Skip to main content
Go to homepage

Print Page

I Have Sickle Cell Trait: Is It Safe to Fly or Travel to the Mountains?

If you have sickle cell trait, you can fly and go to places with a high elevation. Here’s how to do it safely:

  • Flying by plane. Commercial planes have pressurized cabins, so flying is rarely a problem. Just drink plenty of water before and during the flight to stay hydrated.
  • Hiking, camping, or skiing in the mountains. Start slowly. Drink plenty of water. Stop and rest often. If you don’t feel well, go back down the mountain and rest until you feel better.
  • Visiting a high-elevation city. You can go to places high above sea level, like Denver, Colorado. Just stay hydrated and avoid extreme exercise. Moderate exercise is OK. But avoid starting any rigorous activity until you are back at a lower altitude.

If you plan to fly or spend time at a high place, ask your doctor for other ideas to help you stay safe.  Also, if you’re traveling with someone who has sickle cell disease, they may have different needs to keep safe. Make sure they talk to their doctor.

What happens to air at higher altitudes? At higher altitudes, air has less oxygen. When you breathe this “thinner air,” your body takes in less oxygen than normal. With less oxygen, some red blood cells may become sickled or C-shaped. This can lead to blood clots, poor blood flow to the spleen, or other problems.

Where else do I need to be careful? Going deep into the ocean, where the atmospheric pressure is high, may cause problems for some people with sickle cell trait. If you plan to scuba dive, check with your doctor to find out if it’s OK.

Reviewed by: Corinna L. Schultz, MD
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2023

What next?

Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
There are 10 nurses in the picture.

And we have many more pediatric primary care providers in Northeast Ohio. You can meet some of them here.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The five differences are:
– Phone color
– Coat pocket
– Stethoscope earpiece color
– Stethoscope bell dot
– Clipboard paper color

Need help finding a doctor, choosing a location or getting a general question about Akron Children's answered? Call us or fill out the form and we'll help in any way we can.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The two matching doctors are 9 and 14.

With virtual visits, you can see our pediatric experts from the comfort of home or wherever you are.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The correct path:
The Correct Path
We offer many ways to get pediatric care all over Northeast Ohio. Use this page to find the right kind of care and the most convenient location for you.