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Air Sickness & Motion Sickness

Queasiness, sweating and nausea that come on when your eyes, inner ear and body disagree about movement — on a plane, in a car, on a boat or in virtual reality.

What is air sickness?

Air sickness is motion sickness that happens while flying. Motion sickness starts when the signals reaching your brain from your eyes, your inner ear and your muscles and joints don’t match (MedlinePlus). In a plane, for example, your inner ear feels the aircraft moving while your eyes, looking at the cabin, report that everything is still. The most widely accepted explanation is that the brain is reacting to this mismatch (CDC Yellow Book). Almost anyone can get it: with enough motion, nearly everyone whose inner-ear balance system works normally will (CDC Yellow Book).

For motion sickness in cars, boats and trains, and for altitude sickness, see our Motion Sickness & Altitude Sickness guide.

It usually builds gradually. Nausea and vomiting are the main symptoms, often with drowsiness, sweating, dizziness and looking pale (CDC Yellow Book); some people also notice headache, a cold sweat or extra saliva (NHS, MedlinePlus, CDC Yellow Book).

Who is more likely to get it?

For airline passengers, air sickness is mostly unpleasant. For military aircrew it can reduce performance, and a pilot who is unwell can put flight safety at risk. It is especially common in pilot training, and most aircrew get used to flying over time (review, Military Medicine).

When to see a doctor: contact your health care provider right away if you have been vomiting for more than 24 hours or show signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, peeing less often or dark urine (MedlinePlus). See a doctor, too, if you feel dizzy or unsteady when you aren’t traveling, or if dizziness won’t go away or keeps coming back (NIDCD, NHS). A wobbly, still-moving feeling for a few hours after a trip is normal; one that lasts for weeks deserves a check with a balance (vestibular) specialist (CDC Yellow Book).

Side by side

Six approaches compared

For every condition we look at the same six approaches: what each involves, what it typically costs, and what a patient can realistically expect.

ApproachWhat it involves Estimated costWhat to expect
Conventional medicine (AMA) Behavioral steps first (seat choice, looking at the horizon, less head movement), then older “drowsy” antihistamines such as dimenhydrinate or meclizine, or a prescription scopolamine skin patch. Over-the-counter tablets about $6 for a 12-count box; a 4-patch box of generic scopolamine averages about $134 at retail, or roughly $17–$45 with a discount card. Medicines work best taken before the trip and reduce, rather than abolish, symptoms. Drowsiness is common; children, older adults and people with glaucoma need a doctor’s advice first.
Chiropractic Neck and upper-back adjustments and soft-tissue work; for dizziness caused by BPPV (loose crystals in the inner ear), head-repositioning moves such as the Epley maneuver. About $55–$100 for a self-pay follow-up visit and $90–$200 for a first appointment. Medicare Part B covers only spinal adjustment to correct a subluxation. No good evidence that chiropractic prevents or treats motion or air sickness — only a three-patient case report. The Epley maneuver is a proven treatment for BPPV, which is a different problem. Neck manipulation carries a small risk of rare but serious artery injury.
Acupuncture Acupressure wristbands that press on the P6 (Neiguan) point on the inner wrist; occasionally acupuncture needling. Wristbands are inexpensive (the maker lists value packs at about $25). Acupuncture sessions run about $125–$230 for a first visit and $90–$185 for follow-ups; community clinics about $50–$90. Mixed evidence. One small study found the bands helped; better-controlled laboratory studies found them no better than placebo. Safe to try alongside other steps.
Herbal medicine Ginger — as tea, candy, ginger ale or supplements — is the herb most often tried for motion sickness. Peppermint, chamomile, fennel and licorice are traditional stomach soothers. Cost estimate being researched. Most studies haven’t shown ginger prevents motion sickness, though some people find it soothing, and the other herbs haven’t been tested for it in people. Supplements can interact with medicines; licorice can raise blood pressure.
Massage therapy Relaxing massage of the neck, shoulders and upper back; some therapists also press the P6 point on the inner wrist. At one national chain, about $125–$160 for a 60-minute massage for non-members, or about $65–$90 for members (memberships about $70–$90 a month). May help you relax, but we found no studies of massage for motion sickness. It won’t fix the mixed signals that cause it. Low risk.
MBHA Wellness Coach Practical travel habits: a seat over the wing, eyes on the horizon, no heavy meal or alcohol before flying, fresh air, slow steady breathing and gradual, repeated exposure to motion. Cost estimate being researched. Gradual getting-used-to motion is the most effective non-drug approach. Breathing techniques help modestly — about half as much as medicine in lab tests.

Approach 1 of 6

Conventional medicine (AMA)

Doctors treat motion sickness by preventing it where possible: changing how you travel, then adding medicine taken before the trip if needed (American Family Physician).

1. Behavioral steps

Sit where there is least motion — on a plane, near the wings — look at the real horizon rather than reading or screens, keep head movements to a minimum, and recline or lie back with your eyes closed if you can (CDC Yellow Book, American Family Physician). These are covered in more detail under MBHA Wellness Coach below.

2. Over-the-counter antihistamines

Older, sedating antihistamines such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine Less Drowsy) are common first choices (CDC Yellow Book, MedlinePlus). A 2022 Cochrane review found they probably help prevent symptoms during real travel: in three trials, 40% of people taking them stayed symptom-free, compared with 25% on placebo. They also made drowsiness more likely (Cochrane review). Non-drowsy allergy antihistamines such as cetirizine, fexofenadine and loratadine don’t work for motion sickness (CDC Yellow Book).

3. Prescription scopolamine patch

Scopolamine is a prescription skin patch worn behind the ear (FDA) and is considered a first-line medicine for preventing motion sickness (American Family Physician). A 2024 analysis of 20 trials found it reduced nausea compared with placebo (meta-analysis, Acta Oto-Laryngologica). It takes several hours to start working, so it goes on well before the flight; dry mouth and dry eyes are common side effects (CDC Yellow Book).

Timing matters

Take tablets before you travel. Once nausea starts, the stomach slows down and may not absorb them (CDC Yellow Book).

Who should be careful

What it costs

  • Dimenhydrinate tablets: about $6 for a 12-count box at one pharmacy (retail listing: Pasteur Pharmacy).
  • Scopolamine patches (prescription): an average retail price of about $134 for a box of four, or roughly $17–$45 with a discount card, depending on the pharmacy (price listing: SingleCare).
  • Doctor visit costs vary; MBHA cost estimate being researched.

How well it works — what to expect

Medicines lower the odds of getting sick but don’t guarantee it, and drowsiness is the most common trade-off (Cochrane review, CDC Yellow Book). Over time, gradually getting used to motion is the most effective approach of all — more than any medicine (CDC Yellow Book).

Find a medical doctor in our directory

Approach 2 of 6

Chiropractic

Chiropractors focus on the spine, joints and nervous system. Treatment centers on adjustments (spinal manipulation) and can also include stretching, sustained pressure, exercise and nutrition advice (NCCIH). Some chiropractors suggest that problems in the neck add to the “mixed signals” behind motion sickness, so correcting them might help. That is an idea still to be tested, not an established treatment (case series, PubMed).

What a chiropractor may offer

  • Neck and upper-back adjustments, including “upper cervical” care aimed at the top of the neck. A 2025 review written for an upper-cervical research foundation proposed that this may help some people with dizziness, but noted that high-quality studies are lacking (review, PubMed).
  • Soft-tissue work, stretching and exercise for a stiff neck and shoulders (NCCIH).
  • The Epley maneuver when spinning dizziness comes from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). A 2013 report described eight patients with BPPV whose symptoms eased after chiropractors used the Epley maneuver (case series, PubMed).

BPPV is not motion sickness

In BPPV, tiny grains of calcium carbonate in the inner ear come loose and tumble into one of its balance canals, so a specific change in head position triggers a brief, intense spell of spinning (vertigo). It can follow a head injury or simply come with age (NIDCD). The Epley maneuver is a series of simple head movements that helps move the loose grains; one session often works, but some people need it several times. An ear specialist (otolaryngologist) or an audiologist may do it for you (NIDCD). If you feel dizzy or unsteady when you aren’t traveling, talk to your doctor first (NIDCD, NHS).

What the research says

  • The only published report we found on chiropractic for motion sickness is a 2006 case series of three patients treated with spinal and cranial manipulation and applied kinesiology. The author reported they could travel without getting sick, but there was no comparison group, and the author called for further studies (case series, PubMed).
  • A related approach from osteopathic doctors (not chiropractors) was tested in a 2023 study against a sham treatment: people had less nausea and sleepiness in a rotating chair. The authors called the results preliminary (study, PubMed).
  • For health problems outside the muscles and joints, the studies NCCIH reviewed found no clear benefit from spinal manipulation (NCCIH).

Safety. Short-lived soreness, stiffness or headache are the most common side effects of spinal manipulation. Neck manipulation has been linked to small tears in neck arteries that can lead to stroke. This is very rare, and experts disagree about whether manipulation causes it, but you should be told about the risk before treatment (NCCIH).

What it costs

  • Without insurance: about $55–$100 for a follow-up visit and about $90–$200 for a first appointment (The Pricer).
  • Medicare: Part B covers only adjustment of the spine by a chiropractor to correct a subluxation; you pay 20% of the approved amount after the deductible (Medicare.gov). What private insurance pays varies by plan.

How well it works — what to expect

Chiropractic care is not a proven way to prevent air sickness. It may make sense if you also have neck pain, or if a doctor has diagnosed BPPV and you want the Epley maneuver done — but keep using the steps that are proven to help: seat choice, eyes on the horizon, medicine if needed, and gradual getting used to motion.

Find a chiropractor in our directory

Approach 3 of 6

Acupuncture

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the P6 (Neiguan) point on the inner wrist is linked with nausea. Elastic wristbands such as Sea-Band press on this point, and some acupuncturists treat it with needles.

What the research says

Some travelers still find the bands comforting, and they have no drug side effects. If you try them, keep using the proven steps — seat choice, horizon, and medicine if needed — as well.

What it costs

  • Wristbands: the maker’s site lists adult value packs at about $25 (retail listing: Sea-Band); prices change.
  • Acupuncture: private sessions about $125–$230 for a first visit and $90–$185 for follow-ups; community clinics about $50–$90 a visit (The Pricer).

Find an acupuncturist in our directory

Approach 4 of 6

Herbal medicine

Ginger is the remedy most people reach for. The NHS suggests trying it as a tablet, a biscuit or a tea (NHS).

What the research says

In short: ginger as a food or drink is a gentle, low-risk comfort, but don’t rely on it in place of the steps that are proven to work.

Safety. Ginger supplements may raise the risk of bleeding with blood thinners such as warfarin and with NSAID pain relievers, and may lower blood sugar further in people on diabetes medicines (Memorial Sloan Kettering). Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking ginger supplements if you take any medicine, are pregnant or are breastfeeding (NCCIH). We don’t list doses here.

Other herbs people try

Peppermint, chamomile, fennel and licorice are also promoted for an upset stomach. The CDC notes that evidence for diets, supplements and vitamins, as well as ginger, against motion sickness is weak and contradictory (CDC Yellow Book), and we found no studies in people testing these four herbs for motion sickness.

  • Peppermint: a small amount of research suggests peppermint oil, including breathing in its scent, may ease nausea during cancer chemotherapy (NCCIH). It hasn’t been studied for motion sickness.
  • Chamomile: promoted for indigestion, but studies haven’t produced enough reliable evidence to show whether it helps (NCCIH).
  • Fennel: used in traditional medicine for digestive complaints (review, PubMed). A 2024 laboratory study found fennel extracts reduced signs of motion sickness in mice, but it hasn’t been tested in people (study, PubMed).
  • Licorice root: promoted for digestion, but it isn’t clear that it has any effect on digestive symptoms (NCCIH).

Safety. Peppermint oil can cause heartburn and, rarely, allergic reactions, and it should never be put on the face of a baby or young child (NCCIH). Chamomile can cause allergic reactions in people allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies, and has been reported to interact with the blood thinner warfarin (NCCIH). Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which can cause serious effects such as an irregular heartbeat; even small amounts have been linked to severe effects in people with high blood pressure or heart or kidney conditions, large amounts are unsafe in pregnancy, and it can interact with corticosteroid medicines (NCCIH). Some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any herbal product if you take medicine (NCCIH). We don’t list doses here.

Approach 5 of 6

Massage therapy

Massage is mainly a way to relax tense muscles in the neck, shoulders and upper back, which can feel good before or after a trip. We found no studies testing massage for motion or air sickness, so it can’t be counted on to prevent it. Motion sickness comes from mixed signals between the eyes and the inner ear (CDC Yellow Book), and there is no evidence that massage changes them.

What the research says

  • In some groups, such as people with breast cancer, massage may help with stress and anxiety, though the evidence for anxiety relief is not strong overall (NCCIH).
  • Many massage therapists and reflexologists also press the P6 point on the inner wrist for nausea. Research on P6 pressure is mixed — see Acupuncture above for the studies and for the wristbands that press on the same point (CDC Yellow Book).

Safety. The risk of harm from massage appears to be low. Rare serious side effects have mostly followed vigorous or deep-tissue massage, and older adults may need extra care. Don’t use massage to put off seeing a health care provider about a medical problem (NCCIH).

What it costs

Prices vary by location. At one national chain, franchise price lists show about $125–$160 for a 60-minute massage for non-members and about $65–$90 for members, whose memberships run about $70–$90 a month (The Pricer). Tips are extra.

How well it works — what to expect

Think of massage as a comfort measure that may help you feel calmer, not a treatment for air sickness. For severe or lasting symptoms, see a doctor.

Find a massage therapist in our directory

Approach 6 of 6

MBHA Wellness Coach

An MBHA Wellness Coach can help you plan ahead. Knowing what sets off your symptoms and avoiding it is one of the main ways to prevent motion sickness (CDC Yellow Book).

Choosing your seat

Where to look

Food and drink

Breathing

Slow, steady breathing gives modest protection. In lab studies, focusing on calm, regular breathing let people tolerate motion longer before feeling sick (study, Journal of Travel Medicine), and slow belly breathing reduced motion sickness in a virtual-reality boat ride (study, PubMed). It is roughly half as effective as medicine, but free and without side effects (CDC Yellow Book). Listening to music helped about as much in one study (study).

Getting used to motion (habituation)

Repeated, gradual exposure to motion is the most effective non-drug method there is (review, Current Opinion in Neurology), and the CDC calls it more effective than any medication — though it is slow, and may need topping up (CDC Yellow Book). Most trainee pilots get used to flying this way (review, Military Medicine). A coach can help you build up short, regular trips at a pace you can manage.

Other everyday tips

Another approach

Homeopathy

About the evidence. Homeopathic remedies are chosen to match a person’s individual symptoms. There is no scientific evidence that homeopathy treats this condition, and it must never replace prescribed medical treatment.

Homeopaths choose a remedy to match the pattern of a person’s symptoms rather than the condition itself. Remedies listed for motion and travel sickness include (PeaceHealth):

  • Cocculus indicus — motion sickness with dizziness and weakness.
  • Tabacum — nausea with extra saliva, made worse by the slightest movement and better in fresh air or with the eyes closed.
  • Borax — travel sickness in planes, especially when the aircraft drops.
  • Petroleum — motion sickness that eases with eating and warmth.
  • Arsenicum album — nausea with anxiety, restlessness and exhaustion, when the sight or smell of food is hard to bear.

What the evidence says

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says there is little evidence that homeopathy is an effective treatment for any specific health condition (NCCIH). Even PeaceHealth’s homeopathy guide to motion sickness notes that these remedies’ effectiveness has not been shown by scientific research (PeaceHealth).

Safety. There are no FDA-approved homeopathic products, and the FDA has not reviewed them for safety or effectiveness. Some contain substances that can be poisonous, such as belladonna (deadly nightshade) (FDA). In 2017 the FDA warned that some homeopathic teething tablets for babies contained too much belladonna, and some homeopathic products contain enough active ingredient to cause side effects or drug interactions (NCCIH). Travel sickness is common in children (CDC Yellow Book), so check with your child’s doctor first. Don’t use homeopathy in place of proven care, or to put off seeing a health care provider (NCCIH).

In their own words

Wellness and lifestyle testimonials

Please read first. These are personal experiences, not medical advice. MBHA makes no medical claims and does not claim any product heals or cures. If nausea, vomiting or dizziness is severe or keeps coming back, see a clinician — and never stop or change a prescribed medicine without talking to your doctor.

I used to use the seat pad for international travel, and that did help, but on my last couple of trips I used the travel pad instead and I feel it helped more. It’s easier to travel with, too. I also used the products on my legs, shoulders and neck.

— Margaret

I’ve found that using the magnet for 10 to 20 minutes helps with nausea in most cases. I’ve used it for nausea from hangovers, food poisoning and seasickness.

— Paula

I’ve flown to Europe often since 1998, because our oldest daughter lives in Germany. To avoid jet lag I wrap myself in the travel pad before I put on my seat belt, use an eye mask to sleep, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. I also bring the travel comforter so my husband and I can share the pad and the comforter when we sleep.

— Sally

I used to get sick every time I was on a plane, and any medicine I took left me tired or foggy for a couple of days, so I always avoided flying. Now I always wear the necklace, and I sit on the seat pad or the travel pad. It has worked every time for me. I’ve been able to fly to places like Costa Rica and Las Vegas — a six-hour flight — and it helps me in the car and on a boat, too.

— Name withheld

Shared with first names only. Lightly edited for length and spelling.

Member stories

Living with Air Sickness & Motion Sickness? Share your experience

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This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Costs are typical U.S. ranges and estimates; yours will depend on your provider, location and insurance. Talk with your doctor before starting, stopping or combining any treatment. In an emergency, call 911. See our disclaimer.

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