Travel Etiquette When Your Sick

I recently was on an airplane and unintentionally sat down next to a person who was ill. They started coughing shortly after take off and continued to do so for the majority of our flight. . As I dug through my travel bag, I realized that I no longer had a mask in there. The flight attendant was able to provide me one, but it made me wonder why I (and the 100 + other passengers) had to mask up instead of the person who was ill. I started looking into social etiquette regarding traveling when sick and here is what I found;

✈️ Traveler Responsibilities

• Avoid travel if contagious: Experts emphasize that if you have flu-like symptoms, fever, or a confirmed infection (COVID, flu, RSV), postponing travel is the most responsible choice.

• Mask use: Wearing a mask is considered a baseline courtesy when coughing or sneezing, especially in enclosed spaces like airplanes, trains and busses.

• Cough etiquette: Covering coughs with tissues or elbows, disposing of tissues properly, and sanitizing hands afterward are essential.

• Self-awareness: If symptoms develop mid-journey, travelers should minimize exposure by limiting conversation, keeping distance when possible, and notifying staff if severe.

Social Etiquette in the Post-Covid Era

• Heightened awareness: The pandemic reshaped norms—what once was tolerated (coughing openly) is now seen as inconsiderate. Etiquette guides stress that personal responsibility for illness management is part of community care.

• Shared burden: While individuals can’t always control when illness strikes, the expectation is to mitigate risk for others. This includes proactive measures like carrying masks, hand sanitizer, and being transparent about symptoms.

• Cultural shift: Surveys show that many travelers now expect sick passengers to mask up, and some even feel empowered to politely request it.

• Check with the airline: If you have proof you tested positive for Covid or another contagious illness, you may be able to change your flight without significant penalty, check with your airline.

Practical Takeaways

• Pack a mask in your carry-on, even if mandates are lifted.

• Use hand sanitizer after touching shared surfaces.

• Politely advocate for yourself—asking staff for masks or requesting a seat change is acceptable.

• If you’re sick, own the responsibility: mask up, limit exposure, and consider rescheduling if possible. Some airlines allow changes with proof of positive Covid test or Dr's note.

Sources: CDC travel health guidance, POPSUGAR’s updated sickness etiquette rulesPOPSUGAR, AARP’s post-pandemic travel dos and don’ts.

If we all work together and do our part to contain germs, we can all have a happy, healthy and safe holiday season~