stomach and keep dizziness at bay.