Pneumonia is a serious infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which can fill with fluid or pus. This condition significantly reduces the lungs’ ability to absorb oxygen, leading to decreased oxygen levels in the blood. Medical professionals advise against flying with pneumonia due to substantial health risks, and airlines often classify individuals as “unfit to fly” until recovery.
How Cabin Conditions Affect Lungs
The environment inside an airplane cabin differs significantly from ground conditions, posing challenges for compromised lungs. At cruising altitude (6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level), cabin pressure is lower than at sea level, leading to reduced oxygen levels in the cabin air. For healthy individuals, this decrease in oxygen saturation to about 90% is usually not an issue.
For someone with pneumonia, whose lungs are already inflamed and struggling to absorb oxygen, this drop can be dangerous. This lower oxygen pressure exacerbates lung inflammation and impairs gas exchange, making it harder for the body to get needed oxygen. This can lead to hypoxemia (low blood oxygen), further straining the respiratory system. The dry air in airplane cabins can also dry out mucous membranes in the respiratory tract, potentially making individuals more susceptible to infections.
Potential Health Consequences During Flight
Flying with pneumonia can immediately worsen symptoms and lead to severe health complications. Individuals may experience increased shortness of breath, chest pain, and persistent coughing due to reduced oxygen and the physical stress of air travel. This can lead to severe fatigue, respiratory distress, or even respiratory failure in serious cases.
A particular concern is pneumothorax, or a collapsed lung, especially with air pockets or weakened lung tissue. Changes in cabin pressure can cause trapped air in the body’s cavities to expand, increasing pressure on the lungs. An existing pneumothorax is an absolute contraindication to air travel due to the risk of it enlarging into a tension pneumothorax, a medical emergency. The stress of travel and the enclosed environment can also temporarily impair the immune system, potentially worsening the infection or increasing susceptibility to secondary infections.
Long-Term Risks and Recovery
Flying with pneumonia can lead to prolonged recovery and potential long-term health issues. Pushing the body during an acute illness, especially under the stress of air travel, can delay healing. This increased strain also makes individuals more vulnerable to secondary infections.
In severe cases, or if the condition is worsened by flying, there is a risk of permanent lung damage. This can include reduced lung capacity, causing shortness of breath for months after the initial infection. Lung scarring (fibrosis) or irreversible structural damage and dilation in the bronchi (bronchiectasis) are also potential long-term consequences of severe or recurrent pneumonia.
Guidance for Travelers with Pneumonia
Individuals with pneumonia who planned to fly should consult a doctor for medical clearance. Most airlines require full recovery before allowing a patient to fly, sometimes requiring satisfactory exercise tolerance. A healthcare provider can assess the condition’s severity and determine if a “fit-to-fly” test, checking oxygen levels under simulated flight conditions, is necessary. If flying is deemed unsafe, postponing travel is the safest alternative.
For those already at their destination with pneumonia, seeking medical attention is important. Air ambulances with controlled cabin pressure may be an option for safe transport in severe cases. Compliance with medical treatment, including prescribed antibiotics, and prioritizing rest are essential for recovery. Some forms of pneumonia, especially bacterial or viral types, are contagious, and flying in an enclosed space risks spreading the illness. Viral pneumonia is contagious until symptoms improve and fever is gone, while bacterial pneumonia can be contagious for about 48 hours after starting antibiotics and until fever subsides.