Five Potential Dangers of Flying With Kids

Locations in this article:  New Delhi, India

5. Flying With a Sick Child

Nose FridaEven not-so-small ones can suffer when flying while sick: Years ago, taking off from the New Delhi airport, I had a mild cold. Eighteen hours of travel later, I had two ruptured eardrums. It was horrific and now, every time I hear an inconsolable cry upon descent, my heart breaks.

Airline cabins maintain an atmospheric pressure above 8,000 feet altitude, but below that, the air pressure changes. Grownups can equalize the pressure in the middle ear passageway by swallowing or yawning, but little ones—especially if congested—have a harder time.

Kids under 2 aren’t supposed to take a decongestant, but talk to your pediatrician about whether a low dose is appropriate. If your child is congested, use saline drops and the dreaded Nose Frida to clear their nasal passages. Breast or bottle feeding upon takeoff and landing usually does the trick. But if your child highly congested and/or contagious, consider rebooking.

For more information on safety in the air with small kids, check out our investigative report on The Travel Detective.

By Sarika Chawla for PeterGreenberg.com