Flying with a Cold or Flu: What Travellers in Thailand Need to Know

Got a flight coming up but feeling under the weather?

A runny nose, sore throat or mild cough doesn’t always mean you have to cancel your trip. But flying with a cold or flu can be uncomfortable — especially when cabin pressure, dry air and long hours in the air are added to the mix.

Whether you’re flying within Thailand or travelling internationally with Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways or Thai VietJet, a little preparation can make your journey much easier.

Here’s what you should know before heading to the airport.

Key facts about flying with a cold or flu 

• You may still be able to fly with mild symptoms, depending on how you feel and your overall health.

• Fever, breathing difficulties or severe symptoms deserve extra attention — consider getting medical advice before travelling.

• Cabin pressure can make blocked ears and sinus congestion feel worse, particularly during takeoff and landing.

• Respiratory illnesses can spread to other passengers, so consider wearing a well-fitting mask if you’re coughing, sneezing or otherwise symptomatic.

• Long flights can feel more tiring when you’re unwell, so prepare accordingly.

• If you have an existing medical condition, speak to a healthcare professional if you’re unsure whether you’re fit to fly.

• Stay hydrated and keep any essential medication easily accessible during your journey.

Can you fly with a cold? 

In many cases, travellers with a mild common cold are still able to fly.

The bigger issue is often comfort.

Aircraft cabins are pressurised, and changes in pressure during takeoff and landing can be particularly uncomfortable when your nose, ears or sinuses are already congested.

You might notice:

• Blocked or painful ears

• Sinus pressure

• Headaches

• A dry throat

• Increased tiredness

• Difficulty equalising pressure in your ears

For a short domestic flight, these symptoms may be manageable.

But if you’re taking a longer international journey, the same symptoms can become much more uncomfortable after several hours in the air.

When should you reconsider flying? 

Not every cough or runny nose means you need to change your travel plans.

However, you should take your symptoms more seriously if you have:

• A high or persistent fever

• Difficulty breathing

• Significant chest pain

• Severe or worsening symptoms

• Severe ear or sinus pain

• Unusual weakness or dizziness

• A medical condition that could be affected by flying

If you’re unsure, getting medical advice before travelling is safer than waiting until you’re already at the airport.

And remember: whether you feel capable of travelling and whether an airline considers you fit to fly are not necessarily the same question.

In some circumstances, an airline may request additional medical information or clearance.

Why can flying make a cold feel worse?

Cabin pressure 

Changes in cabin pressure are one of the biggest problems for travellers with blocked noses or sinuses.

Normally, your ears adjust to pressure changes during takeoff and landing.

Congestion can make that process more difficult, which may lead to pressure, discomfort or ear pain.

Dry cabin air 

Aircraft cabins have relatively dry air.

If you already have a sore throat, cough or irritated nose, several hours in a dry environment may make you feel less comfortable.

Drinking water regularly can help you stay hydrated during the journey.

Sitting for hours 

Being sick is tiring enough.

Add an airport journey, security checks, boarding and several hours sitting on an aircraft, and you may feel more exhausted than you normally would after a flight.

That’s worth considering when deciding whether to travel — particularly on a long-haul journey.

Tips for flying with a cold

If your symptoms are mild and you decide to travel, a few simple preparations can make the journey more comfortable.

Stay hydrated 

Drink water regularly before and during your flight.

Don’t rely entirely on coffee, tea or other caffeinated drinks for hydration.

Carrying an empty reusable water bottle through security and filling it afterwards can be useful where airport rules and facilities allow.

Keep your essentials in your cabin bag 

Don’t put everything in your checked suitcase.

Keep useful items within easy reach, such as:

• Tissues

• A face mask

• Hand sanitiser

• Any medication you normally use

• Water after passing security

• Throat lozenges, where permitted

If you take medication, check any destination-specific restrictions before travelling internationally.

Help your ears during takeoff and landing 

Swallowing, yawning or chewing gum can help some travellers equalise pressure in their ears.

Staying awake during descent can also make it easier to respond to pressure changes rather than waking up with uncomfortable blocked ears.

If you have severe congestion or an ear condition, consider seeking medical advice before flying.

Consider a mask 

Airports and aircraft put you close to lots of other people.

If you have respiratory symptoms, wearing a well-fitting mask can help reduce the chance of spreading respiratory infections to other travellers.

It can be especially considerate in queues, airport buses, boarding areas and onboard the aircraft.

Give yourself extra time at the airport 

When you’re sick, everything can take a little more effort.

Instead of rushing through check-in, security and immigration, arrive with enough time to move at a comfortable pace.

This is particularly important when flying internationally from busy airports such as Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).

Flying with Bangkok Airways when you’re unwell

Flying domestically or regionally with Bangkok Airways?

If you only have mild cold symptoms, your main concern may simply be staying comfortable throughout the journey.

However, if you have a medical condition or your symptoms are significant enough to affect your ability to travel safely, contact the airline before departure to check whether any medical documentation or special arrangements are required.

If you need assistance at the airport, it’s better to request it in advance rather than waiting until boarding.

Flying with Thai Airways when you’re unwell

If you’re travelling with Thai Airways, your journey may involve anything from a short domestic sector to a much longer international flight.

That difference matters when you’re sick.

A mild cold during a short flight may be manageable, but spending many hours onboard while congested, feverish or exhausted can be much harder.

Passengers with medical conditions or those requiring special assistance should check the airline’s requirements before travelling, as medical clearance may be required in certain circumstances.

For long journeys, also keep any essential medication in your cabin baggage rather than your checked luggage.

Flying with Thai VietJet when you’re unwell

For travellers flying with Thai VietJet, the same basic principle applies: consider how you actually feel before heading to the airport.

A short low-cost flight might seem easy enough, but remember that your journey includes more than the time in the air.

You’ll still need to travel to the airport, check in, pass security, wait for boarding and reach your destination after landing.

If you need additional assistance or have a condition that may affect your ability to fly, check the airline’s requirements before departure.

Can an airline stop you from flying because you’re sick?

Potentially, yes.

Having an ordinary mild cold does not automatically mean you’ll be refused boarding.

However, airlines have responsibilities relating to the safety of passengers, crew and the flight.

If your condition appears serious, you require medical support beyond what can reasonably be provided onboard, or there are concerns about whether you can travel safely, the airline may ask for medical information or take other action under its conditions of carriage.

This is why it’s important to contact the airline in advance if you’re seriously unwell rather than simply arriving at the airport and hoping for the best.

Should you cancel your flight if you have the flu?

That depends on the severity of your illness, medical advice and your ticket conditions.

If you have significant flu symptoms, particularly fever or breathing problems, consider seeking medical advice before deciding to travel.

If you decide not to fly, check your ticket conditions before cancelling.

Refund and change rules can vary considerably between:

• Airlines

• Fare types

• Domestic and international routes

• Promotional and flexible fares

• Voluntary cancellations and qualifying medical cases

Don’t assume that being sick automatically means your ticket is fully refundable.

Some medical cases may require supporting documentation, and approval is not guaranteed simply because a medical certificate is provided.

What if you need to change your flight? 

If you don’t feel well enough to travel, contact the airline or the company you booked through as soon as possible.

Waiting until after departure can make things more complicated.

Depending on your ticket conditions, you may be able to:

• Change your travel date

• Pay a change fee and/or fare difference

• Request cancellation under the applicable fare rules

• Submit medical documents for consideration where applicable

The exact options depend on your booking.

Before you leave for the airport: quick checklist 

Feeling unwell but still planning to travel?

Before leaving home, check that you have:

• Your passport and travel documents

• Any required visa

• Boarding pass

• Essential medication

• Tissues

• A face mask

• Hand sanitiser

• Water or a plan to buy/fill water after security

• Airline contact details

• Travel insurance details, if applicable

Most importantly, pay attention to how you actually feel.

A flight can be rebooked. Your health — and the health of the people travelling around you — deserves consideration too.

Book your Thailand flights with ThaiFlightCenter

Whether you’re planning a short domestic journey or an international trip, ThaiFlightCenter helps you search and book flights with Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways and Thai VietJet.

Before booking, compare more than the ticket price.

Check the fare conditions, baggage allowance, flight duration, change rules and services available so you know what to expect if your plans change.

And if you become unwell before travelling, check your booking conditions and contact the airline or your booking provider early.

A little preparation before you fly can make a big difference once you’re in the air.

Search flights with ThaiFlightCenter and plan your next journey across Thailand and beyond.