Airplane flight while still recovering from long haul COVID?

I have had mild long covid for nine months now, and I've taken a couple plane trips during that time. The longest flight was four hours. Both of them went fine. The main issue for me was the walking in the airport. I looked up how far I would have to walk and made sure I always took the escalators (I always used to take the stairs!) and the people movers. The plane ride itself didn't have any effect on my shortness of breath or other symptoms. (I also went from sea level to high altitude, and that also didn't bother me any more than normal.) But maybe check with your doctor? Especially if you've seen a pulmonologist, they might be able to talk to you about the changes in pressure and altitude and how that might affect your lungs or blood pressure.

Thank you so much for replying and sharing your experience. I’m going into my fourth month of long covid. Still experiencing shortness of breath but getting better. I had to cancel a trip last month when I was much worse. After reading your comments, I feel more confident about taking a trip in July if I can continue on this course of improvement.

I'm so glad to see this topic discussed. I should have brought it up in 2022 when I took my first plane ride after contracting COVID in 2020. I was diagnosed with Long COVID. I have been getting better - longer periods of time between what I call "episodes." I took my first plane ride after COVID in November 2022. After the end of each flight, I could hardly make it up the gangway. My shortness of breath, dizziness, feelings of disorientation, weak legs, blurry eyes were scary. Luckily, for the November round trip flights, my husband was with me. He flagged down rides for our connecting flights. I never would have made it on my own. I flew alone to CA in March and I got wheelchairs for connecting flights and at my destination. I never would have made it on my own. All I can guess is that the change of altitude brought on my symptoms. Of course, like many of us, my pulmonary tests are normal
Anyone had any other explanations?

Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s a bit worrisome. I cancelled a trip a month ago when my symptoms were worse. I think I’m slowly getting better and less short of breath. I would like to take a trip in July and it helps to know what to expect. Again, thanks.

Everyone's symptoms are so different and their triggers are different. I didn't have any trouble with the flying, for me it's the physical exertion that triggers my symptoms. I canceled an international trip a couple months ago because I knew I couldn't handle all the walking and standing. Sounds like other people have had trouble with flying so maybe discuss it with your doctor first? Warm wishes to you -- I hope you're able to go on the trip and that it goes well if you do.

I have flown twice with long Covid and I was fine. Symptoms did not get worse.

This disease is so weird. Everyone's triggers are different. I, too, suffer from Post Exertional Malaise, meaning that physical exertion is also a problem for me. I can usually walk, laundry, PT, etc. but afterwards, I'm short of breath, etc.

I hope your trip goes well - gotta keep moving forward!!

Thank you for your response. That’s encouraging.

I become exhausted after phys exertion, too; however, my main concern in flying is Neuro fatigue. I can become overwhelmed by too much input. I went to a grocery store during a flare and the sights, the variety, the sounds— all too much. ( which is just bizarre! And was upsetting). I echo the comment above: it IS SO weird! We can have same symptoms but they are triggered by different things and they manifest differently. It’s crazy-making. I have to fly in a few weeks and have my fingers crossed. Good luck.

Good luck to you too.🤞Post again after your trip and let us know how you did. Thanks.