Dizzy on the Plane? My Experience and How I Manage Flight Dizziness

Waking up dizzy in the middle of a flight can be scary, especially when the dizziness lasts for days after landing. I’ve experienced this more than once, and it made me realize how common flight dizziness and travel anxiety can be. In this post, I share my personal experience, possible reasons why dizziness happens on planes, and simple ways I manage it before, during, and after flying.

Since I know I’m not the only one who feels this way, I want to share what I learned, plus some practical tips to lessen the dizziness (and even the anxiety) that comes with it.

Here are some common reasons:
   •Cabin Pressure Changes – Our inner ear is sensitive to shifts in air pressure, and that affects balance.

   •Dry Cabin Air – Flights are dehydrating, and dehydration = lightheadedness. 

   •Long Hours of Sitting – Poor circulation can make you feel faint when you wake up.

   •Motion Sensitivity – Turbulence and vibration mess with your equilibrium.

   •Jet Lag + Lack of Sleep – Our body becomes extra sensitive when tired.

Knowing these triggers helps us prepare better. 

Dizzy on the Plane? My Experience and How I Manage Flight Dizziness

Here are some things I now do before, during, and after the flight.

Before the Flight:
✅ Drink more water than usual. Hydrate.
✅ Pick a seat near the wings (less movement).
✅ Pack small “comfort helpers” earplugs, or saline spray.

During the Flight
✅ Move or stretch every 2–3 hours.
✅ Eat light—avoid greasy, heavy meals that can worsen nausea.
✅ Practice slow breathing or listen to calming music when anxiety creeps in.
✅ Use a neck pillow so my head doesn’t flop when I suddenly wake up.

Traveling is already stressful enough—let’s not allow dizziness and anxiety to steal the joy of the journey. ✈️

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Is AirSWIFT Worth It? Honest Review Flying to El Nido, Palawan

ABBEY:  We chose to book a direct flight to El Nido instead of spending five hours in a van from Puerto Princesa. It saved us a lot of time, and honestly, I’m not sure my body could still handle that long of a land trip.

For this route, AirSWIFT is the airline to look for. They use small turboprop aircraft; yes, the ones with propellers. And you’ll be brought from the airport gate to the plane by bus. Our El Nido-bound flight was a bit windy during landing, so the sway of the plane was noticeable. The flight back to Manila felt completely different. It was smooth, but it also signaled the end of our Palawan getaway.

The entire journey is short. Before you know it, the one-and-a-half-hour flight is over and you’re stepping onto what many call “paradise.”

AirSWIFT direct flight arriving at Lio Airport in El Nido, Palawan

 

WILL: Planning a trip to El Nido, Palawan? One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is how to get there.

Should you:

1.Fly to Puerto Princesa and endure a 5–6 hour van ride, or

2.Take AirSWIFT’s direct flight from Manila to El Nido (Lio Airport)?

We chose the second option—and here’s why.

Should You Book AirSWIFT for El Nido?

✔ Yes, if you value time, comfort, and sanity

💰Cost: ₱6,000–₱8,000 one-way

⏱ Time saved: ~6 hours

✈ Best for: Short trips, peak season, motion-sickness-prone tourists

	Total Cost	Travel Time
Manila → El Nido (AirSWIFT)	₱6,000–₱8,000	~1 hr 15 min
Manila → Puerto Princesa + Van	₱3,500–₱4,000	6–7 hours

Saving around Php10,000 (2-way) means sacrificing 12+hours of your vacation. For us, the convenience alone made AirSWIFT worth every peso.

AirSWIFT operates out of NAIA Terminal 2 (Domestic).

The staff were professional and efficient—check-in took only 10 minutes. Bilis!!

That said, we still recommend arriving at least 90 minutes early.

⚠️ Do not follow us—we arrived 3 hours early and there’s no lounge to stay in. Lesson learned 😅

AirSWIFT is now under Cebu Pacific, so yes… strict baggage rules apply (alam nyo naman si CebuPac haha!).

•Carry-on: 7kg (strictly enforced)

•Checked baggage: 20kg included

•Overweight fees: Check with Cebu Pacific customer service

The aircraft overhead bins are very small, so even standard rolling carry-ons may end up being checked in.

Legroom was surprisingly reasonable—Abbey is almost 6’ and was comfortable throughout the flight.

The plane was clean and well-maintained.

Do not assume that buying a check-in luggage will include a free meal. 😅

Our seats were on the left side of the aircraft, and we still witnessed incredible views of Palawan’s turquoise waters during descent into El Nido.

Arrival at Lio Airport, El Nido (The Best Part)

Lio Airport is tiny, and honestly—that’s a huge win.

•Baggage claim: 10–15 minutes

•No crowds or long lines

•Transportation waiting outside

•Tricycle to El Nido town: ₱300–₱500 (15 minutes)

•Vans available via hotel private transfersSuper smooth and stress-free.

The return process was just as easy:

•Minimal security lines

•Quick boarding

•Arrived 75 minutes before departure with no issues

Yes, AirSWIFT is worth it if your trip is short and your time matters.

If you’re on a tight budget, flying via Puerto Princesa is fine—just be ready for a long ride.

Have you flown AirSWIFT to El Nido? Share your experience in the comments — your tips might help other travelers decide!

***

AirSWIFT 

(W) https://www.cebupacificair.com/en-PH/

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

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Aer Lingus Review: Affordable, But Why Did I Feel Dizzy After Landing?

ABBEY: For our trip between the UK and Ireland, we chose Aer Lingus, Ireland’s national airline. The flight itself was quick and efficient—just a little over an hour, making it one of the fastest ways to travel between the two countries.

We flew on an ATR 72, a twin-engine turboprop aircraft that’s commonly used for short regional routes. At first glance, I’ll admit I had my doubts—the plane looked smaller than I expected, and I wasn’t sure how it would handle the journey across the Irish Sea. But once we boarded (from the rear of the aircraft, which was a unique experience!), we quickly settled into our seats.

Since the flight was short, there were no in-flight snacks or entertainment, which was totally fine. It was a simple sit-sleep-fly-land kind of trip—straightforward and stress-free. In no time, we touched down in Ireland, ready to explore!

And just like that, Aer Lingus got us safely and smoothly from the UK to Ireland—and back again. 

Aer Lingus small aircraft with visible propeller during boarding from Edinburg to Dublin

WILL:  If you’re choosing between budget airlines in Europe, Aer Lingus often comes up as a step above Ryanair. That’s exactly why we booked it — hoping for a more stable and slightly more premium experience. The airline is operated by the same parent company as British Airways, and based on our research, delays were said to be less intense than Ryanair’s.

So, did Aer Lingus live up to the expectations?
True enough — we had a delay. Just a classic budget airline kind of delay, no drama. But the real surprise? The aircraft!
It was a cute little plane with 2-2 seating. Abbey immediately noticed something odd — the propeller was visible, not your typical enclosed type. He’s not a fan of that setup (understandable!), but hey, we were off to Dublin, so we just rolled with it.

Flight was short and thankfully smooth. 
The return flight to London Heathrow was on a bigger aircraft. We were excited — a bit more legroom, a more solid-looking plane. I even managed to sneak in a nap.

But somewhere during descent… whoa.

I woke up with a weird kind of headache. At first, I thought it was just a quick air pocket, but then came the dizziness. The kind that makes your head feel light and floaty — not in a good way. 😵‍💫
Sadly, it didn’t fade right away. The sensation lingered through our layover and into the long-haul flight back to Singapore.

If you’re someone who’s prone to motion sickness or vertigo, take note: descending on certain flights might stir things up a bit.
It’s affordable, and if you’re flying short-haul around Europe, it does the job. Just manage expectations, bring motion sickness remedies (or your favorite peppermint oil!), and you’ll probably be just fine.
Each flight is different. Sometimes smooth, sometimes… spinny. 😅
Try it yourself — and let me know if you also feel like you’re floating after landing. Haha!

***

Aer Lingus

(W) https://www.aerlingus.com/html/en-IE/home.html

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

GetYourGuide: Don't just visit your destination — experience it. Book your activities with GetYourGuide!

Airport Lounge Etiquette: Read Before You Go

Let’s face it: airport lounges used to feel like an exclusive club. A quiet haven with cozy chairs, snacks galore, and a much-needed break from the chaos of the boarding gates.

But now? With almost every credit card offering lounge access as a perk, we’re seeing way more people inside—and the peace and quiet is starting to slip away.

So if you’re one of the lucky ones stepping into a Priority Pass or credit card lounge, congrats! But also… please play nice. These unwritten rules might not be posted on the walls, but following them helps keep the lounge experience pleasant for everyone.

Airport Lounge Etiquette: Read Before You Go

DOs and DON’Ts: Trust Us, People Notice

1. Flash that membership card like a pro: Whether it’s physical or digital, have it ready—along with your boarding pass. No one likes a line-holder-upper.

2. Enjoy the perks—but don’t overdo it: Free Wi-Fi, coffee, drinks, food? Go ahead, help yourself! Just maybe do not take seven muffins “for later.” You’re not stocking a pantry—you’re having a quick bite before your flight.

3. Claim one seat, not five: Your bag doesn’t need its own armchair. If the lounge is packed, be kind and make space for others.

4. Keep phone calls low and private: Use headphones or step aside. We don’t need to hear about your group chat drama or stock portfolio or meetings! You may not realize how loud you are, but everyone else does.

5. Check your guest privileges ahead: Not all passes allow free guests. Know your card’s rules—surprise charges are the worst.

6. Tipping isn’t mandatory—but it’s a lovely gesture: Especially for bar staff. A little kindness goes a long way.

7. Be mindful of the shower queue: Just because no one’s standing there doesn’t mean no one’s waiting. There’s often an invisible line—ask staff or be courteous before walking in.

8. Use the massage chair, don’t move in: A 10–15 minute recharge? Yes. A full-on nap while people wait? They’re not recliners for a pre-flight nap. Take your turn, then let someone else enjoy.

9. Don’t treat it like your living room: Feet on chairs, loud yawns, sprawling across couches… save that energy for your hotel.

10. No grooming at your seat: Nail clipping? Nose hair trimming? Please, not here. 

One Last Thing…

Getting lounge access is a fantastic perk—especially when it’s “free” through your credit card. But just because more people can get in, doesn’t mean we should forget the vibe that made lounges so great to begin with: calm, comfy, and respectful.

So let’s keep the peace, share the space, and enjoy the perks without turning the lounge into a bus terminal. Deal?

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.