Abdominal Pain on a Plane: Causes and 5 Quick Fixes

Abdominal pain when flying can appear right after takeoff due to motion sickness, anxiety, changes in eating habits, or digestive problems. A study of 923 passengers showed that 8.4% experienced nausea and 16.2% felt unwell or uncomfortable during the flight; this condition was associated with the plane's movement.

If you are experiencing abdominal pain on a plane, a feeling of fullness, nausea, or an upset stomach can make the entire trip miserable, especially when you can't get off the plane or find a place to rest immediately. The good news is that abdominal pain due to motion sickness can often be alleviated with some simple methods such as adjusting your seating position, looking into the distance, staying hydrated, and eating light meals. In this article, Tiptory provides guidance on how to identify the causes and treat abdominal pain from motion sickness, and also helps you proactively prevent it for a more pleasant flight next time. The CDC also recommends measures such as drinking water, eating small and frequent meals, limiting alcohol/caffeine, and resting when experiencing motion sickness symptoms.

Part 1: How to relieve sudden abdominal pain while on a plane

Method 1: Relieve abdominal pain when flying

1. Try wrist acupressure to relieve nausea

• If you are experiencing abdominal pain on a plane accompanied by nausea or a feeling of impending vomiting, you can try stimulating the P6 (Neiguan) acupoint on the inner wrist.

• Place 3 fingers horizontally below the wrist crease. The P6 position is on the inner forearm, between the two large tendons. Use your thumb to apply gentle but firm pressure to this point for a few minutes, then switch to the other side if needed.

• Some studies show that P6 stimulation can help reduce nausea, including studies on people with motion sickness. However, direct evidence for abdominal pain due to motion sickness is still limited, so it should be considered a supportive measure rather than a definitive treatment.

2. Suck on candy to reduce the feeling of nausea

• You can suck on a hard candy or a candy with a pleasant flavor when you start to feel queasy or nauseous.

• This helps your mouth produce saliva and can create a more comfortable feeling, but there is no strong scientific evidence showing that hard candy directly treats motion sickness.

• If you want a more evidence-based option, the CDC recommends using ginger-flavored lozenges to help alleviate motion sickness symptoms.

3. You can try lemon if it feels comfortable

• If lemon is available on the plane, you can ask for a slice of lemon and smell or taste a small amount if your stomach is not irritated.

• However, it should not be asserted that lemon has the effect of curing abdominal pain from motion sickness. Evidence for lemon in treating nausea from motion sickness is currently not strong enough.

• If you are experiencing abdominal pain accompanied by heartburn, reflux, or have a stomach sensitive to acidic foods, you should skip this method as the acidity can make the symptoms worse.

4. Combine simple methods for more comfort

• Sit still, avoid reading or looking at screens when nauseous.

• Look out at the horizon if possible or close your eyes and rest.

• Drink small sips of water and avoid drinking too much at once.

• Eat small amounts instead of overeating; limit alcohol and caffeinated beverages.

• The CDC also recommends staying hydrated, eating small but frequent meals, and choosing an appropriate seating position to reduce motion sickness symptoms.

5. When not to self-treat abdominal pain on a plane

• If abdominal pain when flying is severe, rapidly worsening, continuous vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, or other severe abnormal signs, report it immediately to the flight attendant.

• These symptoms should not be assumed to be motion sickness. Abdominal pain can originate from a gastrointestinal illness or other health problems that require medical evaluation.

Method 2: Choose an appropriate seat to reduce motion sickness

1. Prioritize aisle seats

• If you are prone to abdominal pain when flying, nausea, or frequent need to use the restroom, consider choosing an aisle seat.

• This position makes it easier to get up, go to the restroom, or notify the flight attendant when symptoms become uncomfortable.

• An aisle seat does not directly treat motion sickness, but it can help you be more proactive and reduce anxiety when experiencing abdominal pain on a plane.

2. Look at a fixed point in the distance

• When you start to feel dizzy or nauseous, avoid reading, looking at your phone, or focusing on objects moving close to your eyes.

• Instead, if conditions permit, look into the distance and focus on a fixed point.

• When you cannot look out the window, you can close your eyes and rest. The CDC recommends limiting visual activities such as reading while in motion, as they can worsen motion sickness symptoms.

3. Breathe slowly and deeply

• Inhale slowly through your nose, then exhale slowly and steadily. Repeat for a few minutes when feeling tense or nauseous.

• Breathing techniques are not a direct way to treat abdominal pain from motion sickness, but they can help reduce feelings of tension and make you feel more comfortable.

• If you want to get up and walk around or go to the restroom, wait until the seatbelt sign is off and always follow the flight crew's instructions.

4. Prioritize the area near the airplane wing

• If you frequently experience motion sickness causing abdominal pain, consider choosing a seat near the wing area of the aircraft. This area usually experiences less movement than the front or rear of the plane.

• Some motion sickness guidelines also recommend choosing a position that helps reduce the perception of movement, such as the area near the wing for airplanes.

• If your priority is easy access to the restroom, a seat near the lavatory may be more convenient, but the rear of the plane often experiences more pronounced turbulence.

5. Combine seating position with other measures

• Do not eat too much before and during the flight.

• Drink small sips of water, especially if nauseous.

• Limit alcohol and caffeinated beverages.

• Keep your head relatively stable and rest when symptoms appear.

• If you frequently experience abdominal pain on a plane, prepare for motion sickness prevention beforehand instead of waiting until you feel nauseous to address it.

Method 3: Change posture to reduce abdominal discomfort

1. Change posture frequently

• When experiencing abdominal pain while flying, avoid slouching or maintaining one posture for too long.

• If safety conditions permit, change your sitting posture, stretch your legs, or adjust your seatback to reduce body stiffness.

• Changing posture is not a direct way to treat abdominal pain from motion sickness, but it can help alleviate discomfort due to prolonged sitting, bloating, or abdominal distension.

2. Stand up and walk around when possible

• When the seatbelt sign is off and the flight crew permits, you can stand up, walk around gently, or go to the restroom.

• If you have to sit for a long time, performing a few leg and ankle stretches in your seat can also help relax your body.

• Do not attempt to stand up when the plane is shaking or the seatbelt sign is illuminated.

3. Gently massage your abdomen if bloated

• If you are experiencing abdominal pain on a plane primarily due to bloating or abdominal distension, you can gently rub your abdomen with your hand.

• Apply moderate pressure, avoiding pressing hard on the painful area.

• If the pain is severe, localized, or increasing, do not continue massaging to self-treat the symptom.

4. Adjust your posture in your seat

• If you cannot stand up, you can change your posture every 30 minutes if you feel comfortable.

• Stretch your legs, switch the position of your legs, or slightly adjust your sitting posture to prevent your body from stiffening.

• Do not prop your feet on carry-on luggage if it obstructs the aisle, affects safety, or violates airline guidelines.

5. Combine light movement with motion sickness relief methods

• If abdominal pain due to motion sickness is accompanied by nausea, prioritize sitting steadily, avoid reading or looking at screens, and focus your eyes on a fixed point if possible.

• Drink small sips of water and avoid eating too much while feeling unwell.

• If symptoms do not subside or if severe abdominal pain, continuous vomiting, fainting, difficulty breathing, or chest pain occurs, immediately notify the flight attendant instead of just trying to treat abdominal pain from motion sickness on the spot.

Method 4: Cool down and reduce irritation when experiencing motion sickness

1. Adjust the airflow towards your face

• When experiencing abdominal pain while flying accompanied by nausea or a feeling of heat, try to turn the overhead air vent so that the air flows gently towards your face.

• Cool air and a feeling of ventilation can help you feel more comfortable, especially when nausea is accompanied by discomfort due to heat.

• This is a symptomatic relief measure, not a method to treat abdominal pain from motion sickness.

2. Look into the distance and keep your head stable

• If sitting by the window, look outside and focus on the horizon or a distant object.

• Keep your head relatively stable, avoiding looking down to read or use your phone for extended periods.

• When experiencing abdominal pain on a plane due to motion sickness, reducing the discrepancy between visual signals and the vestibular system can help limit feelings of nausea.

3. Rest if the cause is related to anxiety

• If you notice that abdominal pain when flying often appears or worsens with stress, try slow breathing, listening to calming music, or closing your eyes to rest.

• When permitted and feeling safe, you can adjust your seat to a more comfortable position.

• Do not force yourself to read or work when nauseous, as focusing on close objects can worsen motion sickness.

4. Keep your body at a comfortable temperature

• If you feel cold, you can ask the flight attendant for a blanket or put on an extra light layer of clothing to stay warm.

• The goal is to maintain comfort, avoiding your body becoming too hot or too cold.

• If you are experiencing abdominal pain due to motion sickness, prioritize resting and reducing stimuli that increase symptoms.

5. Avoid reading when nauseous

• Reading, looking at your phone, or working on a computer while the plane is shaking can make motion sickness more pronounced.

• If you start to experience abdominal pain on a plane accompanied by dizziness or nausea, temporarily stop activities that require close vision.

• Instead, look into the distance, close your eyes, or rest until the symptoms subside.

Method 5: Prepare an airsickness bag when experiencing abdominal pain on a plane

1. Keep an airsickness bag within reach

• If you often experience abdominal pain when flying, nausea, or are prone to motion sickness, check for an airsickness bag as soon as you settle into your seat.

• Bags are usually located in the pouch behind the seat in front of you. You can have one or two bags ready so you don't have to search when nausea suddenly strikes.

• Being prepared helps reduce anxiety, especially for those who have experienced abdominal pain on a plane or are afraid of vomiting while in the air.

2. Notify the flight attendant if you feel unwell

• If you start to feel increasingly nauseous, dizzy, or on the verge of vomiting, proactively inform the flight attendant.

• Flight attendants can assist with an airsickness bag, water, or direct you to the restroom when safety conditions permit.

• If there's a suitable spot, they may assist with changing seats. However, seat changes depend on flight conditions and safety regulations.

3. Don't try to suppress vomiting at all costs

• If the feeling of nausea increases rapidly, use an airsickness bag instead of trying to move when the plane is shaking or the seatbelt sign is illuminated.

• After vomiting, rinse your mouth or drink small sips of water if possible, then rest and avoid eating too much immediately.

• An airsickness bag only helps manage the situation, it is not a method to treat abdominal pain from motion sickness.

4. Don't worry too much about bloating

• When flying, some people may feel more bloated, distended, or gassy. Changes in cabin pressure can cause gas in the digestive tract to expand, making the feeling of fullness more pronounced.

• Anxiety can also make you pay more attention to uncomfortable sensations in your body.

• Therefore, if abdominal pain when flying is mild and there are no unusual signs, try to remain calm, loosen your posture, and breathe slowly.

5. Seek medical attention for abnormal symptoms

• Do not assume that all cases of abdominal pain on a plane are due to motion sickness.

• Immediately notify the flight attendant if abdominal pain is severe or rapidly worsening, continuous vomiting, vomiting blood, fainting, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or other serious symptoms appear.

• These signs require medical evaluation instead of just applying on-the-spot abdominal pain from motion sickness treatments.

Part 2: Tips to prevent abdominal pain from motion sickness before flying

Tip 1: Drink water correctly to reduce abdominal discomfort

1. Drink water in small sips

• When experiencing abdominal pain while flying, drink water regularly in small sips instead of consuming a large amount in a short time.

• This helps maintain hydration without suddenly distending your stomach, especially when you are feeling nauseous.

• If you have vomited or have diarrhea, your fluid replacement needs may increase; drink slowly and monitor your body's condition.

2. Limit carbonated soft drinks

• Carbonated soft drinks can increase the amount of gas in the digestive tract, causing some people to feel more bloated, distended, or experience cramping pain.

• Therefore, if you are prone to abdominal pain on a plane, plain water is usually a simpler and more suitable choice.

• There's no need to force yourself to drink an excessive amount of water just because you're on a plane; water needs vary depending on temperature, activity, and health status.

3. Don't try to drink a fixed amount every hour

• There is no general scientific recommendation that requires every passenger to drink exactly 240 ml of water per hour of flight.

• Instead, drink according to your needs and maintain normal urine output, while also paying attention to feelings of thirst.

• Drinking too much water in a short period is also not beneficial and in extreme cases can lead to hyponatremia.

4. Hydrate before your flight

• Maintain your normal water intake the day before your trip instead of waiting until you board the plane to drink a lot.

• If you already show signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, or dark urine, you should pay attention to adequate fluid intake.

• However, drinking a lot of water before your flight is not a way to cure stomach pain from motion sickness; the main goal is to limit dehydration and help your body maintain a stable state.

5. Choose appropriate drinks when your stomach is upset

• Prioritize plain water or non-carbonated drinks if they suit you.

• Limit alcohol as it can cause dehydration and worsen some symptoms.

• If you have stomach pain when flying accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, pay special attention to rehydrating and electrolyte replacement instead of just drinking a lot of plain water.

6. Proactively bring water according to regulations

• You can bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing through security, or buy water in the permitted area after inspection.

• During the flight, keep water in an easily accessible location so you can take sips when needed.

• If you have stomach pain on the plane and feel nauseous, do not drink too quickly as it can stimulate more vomiting.

Tip 2: Avoid alcohol and caffeine when flying

1. Limit alcohol before and during your flight

• If you are prone to stomach pain when flying, you should limit or avoid alcohol before departure and throughout the flight.

• Alcohol can exacerbate nausea, stomach upset, or dehydration in some people.

• Drinking alcohol the night before is also not a good option if you have to fly the next day, as fatigue or a hangover can make the flight more uncomfortable.

2. Limit caffeine if prone to nausea

• Coffee, strong tea, energy drinks, and some caffeinated beverages can make you feel more restless or uncomfortable, especially if you are already anxious about flying.

• If you frequently experience stomach pain on planes, prioritize plain water and monitor your body's reaction instead of drinking a lot of coffee to stay awake.

• Not everyone needs to completely eliminate caffeine; the important thing is to avoid amounts that cause or increase uncomfortable symptoms.

3. Prioritize drinks that help maintain hydration

• Plain water is a simple choice to stay hydrated during your flight.

• If you are dehydrated due to vomiting or diarrhea, an electrolyte rehydration solution may be more suitable than plain water.

• Fruit juice or tomato juice can be consumed if you tolerate them well, but they are not a method to cure stomach pain from motion sickness.

4. Do not drink too much right before takeoff

• Drinking a large amount of beverages in a short time can make your stomach full and lead to frequent restroom visits.

• Instead, sip regularly throughout the day before your flight and during the flight.

• This method is especially helpful if stomach pain when flying is accompanied by bloating or nausea.

5. If you have consumed alcohol, pay attention to unusual signs

• Not all symptoms after drinking alcohol should be attributed to motion sickness.

• If you experience severe abdominal pain, continuous vomiting, vomiting blood, confusion, fainting, difficulty breathing, or other severe symptoms, immediately inform the flight attendant for assistance.

• For mild symptoms, stop drinking alcohol or caffeine, rest, and switch to more suitable beverages.

Tip 3: Consider ginger instead of self-medicating with many supplements

1. Prioritize ginger if you are prone to motion sickness

• If you often experience stomach pain when flying accompanied by nausea, you can consider ginger as a supportive measure.

• Some studies show that ginger can help reduce nausea, but the evidence for its effectiveness against motion sickness is not entirely consistent.

• Ginger can be consumed in the form of tea, lozenges, or a small amount of fresh ginger if you tolerate it well.

• If you choose ginger ale, note that it is often a carbonated drink and can cause bloating and flatulence in some people.

2. Do not self-administer magnesium to cure stomach pain

• Magnesium plays an important role in nerve and muscle function, but there is not enough evidence to recommend magnesium supplementation as a way to cure stomach pain from motion sickness.

• If the goal is to reduce stress during flights, prioritize simple measures such as slow breathing, resting, listening to soft music, and limiting caffeine.

• Do not self-administer high doses of magnesium as it can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, or other unwanted side effects.

3. Be cautious with digestive enzymes

• Do not assume that digestive enzymes will help prevent stomach pain on the plane.

• Enzyme products may only be useful in certain conditions or for specific individuals; their effectiveness depends on the cause of the symptoms.

• If you frequently experience bloating, diarrhea, or abdominal pain after eating, you should seek the cause instead of using enzymes for a prolonged period.

4. No need to use many types of herbs at once

• Ginger, peppermint, fennel, or some other herbs are used in folk medicine to relieve digestive discomfort, but the scientific evidence varies.

• Combining many types of supplements before a flight can make it difficult to know which product works or causes side effects.

• Especially if you are taking medication for a medical condition, are pregnant, or have an underlying medical condition, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist before using supplements.

5. If you frequently experience motion sickness, prioritize evidence-based measures

• When stomach pain due to motion sickness is actually related to motion sickness, measures such as choosing an appropriate seat, looking at the horizon, limiting reading, and keeping your head stable are often more helpful than using a range of supplements.

• For people who frequently experience motion sickness, a doctor or pharmacist can advise on appropriate motion sickness medication before the flight.

• If symptoms appear frequently even when not flying, or if abdominal pain is prolonged, a gastrointestinal cause should be evaluated instead of just trying to cure stomach pain from motion sickness.

Part 3: What to eat and what to avoid if you have stomach pain on a plane?

Note 1: Choose light meals before flying

1. Avoid eating too much before departure

• If you often experience stomach pain when flying, do not eat a very large meal right before boarding the plane.

• A moderate, easily digestible meal is usually more suitable than oily or overly spicy dishes.

• Eating too much can make bloating, discomfort, and nausea more pronounced, especially when combined with the plane's movement.

2. Limit fatty and fried foods

• Fried, oily, or fatty foods can cause indigestion, bloating, or nausea in some people.

• If you are prone to stomach pain on the plane, prioritize small portions of familiar foods that your body usually tolerates well.

• There is no need to completely avoid fats; the main goal is to avoid foods that have previously caused you discomfort.

3. Limit gas-producing foods if you are sensitive

• Some people may experience bloating, distension, or excessive gas after eating beans, onions, cauliflower, and some types of fermentable carbohydrates.

• However, not everyone needs to avoid these foods. Base your choices on your body's actual reaction.

• If you often have stomach pain when flying, avoiding foods that have previously caused you gas can help make your flight more comfortable.

4. Avoid foods you are intolerant to

• If you are lactose intolerant, limit milk and dairy products before your flight if they usually cause bloating, stomach pain, or diarrhea.

• Similarly, if you have identified a food that causes allergies or intolerance, you should not try it right before flying.

• This is one of the most practical ways to reduce the risk of stomach pain on the plane, as it avoids the trigger for symptoms from the outset.

5. Choose familiar, easily digestible foods

• Before your flight, you can choose simple dishes such as rice, bread, bananas, or light foods that you know you tolerate well.

• Nuts like almonds or vegetables like carrots may be suitable for some people, but do not eat too much as high-fiber or high-fat foods can also cause bloating in sensitive individuals.

• There is no "anti-motion sickness diet" that applies to everyone; the most suitable choice depends on individual tolerance and symptoms.

6. Eat light meals instead of trying to starve yourself

• Completely fasting does not necessarily prevent stomach pain due to motion sickness and can make some people feel ravenous, weak, or more uncomfortable.

• If your flight is long, prepare a small amount of familiar food to eat when needed.

• Combine moderate eating with sipping water, limiting alcohol and carbonated drinks to reduce the risk of bloating.

7. Don't just focus on "curing" after stomach pain occurs

• A more effective way to manage stomach pain when flying is to identify foods that have triggered symptoms in the past and avoid them before your flight.

• If stomach pain is frequent, severe, or occurs even when not flying, do not assume the cause is motion sickness. In that case, you need to find the appropriate gastrointestinal cause instead of just trying to cure stomach pain from motion sickness.

Note 2: Eat light to avoid an empty stomach

1. Do not leave your stomach completely empty when flying

• If you are prone to stomach pain when flying or nausea when hungry, eat a small amount before boarding the plane or during the flight.

• However, do not eat too much. A moderate portion can be more comfortable than a large meal, especially if you already feel nauseous.

• There is no evidence that all cases of motion sickness require eating before flying; base your choices on your body's tolerance and reaction.

2. Prioritize simple, easily digestible dishes

• When you have stomach pain on the plane, choose familiar dishes that are low in fat and not too spicy or heavily seasoned.

• Saltine crackers, bread, rice, or a small amount of fruit can be suitable choices if you usually tolerate them well.

• If you start to feel nauseous, eat slowly and in small amounts instead of trying to finish your entire portion.

3. Supplement protein but no need to eat a lot

• Protein-rich foods like peanut butter sandwiches, meat, or fish can help some people feel full longer.

• However, high-protein or high-fat foods are not always suitable when you are nauseous. If greasy foods make you uncomfortable, choose smaller portions.

• The goal is to keep your stomach in a comfortable state, not to eat a lot to "fill" your stomach.

4. If you don't bring food, choose light options on the plane

• You don't necessarily have to skip the airline meal entirely if you're feeling a little hungry.

• You can eat a small amount of crackers, bread, or fruit if these items suit you.

• If you feel stomach pain due to motion sickness, eat slowly and stop if nausea symptoms increase.

5. Avoid making meals a cause of bloating

• Limit fried foods, too much fat, carbonated drinks, and foods that you already know tend to cause gas.

• If you are lactose intolerant or have food allergies, avoid them before and during your flight.

• Sip water in small amounts instead of drinking a large amount at once.

6. Combine light eating with anti-motion sickness measures

• If stomach pain when flying is accompanied by dizziness or nausea, eat lightly, sit steadily, limit reading, and avoid screens.

• When possible, look out into the distance or close your eyes to rest and keep your head relatively stable.

• These measures can help control stomach pain due to motion sickness, but they do not replace finding the cause if abdominal pain is prolonged or recurs outside of flights.

Note 3: Prepare medication before boarding the plane

1. Bring medication suitable for symptoms

• If you often experience stomach pain when flying, prepare over-the-counter medications that you have used safely and that are suitable for your condition.

• For those prone to motion sickness, you can discuss anti-motion sickness medication with a pharmacist or doctor before your flight instead of waiting until you feel nauseous to take it.

• Do not self-combine many types of medication just to prevent stomach pain on the plane, especially if you are taking medication for other medical conditions.

2. Bismuth-containing medication may be considered when appropriate

• Bismuth subsalicylate products, such as Pepto-Bismol, can be used in some cases of diarrhea or digestive upset.

• Chewable tablets may be more convenient than liquid form when flying.

• However, this is not a treatment for the underlying cause of stomach pain due to motion sickness and should not be used if the symptoms are actually due to motion sickness.

• Individuals allergic to aspirin/salicylates, taking certain anticoagulants, having certain medical conditions, or children and adolescents with viral illnesses should consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

3. If bloated, ask your pharmacist about suitable medication

• If you often experience bloating and abdominal distension when flying, simethicone-containing medication may be considered to reduce symptoms due to gas in the digestive tract.

• Simethicone helps reduce discomfort from gas but does not treat nausea from motion sickness.

• Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish abdominal pain due to gas from abdominal pain accompanied by dizziness and nausea due to motion sickness.

4. You can try anti-nausea acupressure bands

• Wristbands that apply pressure to the P6 acupoint are a non-pharmacological option that some people use to reduce nausea.

• Evidence for the effectiveness of P6 stimulation for nausea is inconsistent, so this should not be considered a definite method to cure stomach pain from motion sickness.

• If used, the band should apply comfortable pressure, not cause pain or numbness in the hand.

5. Do not self-medicate if you have recently had gastrointestinal surgery

• If you have recently undergone stomach or intestinal surgery, you should not decide to fly and use medication to control abdominal pain when flying on your own.

• The ability to fly after surgery depends on the type of surgery, recovery time, and specific health condition.

• Ask your treating physician about when it is safe to fly and what medications you can use.

6. People with chronic bowel diseases need more thorough preparation

• If you have inflammatory bowel disease or a chronic digestive condition, changes in eating habits, stress, sleep deprivation, or other factors during your trip can cause symptoms to recur.

• Do not conclude that the cause is "lack of oxygen on the plane." The mechanism by which digestive diseases flare up can be complex and depends on the specific disease.

• If you are experiencing an acute flare-up, discuss it with your doctor before your flight.

7. Carry medication properly and check before flying

• Keep medication in its original packaging, carry a list of your current medications, and prepare enough for your journey.

• If prescription medication is needed, carry the prescription or related medical documents with you.

• For individuals who frequently experience abdominal pain on a plane, preparing medication before the trip is only part of the plan. Choosing the right seat, eating light meals, staying hydrated, and recognizing triggers for motion sickness are also very important.

8. Do not use medication to mask dangerous signs

• If you experience severe abdominal pain, rapidly worsening pain, continuous vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, fainting, shortness of breath, or chest pain, notify the flight attendant immediately.

• These symptoms should not be treated solely with over-the-counter medications or home remedies for abdominal pain due to motion sickness.

Prepare items to prevent nausea

1. Bring wet wipes and plastic bags

• If you often experience abdominal pain when flying or are prone to vomiting, prepare a pack of wet wipes, tissues, and a plastic bag in your carry-on luggage.

• These items will help you quickly handle situations if you vomit or spill food or drinks.

• You can use the vomit bags provided on the plane if needed, but actively preparing an extra bag will be more convenient.

2. Bring a spare change of clothes

• A clean change of clothes in your carry-on luggage can be very helpful if you vomit or soil your clothes during the flight.

• It's advisable to keep clothes in an easily accessible location rather than deep in your luggage.

• This is a contingency measure, not a direct treatment for abdominal pain due to motion sickness, but it significantly reduces inconvenience if symptoms occur.

3. Prepare familiar light snacks

• If you are prone to abdominal pain on a plane, you can bring a suitable light snack, such as crackers or plain bread.

• Prioritize familiar, easily digestible foods that do not contain ingredients that have previously caused bloating or discomfort for you.

• Avoid eating too much at once, especially when feeling nauseous.

4. Limit reading if you are prone to motion sickness

• If you often feel nauseous when flying, limit reading, looking at your phone, or working on a computer while the plane is in motion.

• Activities that require focusing on close objects can worsen motion sickness symptoms in some people.

• Instead, look into the distance, focus on the horizon if possible, or close your eyes and rest.

5. Use earplugs if noise bothers you

• Earplugs can help reduce noise and create a quieter environment if you find this helpful.

• If abdominal pain when flying is accompanied by anxiety, a less stimulating environment can help you relax more.

• You can also listen to soft music at a moderate volume instead of completely isolating yourself from the surroundings.

6. Prepare a "motion sickness kit"

• Before your flight, set aside wet wipes, tissues, plastic bags, a change of clothes, and a suitable light snack in your carry-on luggage.

• If you often experience abdominal pain due to motion sickness, you can add medications or assistive devices recommended by your doctor or pharmacist that are suitable for you.

• Preparing in advance helps reduce anxiety and allows you to react quickly if nausea occurs.

7. Prioritize safety over enduring discomfort

• If you start to feel nauseous, notify the flight attendant for assistance and use a vomit bag if necessary.

• When the seatbelt sign turns off and you are allowed to move, you can go to the lavatory or change your position to feel more comfortable.

• If you experience severe abdominal pain, continuous vomiting, vomiting blood, fainting, shortness of breath, or chest pain, you must notify the flight attendant immediately instead of just trying to treat motion sickness abdominal pain.

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Content edited by: Lesley Collins Tran.

Information reviewed and verified by expert: Harper Martinez.