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.
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| 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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