Ask the Allergist

Can I Travel on An Airplane If I Have Asthma?

AAFA's Ask the Allergist Service 10/31/2210:14 AM

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Question

I had my first asthma attack after 25+ years of not having one. I'd like to travel to see my new great-grandchild. I am working on better pulmonary conditioning and taking other measures to improve my general physical condition. Is it safe for me to travel on an airplane?

Answer

You can certainly travel on an airplane if your asthma is under control, and you are in good general health. Here are some tips to help manage and control your asthma:

Have an Asthma Action Plan. Develop it with your healthcare provider. It includes signs and symptoms of asthma to be aware of and triggers to avoid. It lists medications for quick relief and ongoing control of your asthma, as well as the doses and frequencies. Lastly, there are instructions on what to do if you experience asthma symptoms.
Stay Hydrated. It is important to remain hydrated. This can benefit asthma control.
Use Breathing Exercises. Breathing exercises can improve overall lung capacity. This includes yoga, deep breathing measures, and meditation. It sounds like you are already working on better pulmonary conditioning. This will be helpful for you.
Avoid Asthma Triggers. Pay attention to and avoid any asthma triggers. This includes allergens, irritants, passive tobacco smoke, and respiratory infections. Wearing a mask while traveling can help with avoiding triggers.
Exercise Regularly. Regular exercise can help your overall lung health. It can also lower stress levels, which can impact your symptoms.

Lastly, check with your allergist or doctor to discuss travel-related risks.

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Comments (3)

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SFMGMember

If you are allergic to animals, I find I can usually negotiate a seat faaaarrrrr away from the pet and wear a Ffp3 mask for short flights (up to 2 hours). The aircrew needs to be aware of this and not permit the owners to take their pet out of its carry case during the flight to avoid hair/dander/saliva etc.floating around the cabin. For longer/trans-atlantic flights, I have checked with the airline ahead of time, from the day of reservation to the day before the trip, to find out if a pet has been registered for transport in the cabin. Unfortunately, the presence of an animal makes it prudent for me to switch to another flight, and I have even been bumped off a long-haul flight because someone with a pet reserved the day before (!). People with asthma and allergies need to make airlines aware that pet transport on airplanes should not take priority over others' health needs. Speak up, call and send the airline emails, write on the airlines' FB page .... ensure your health has priority!!

11/4/222:16 PM

Zulema C.AAFA Support Center Manager

@ScttLee- That's a great point. Strong odors and fragrances trigger my asthma. These scents can make it difficult for me to breathe, especially in public places. This happened to me a few weeks ago. There was a group wearing strong colognes.

I agree with you about asking to be moved, politely. Sometimes I feel bad asking, but it's important to consider my health. Here are some more tips for traveling with asthma and allergies.

10/31/2211:10 AM

ScttLeeMember

Because the air is so dry, when I fly over a couple of hours, I always have a small bottle of nasal saline spray and use it 2-3 times an hour. If I don't, I get bad sinus infections that then causes me breathing issues for several days.

If a person has strong perfume or other scent that bothers you, don't hesitate to ask to be moved. But do it politely and be respectful of that person feeling.

10/31/2210:51 AM

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Can I Travel on An Airplane If I Have Asthma?

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