Avoiding the airplane cold

Nothing dampens your holiday spirit more than the dreaded airplane cold. You’ll wonder if it’s the food, water, or perhaps a consequence of the numerous cocktails you sunk by the pool. In fact, airplanes are industrious carriers of the common cold.

It’s hardly surprising when we consider the levels of intimacy afflicted upon us by modern airlines, with cramped seating arrangements and narrow thoroughfares a popular bugbear.  And while we can’t do much about the lack of breathing space in most airplanes, we can prepare our immune systems for any cross country journeys we take before we even board.

1. Numerous studies have suggested low levels of humidity on board make passengers more susceptible to the common cold. In an elevation range of between 30,000 and 35,000 feet, humidity levels during taxi usually clock in at around 10% or lower. The best way to combat this? Drink water, and plenty of it. Overall, rich moisture levels will counteract the drying effects of low humidity environments in addition to alleviating headaches, stomach cramps, fatigue, and other ailments that are essential to flying.
2. While it hasn’t been scientifically proven, high vitamin intake has been said to improve your chances against catching an airplane cold. In what can probably be considered the ‘placebo effect’, many have reported how standard multi-vitamins such as Vitamin C, have managed to stave off the severity of hard-hitting colds. It’s recommended that you begin taking vitamins in the days before you take-off to really take advantage of their health benefits.
3. In what might strike you as common sense, washing your hands will significantly reduce the possibility of becoming sick after a plane journey. Your hands are the most consistent point of contact for spreading bacteria, and colds and flu are no exception. In fact, the viruses that cause colds can survive for hours on your skin, or on seemingly innocuous objects such as armrests and door handles.

Becoming ill whilst abroad is not only an inconvenience for you and your companions, but it can also be very costly with potential hospital stays, x-rays, surgeries, and medications all adding up. These are all costs your insurance provider can protect you against, with our policies covering you for up to €10,000,000. Before you depart, make sure you have good cover in place, as well as your policy details and European Health Insurance Card to hand for a somewhat stress-free holiday! For a no obligation AA Travel Insurance quote, click here.