When Nature Calls in the Cabin, Be Prepared

Things can get messy if you don't have a plan for airsickness.

Martha Lunken

Wednesday, January 03, 2024 at 11:48 AM ET

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Airsickness bags are must-have items for the cockpit. [iStock]

Key Takeaways:

The article addresses common physiological challenges in aviation, primarily airsickness, emphasizing that it can affect anyone and that prevention (e.g., gentle flying for new passengers, having sick bags) is crucial, as remedies are mainly for cleanup rather than prevention.
It also discusses the "other end" of biological functions, namely the need for urination in general aviation aircraft without restrooms, offering practical, albeit unconventional, solutions like bottles or coffee cups, and sharing anecdotes about managing such situations.

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I’m note sure this has been discussed in many aviation publications—especially one as eminent as FLYING—but, if you’ve been aviating for a while, you’re probably familiar with the challenges of biological as well as aeronautical functions. And, if you’re a brand-new pilot…well, I guarantee you will be. I don’t think it’s addressed extensively in the Aeronautical Information Manual or shows up as a test question, but it’s really practical information.

Airsickness (what my grandnieces call “the spits”) can happen to anybody—students, passengers, seasoned pilots, and even instructors and check airmen. There’s no surefire way to prevent it, but I have some stories, experiences, and suggestions to avoid it and, if necessary, deal with the subsequent mess.