Flying with migraines

Sumatriptan is not a pain med, it’s a migraine med that aborts migraines immediately (for most people). With all due respect, it’s much easier, faster, more comfortable and more dependable than ice.

The airline would probably be able to supply that, as they always seem to stock ice for drinks. You might double check that point with them. Be sure to pack along a zip-lok bag or whatever you normally place the ice in when you're treating your migraines. You could also check with your Doctor to see whether there are any med's that might help.

You might want to consider contacting your established healthcare provider for your current situation. There are many alternatives that might benefit you. Best wishes.

Thinking about other migraine triggers, you might want noise-cancelling headphones and to use an eye mask. Unfortunately, you can’t avoid the fellow passengers who decided to wear cologne or perfume but that seems to be much less now thankfully.

Ask your MD for Zomig, zomatriptan.

Hi Hugs, I too suffer from migraines. But when fly I'm very careful about what I eat the week before and sometimes two weeks before the flight. I eat very “clean” for at least a week. Some of my headaches are my fault where I wasn’t being diligent by avoiding foods with additives. The two biggies for me is MSG and cured meats. Sometimes being over heated will trigger a migraine. Strong smells such as perfumes and fabric softners will trigger one. Be careful, take care of yourself and enjoy your trip.

Dress in layers, so you can try to avoid feeling hot on the plane. I’ve found that the Economy Plus seats closest to First Class usually are the coldest temperature area of the Economy section. Also, bring some quality snacks, so you can eat some protein and a tiny amount of sugar during your flight. Buy a bottle of water at the airport to help you stay hydrated throughout your flight - never pass up the water being handed out during the flight.

Also, I pack a few coffee Via sticks, so I’m having coffee immediately after I wake up at a hotel as I’m acclimating to the time zone change. Try to keep to a normal sleep/eat schedule at the new time zone. I’ve had migraines for years and rarely have any on a vacation.

I suffer from regular migraines and many times on flights. As other’s recommend, I would suggest you discuss with your doctor appropriate medication for the flight and not count on the airline for medical treatment.

That said, there are some things that I do in my planning to help ride out a migraine easier.

• Seat choice: if you can get a seat in Economy Plus, having the extra leg room will be helpful, but most helpful is getting an aisle seat. When I get migraines, I also get nauseous, so having fast access to a bathroom helps.
• Let the flight attendants know that you suffer from migraines and that you are prepared with medication, but may need their assistance during the flight (bathroom access, ice, anything else you think might be required). This makes is easier for you I and for them to help you if required.
• Bring an eye mask and earplugs. For me the eye mask is critical is I can’t deal with light when I have an attack. Have everything easily accessible in your under the seat carry-on.
• Eat lightly on the flight, know your triggers so that you can avoid as much as possible.

Best of luck. I hope you have a lovely trip and no migraines.
Sandy

Be careful of Zomig. I had an allergic reaction to it the first time I tried it. I now only use Advil Migraine and if I take two at the first sign of a migraine I'm fine. First signs for me are slight light headedness follow by the classic blurred vision which starts with little blurs before going full blown. From first sign I have five minutes to take the Advil.
My migraines are brought on allergic reaction or stress. I strictly avoid chocolate which I am most allergic too. But other allergens can be mold/mildew and I don't know what else. Since the migraines are new to you, you may want to evaluate those factors.
Best of luck getting over this annoying painful hurdle.

You can bring frozen gel packs thru US security. They have to be solidly frozen not slushy. You might have to either pack them in checked luggage coming back home or throw them out if you can’t find a way to refreeze them.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/gel-ice-packs