On a recent flight from Charleston, South Carolina, to Newark, Sukrut Dwivedi happened to notice a passenger a few rows ahead who was coughing severely and continuously.

“The man looked like he had a fever and kept reaching for tissues,” said Dwivedi, a physician affiliated with ID Care, a provider specializing in infectious diseases. “It was clear that the people around him felt very uneasy.”

As flu season is beginning, you might soon find yourself in a similar scenario. Perhaps someone nearby appears to be unwell, and you may be questioning your options or wondering if there is anything you can do.

Don’t miss Elliott Confidential, the newsletter that the travel industry doesn’t want you to see. It’s filled with exclusive news, insights, and tips for becoming a smarter traveler. Just keep it to yourself!

Let’s not beat around the bush: If you choose to fly while having an infectious illness, you deserve the title of the most inconsiderate person on that plane.

You might even be more inconsiderate than that careless parent with their unruly child onboard, more than newlyweds trying to join the Mile High Club, or even the entitled frequent flyer in business class who calls the flight attendant “sweetheart.”

Your thoughtless actions could potentially endanger someone else’s life.

“Staying home could protect a baby, a young child, or an elderly individual with a weakened immune system, someone undergoing chemotherapy, or anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated against serious diseases,” explained Robert Glatter, an emergency medicine doctor and also an editor at large for Medscape Emergency Medicine.

A Growing Number of Passengers Are Flying While Sick

Here’s how Dwivedi responded when he spotted the ill passenger: He offered the coughing man a face mask, which he “gratefully accepted.”

“The passenger admitted that he had just received a flu diagnosis the previous day,” he recounted. “However, he felt he had no choice but to travel for work.”

With the memories of COVID-19 beginning to fade, experts like Dwivedi are worried that more and more passengers are flying while carrying infectious diseases – likely more than since the pandemic years.

Current regulations allow airlines to only remove a passenger if they pose a “direct threat” to the safety of others on board. New federal regulations coming in April will mandate that airlines and ticket agents provide non-expiring travel credits if passengers are barred from flying due to a serious contagious illness. Nevertheless, this won’t stop individuals like the Flu Passenger from boarding their flight.

Navigating Travel Can Be Complex

Real talk: traveling can bring complications. For instance, deciding to postpone a trip if you feel unwell before your flight is a clear choice. But what happens if you fall ill after arriving at your destination? What if you lack the means to extend your hotel stay?

Experts agree that if you suspect you might be contagious – even on your way home – it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional. In some cases, wearing a mask may be acceptable, but it’s essential to confirm this with a doctor rather than making assumptions.

To avoid the risk of flying while unwell, you can take two key steps. First, ensure you have a travel insurance policy that accounts for illness. “Coverage for hospital costs is crucial,” noted John Gobbels, chief operating officer of Medjet, which offers medical transport and travel security services. Insurance can also cover accommodations if you get sick or your trip is disrupted. (In more serious scenarios, consider having a medical evacuation membership like Medjet.)

Additionally, pack a basic medical kit for your travels. This should include hand sanitizer, tissues, over-the-counter medications for common issues, and some disposable masks, as suggested by Eugene Delaune, an ER physician and senior medical advisor at Allianz Partners. “Managing your symptoms not only helps you feel better but also lowers the chance of spreading your illness to others.”

What to Do If You’re Ailing Before Your Flight?

If you aren’t feeling well ahead of your flight, please consult a doctor.

“If you show any symptoms that could indicate a contagious illness, you should get tested before traveling,” advised Jeff Weinstein, the medical operations manager at Global Rescue. “It’s impossible to identify the cause of your symptoms without proper testing.”

And if you are ill, seek your doctor’s guidance on what to do next.

“However, if your doctor advises against traveling, you should follow that advice,” urged Bob Bacheler, managing director of Flying Angels, a medical transportation service. (This is also crucial if you need to make a travel insurance claim.)

Bacheler emphasized that the best way to keep from questioning, “Am I fit to fly?” is to take all necessary precautions. He has received the flu vaccine every year for the past 30 years and keeps up with COVID boosters as they become available. He also avoids large groups and refrains from touching suspicious surfaces while flying (carrying disinfecting wipes with him).

How to Handle a Sick Neighbor on a Flight?

If your seatmate appears unwell, you have the right to be informed if you might end up needing medical attention post-flight. So engaging them in a friendly chat and perhaps asking, “Are you feeling alright?” is a good move.
Raymond Yorke, a spokesperson for Redpoint Travel Protection, said Dwivedi acted appropriately. During peak flu periods, you should consider wearing a mask on the airplane – and don’t forget to bring extra masks. Hand sanitizer is also essential. Sharing these items can help everyone.

“Donning a mask and practicing good hand hygiene can significantly reduce risks to others,” he stated. “This has become expected conduct since the pandemic.”

But what if your neighbor refuses to engage in conversation and tells you to mind your business? That happens too. In that case, asking a flight attendant for a seat change could be your best bet. If the person is sneezing and wheezing excessively, you might want to discretely inform the crew about your concerns and see if they can address the situation. Remember, this person is being inconsiderate by flying while ill.

So what can be done about those who travel while contagious?

Addressing the issue of sick individuals on flights isn’t as simple as expecting them to refrain from traveling. There will always be inconsiderate people who choose to fly even when they could put others at risk.

The government has taken necessary steps by requiring airlines to provide flight vouchers to sick passengers beginning this spring. But this alone isn’t enough. A more effective approach would be to ensure that travelers could cancel their flights without facing financial penalties. This means that airlines should issue full refunds if passengers present a doctor’s recommendation against flying.

Some progressive airlines have already quietly adopted this practice for passengers on a case-by-case basis. However, it would be ideal for it to be established as an official policy, enabling travelers to safely cancel flights if they fall ill.

It’s impossible to determine how many lives this might save. However, if it could protect even one person, wouldn’t it be worthwhile?

Christopher Elliott is a writer, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit helping to resolve consumer issues. He also publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a site focused on customer service. If you need help with any consumer concerns, you can reach out to him here or email him at chris@elliott.org.