Generally speaking, it’s safe to fly after experiencing a concussion (a type of mild brain injury) once your symptoms have gone away, and your medical professional has told you it’s OK to do so.

Although older rodent and human studies suggested that air travel may worsen certain concussion symptoms in some people, newer studies have found no association or worsening of concussion symptoms with airplane travel.

Symptoms of a concussion that can be worsened include:

  • headache
  • nausea and vomiting
  • light sensitivity, blurred vision, or double vision
  • tinnitus (ringing in your ears) or sensitivity to sound
  • dizziness or difficulty balancing
  • difficulty with concentration or memory recollection
  • drowsiness or fatigue
  • anxiety, irritability, or mood changes
  • fatigue

Symptoms may start up to a couple of days following a concussion and can last for a few days or longer.

The foremost concern about flying after experiencing a concussion is that being in a pressurized airplane for prolonged periods of time exposes people to reduced oxygen pressure. Typically, this is 90% of the oxygen pressure at sea level.

Severely reduced oxygen levels in your environment have the potential to cause cerebral hypoxia, which is decreased oxygen and blood flow in the brain.

A 2020 study of college athletes and military cadets who had experienced a concussion and flew hours after the injury found no association between air travel and increased concussion recovery times or concussion symptom severity. Researchers noted flight duration (measured as number of time zones crossed) had no bearing on any of the study’s variables.

Researchers surmised that either pressurized aircraft minimize the physiological problems caused by the low pressure of high altitudes, or that healthy and physically fit people can acclimatize to the physiological changes induced by air travel.

However, a 2014 study of professional hockey players who sustained a concussion and flew within 6 hours of their injury determined that they had a slightly longer recovery time than those who did not fly so soon after. The researchers posited that decreased oxygen and lack of brain rest was the reason.

More research on the correlation between concussions and air travel is needed, but if you are waiting for the symptoms of your concussion to go away before flying, which can take several days, it should be safe to fly once your doctor gives you the go-ahead.

Planning ahead to prevent potential stress of traveling may also prevent concussion symptoms from worsening. Consider bringing:

  • a water bottle that you can fill up at the airport and use on the plane to stay hydrated
  • snacks for when you get hungry
  • an eye mask and noise-canceling headphones to avoid stimuli

Additionally, avoid alcohol or coffee on your flight, which can cause anxiety or stress. And if possible, travel with a companion who can assist you.

People who have recently experienced a concussion or are at risk for cerebral hypoxia should consult with a healthcare professional before flying. This is because changes in cabin pressure and oxygen may possibly affect your symptoms.

Even better, wait until your symptoms resolve and your doctor says it’s OK before flying.