How to Prevent Motion Sickness on a Plane

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

Content

Steps

Prepare for Air Travel

During the Flight

See a doctor if you have serious issues or chronic conditions

Anyone can experience motion sickness on a plane, but some people are particularly sensitive to it, facing this issue every time they fly. Motion sickness is a form of travel sickness caused by conflicting signals sent to the brain by the senses. Your eyes may perceive the surrounding environment as still, sending signals to the brain that you're stationary. However, your inner ear detects the motion. This discordant information leads to dizziness and, at times, nausea. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent motion sickness on a plane, as outlined below.

Steps

Prepare for Air Travel

Avoid overeating. Pay attention to what you eat in the 24 hours before your flight. Avoid greasy, fatty foods, or heavily spiced meals. Instead, opt for smaller meals throughout the day leading up to the flight. Do not overeat right before boarding.

Avoid foods that require intense focus on your stomach, like those that may cause bloating or acid reflux. The less you concentrate on your stomach, the better you will feel.
Try not to eat just before your flight, but make sure you’re not boarding on an empty stomach either.

Limit alcohol consumption. This can trigger motion sickness in many people. It is best to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and instead focus on staying hydrated with plenty of water.

Choose the right seat. When purchasing your flight ticket, you can often select your seat. It's recommended to choose a spot near the wings and by the window.

This area tends to provide the least motion sensation during the flight. A window seat allows you to focus on the horizon or distant, fixed objects to stabilize your perception.
If window seats near the wings aren't available, opt for a seat towards the front of the plane near the window. The front section of the aircraft is also where you will feel the least motion during the flight.

Get plenty of rest. Resting adequately before your flight will help your body feel more relaxed and prepared.

Take anti-motion sickness medication. Preventing motion sickness is better than trying to treat it once the symptoms appear. Your doctor can prescribe you medications to help.

There are various medications available to help prevent motion sickness. Over-the-counter options like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine may be effective.
Stronger medications are available with a doctor's prescription, such as scopolamine. Scopolamine is available in a patch form that you apply behind your ear about 30 minutes before flying.
Some other medications are effective but have side effects, which may not be suitable for everyone. For instance, promethazine and benzodiazepines.
Promethazine is commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting due to illness, but its sedative effect may last for several hours.
Benzodiazepines are effective in preventing motion sickness but are often prescribed for anxiety-related issues. They also have a sedative effect that can last for extended periods. Some examples of this group include alprazolam, lorazepam, and clonazepam.
Your doctor will know which medication is best for your specific needs.

Consult your doctor about your health condition. Certain health conditions can make you more sensitive to dizziness compared to others. Your doctor may help adjust your medication dosage temporarily before you fly.

Never adjust your medication dosage on your own. Doing so may lead to unwanted issues like motion sickness, vomiting, or diarrhea during your flight, and your condition could worsen.

Wear acupressure wristbands or use ginger. While the effectiveness of acupressure or ginger remains inconclusive, some people swear by these methods. The wristband applies pressure to certain points on your wrist, which many believe helps control dizziness and nausea.

During the Flight

Avoid reading or playing video games. Focusing on something close to your eyes can interfere with the brain's motion signals.

Instead, listen to music through headphones, try audiobooks, or watch in-flight entertainment to pass the time more quickly.

Focus on the horizon. Fixing your gaze on a steady point, like the horizon, helps relax your brain and stabilize your body's balance. Choosing a window seat can help you keep your focus on a distant, fixed point like the horizon.

Adjust the air vent. Ensure a flow of fresh, cool air is directed toward you. Breathing in fresh, cool air can help you relax and avoid feeling overheated. Personal fans can also make the air feel more comfortable and circulate around you.

Control your breathing. Fast and shallow breathing can worsen motion sickness symptoms. Slow, deep breaths have been shown to help reduce motion sickness compared to normal breathing.

Using slow, deep breathing techniques activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps you feel better. This method relaxes you and makes your body feel more at ease.

Use a headrest when seated. It will help you relax and keep your head from swaying during the flight. You can also use a neck pillow if that feels more comfortable for you.

Snack lightly and avoid alcohol or coffee during the flight. Steer clear of foods that could upset your stomach. You can have a few crackers and sip cold water during the flight.

Drink plenty of water while flying to stay hydrated and help your body maintain its fluid balance.

Stand up. If you start feeling nauseous, get up. Lying back or reclining won't help. Standing will allow your body to regain balance and could alleviate the feeling of dizziness.

Ask the flight attendant to change your seat if someone nearby is experiencing motion sickness. The sights and sounds of someone else suffering from motion sickness can trigger your own nausea, making you feel worse. Although changing seats on the plane isn't always easy, you should still request it if necessary.

Focus on something else. Try to stay positive and relax as much as possible. Stay calm and focus on other things.

If you're on a business trip, think about the upcoming presentation. If you're traveling for leisure, imagine the wonderful vacation you're about to enjoy.

See a doctor if you have serious issues or chronic conditions

Tips

Take advantage of the in-flight entertainment. On many long flights, airlines offer movies that you can watch without focusing on a screen too close to your face. This will help you distract from motion sickness and relax more.
Drink cool beverages, like ginger beer, water, or caffeine-free soft drinks—preferably with ice.
Avoid eating unfamiliar foods on the plane, or those you're sure you cannot tolerate. Opt for simple items like crackers.
Talking with the person sitting next to you may help take your mind off the sickness.
Always be aware of where the barf bags are placed, just in case.
Listening to music will help keep your mind off the nausea.
Try chewing gum or sucking on a lollipop to alleviate the nausea and distract your mind.

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