Experts Share How You Can Combat Airsickness on Flights

The following article is from Travel Lens.

Ensuring a safe and stress-free holiday can be difficult, especially with ongoing delays worldwide. It can also be worse for those who suffer from air sickness on planes.

Airsickness, otherwise known as motion sickness, is caused when the body receives conflicting information regarding movement from the eyes, ears, and muscles. This confuses the brain, which can cause nausea, fatigue, and dizziness.

A few things can be done in preparation before and during a flight to help combat sickness while in the air.

A spokesperson for Travel Lens mentioned that "sickness is very common, and with plenty of holidays still to come this year, it's important that people can enjoy them fully without the added stress of feeling ill on the plane." 

For some people, sickness may be a persistent problem when traveling, but some routines can be implemented to help ease symptoms.

According to Travel Lens, getting adequate rest, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced meal can help to put you in the best position before flying, especially on longer journeys.

"While on the plane, it's important to stay as calm as possible, and by making small adjustments, you can reduce the effects of airsickness," the spokesperson said.

Here are some more tips that can help the next time you are preparing for a trip:

Pick a seat carefully
Typically the middle, the wing, and closer to the front of the plane are the best places to sit as this is where the journey feels most stable. Avoid the back of the aircraft, as seats here can be subject to more turbulence.

Switch on the air
Fresh air can help to ease feelings of dizziness and nausea, so it's important to utilize the air vents above the seats to keep the air circulating.

Put the book down
Reading books can usually be relaxing; however, it can be quite the opposite for sufferers of motion sickness. The best thing to do instead of reading is to try to relax and focus on breathing.

Fix your gaze
Focusing on a fixed horizontal line will help the body to make sense of the confusing array of movements. The more stability the brain has, the less likely airsickness symptoms will occur.

Avoid alcohol
Alcohol can dehydrate the body quickly, exacerbating symptoms, so it may be best to opt for a soda. Wait until symptoms have completely subsided before you consider having a drink or until you land.

Screens away
Similarly to a book, staring at a phone, tablet, or laptop screen may feel comforting, but it can add to the confusion in the brain. When experiencing airsickness, it's best to limit the amount of moving stimuli to give the body the best chance of feeling relaxed.

Choose food wisely
Although it's a good idea to eat a good meal before flying, make sure to choose the food wisely. Steer clear of greasy and spicy foods, as these can unsettle an already nervous stomach.

Get comfy
Some airlines have reclining seats, which will help to relax the body instead of sitting completely upright. Consider taking a travel pillow to ease the strain on the neck throughout the flight and put any unnecessary items in the overhead storage to ensure the most comfortable environment for dealing with any sickness symptoms.
Ginger
Some studies have suggested that consuming ginger before heading off on a flight can help to stop feelings of nausea. Whether it's taken as a supplement, in raw form, or even as a can of ginger beer, it's definitely worth a try.