How to Prevent Headaches After Air Travel

Medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH

Last Updated: March 21, 2022 References

Many travelers suffer from flight-related headaches. This can be due to altitude changes, jet lag, or exposure to irritants in airports or airplanes. Flight-induced headaches are different from the sinus pressure you sometimes experience during a flight due to pressure changes, which usually resolves once you land.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} In contrast to flight-related sinus problems, these headaches often start at landing and can be very intense, usually with throbbing pain that’s localized to one side of your head. While they often go away on their own within 1 hour, you’ll likely want to minimize the pain or avoid it altogether. There are a variety of ways to lessen the severity of headaches after flight, and you should take action before, during, and after boarding a plane.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Medication

1
Try ibuprofen. Oftentimes, headaches that occur during or after flight are due to a sudden change in altitude. The painkiller ibuprofen may effectively prevent altitude-related headaches before they begin.
- In a recent study, hikers preparing for a high-altitude journey were given doses of ibuprofen in the 24 hours prior to their journey. A little over 40% of hikers who took ibuprofen developed altitude-related headaches and nausea. In the control group, where hikers did not take ibuprofen, almost 70% experienced headaches, nausea, and other symptoms.^{[2]
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- If you're going to be flying, try taking 600 milligrams of ibuprofen sometime during the 24 hours leading up to the flight. Ibuprofen can be purchased at most drug stores and supermarkets and comes under a variety of names, such as Advil or Motrin.^{[3]
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2
Take any regular migraine medication you're on. Oftentimes, people suffer from headaches in-flight if they regularly suffer from migraines. Changes in altitude, air pressure, and environment in general can be a trigger for a migraine. Take any normal medications you take to control migraines as, for the most part, there are no safety concerns in regards to taking your regular medication while flying.^{[4]
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3
Use acetazolamide. Acetazolamide is a medication primarily used to treat glaucoma, but it’s also sometimes helpful in relieving symptoms of altitude-related sickness. If you believe your headaches are related to changes in altitude, this medication may be a good option for you.^{[5]
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- You will need a prescription for acetazolamide. Talk to your doctor about your headaches during flying and ask them if they think the medication would be safe for you.
- Acetazolamide is prescribed in different doses with different instructions depending on why you're taking it and your medical history. Follow the instructions on your prescription and do not hesitate to ask a doctor or pharmacists if you have any questions.^{[6]
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- Acetazolamide can cause nausea, dizziness, and loss of appetite. These are normal side effects that should pass. If you experience more serious side effects, like fever, rash, or blood in your urine, stop using the medication and talk to your doctor.^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Taking Precautions

1
Book a non-stop flight, if possible. As headaches are sometimes triggered by altitude changes, booking a non-stop flight may help you avoid headaches. A non-stop flight will keep you at a consistent altitude for a longer period compared to multiple back-to-back flights.
- Altitude changes can prompt changes in your oxygen levels, causing your head's blood vessels to compensate by contracting and expanding. This change in your blood vessels can trigger a migraine.^{[8]
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- Booking a non-stop flight can be difficult and costly. However, see if you live within driving distance of a location that provides non-stop flights to your end location. It might be worth it to take a road trip to an airport and take a non-stop flight from there if your migraines or headaches are particularly severe.
2
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You will be doing a lot of sitting while on the plane and a lot of walking while in the airport. Do not wear constricting clothing or shoes without enough support.^{[9]
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3
Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water in flight can help avoid causes of after-flight headaches like jet lag and dehydration. Purchase a bottle of water in the airport before you get on the plane, or bring an empty bottle with you and fill it at a water fountain after you go through security.
- Aircrafts only have a humidity level of 15%, which is on par with some of the driest climates on earth. Make sure you bring a water bottle on the plane and stay hydrated prior to boarding.
- Remember, drinks are not usually offered on a plane until well after take-off. Bringing your own water on board will make it easier for you to stay hydrated while you wait for in-flight service.
- If you forgot your water bottle and are feeling thirsty as the plane takes off, it's fine to ask the flight attendant for a water bottle before the plane takes off.
4
Eat regularly. Going for long periods of time without eating can cause the onset of a headache. Food on planes can be expensive, so bring something to eat with you.^{[10]
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- Purchase high-fiber and high-protein snacks, like nuts, dried fruits, and granola bars. Put them in your carry-on bag. Avoid salty or overly sugary snacks, which can worsen dehydration.
5
Avoid alcohol. It can be tempting to kill time at the airport bar or have a beer in-flight to reduce boredom. However, alcohol can contribute to after-flight headaches.^{[11]
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Harvard Medical School
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- Alcohol is one of the biggest triggers for migraines. It also contributes to dehydration that can exacerbate jet lag and cause headaches.
- Red wine, in particular, is known to cause headaches if drunk in excess. Consuming a glass or two of red wine before or after boarding could lead to a headache after flight.
- If you really want a preflight alcoholic beverage, stick to white wine as it's less likely to cause headaches.
6
Try to sleep on the plane. Getting some sleep on the airplane can help you feel rested and refreshed when you land. If your headaches seem to be caused by jet lag, sleeping in flight can help.
- Herbal supplements, like melatonin, can be purchased at drug stores and supermarkets. In small doses, they can promote sleep. Many people also take Dramamine while flying as it reduces nausea. It also causes drowsiness and may help you sleep through a long flight.
- Test any medications you're trying at home before a fight. If they have any adverse side effects for you, you want to know ahead of time.
- Bring an in-flight pillow to avoid straining your neck while flying.
7
Stay calm during flight. Headaches can often be caused by stress. Staying calm before and during a flight can reduce their likelihood.
- Familiarize yourself with the routines of flying and airplane noises before leaving for the airport. Anxiety is often rooted in the unexpected or unknown, so having as much information as you can beforehand can reduce fear.^{[12]
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- Keep a picture of your destination on hand. If you start to become anxious during the flight, reminding yourself what you have to look forward to can help ease that anxiety.
- If your fear of flying is particularly bad, talk to a doctor or therapist about an anti-anxiety medication you can take as needed before flight.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Recovering after the Flight

1
Get fresh air as soon as possible. While it might take a while to get through baggage claim and find your way to the proper exit, fresh air or sunlight can help wake you up, alleviating jet lag. Exposure to more natural air is also important. There may be substances in the airport or airplane to which you are mildly allergic. These could trigger your headaches. Lessening exposure can help prevent headaches.
2
Allow yourself time to adjust. Regardless of what precautions you took, most people feel a little "off" when exiting an airplane. Take it easy for 30-60 minutes to see if you start to feel better.
- It might not be a good idea to drive right away. Take a cab home from the airport or have a trusted friend pick you up.
- Do not expose yourself to stimulants that can normally induce headaches. Caffeine, loud music, and alcohol should be avoided in the hours after a flight until you've readjusted.
3
Talk to your doctor about the flight-related headaches you get. If your headaches are frequent or severe, you should make an appointment with your physician. You want to make sure your headaches are caused by flying and not related to more serious medical concerns. Your doctor might also be able to recommend medications and lifestyle changes that could help alleviate your after-flight headaches.
- Most flight-related headaches go away within 30-60 minutes after they start. If your headache lasts longer than that, talk to your doctor.