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PhrasesOn the PlaneHo il mal d'aria. Avete qualcosa per la nausea?
A2

Ho il mal d'aria. Avete qualcosa per la nausea?

I have motion sickness. Do you have anything for nausea?

Pronunciation

mal d'A-ria — natural contraction. nau-SE-a — stress on second syllable.

When to use it

When experiencing motion sickness during a turbulent flight.

What it means

'Mal d'aria' (motion/air sickness) literally means 'air illness', parallel to 'mal di mare' (sea sickness) and 'mal di macchina' (car sickness). 'Avete qualcosa per' (do you have anything for) is the standard phrase for asking about remedies. Cabin crew carry basic medications.

Variations

Ho bisogno di un sacchetto per vomitare.

I need a sick bag.

Located in the seat pocket in front of every passenger

La turbolenza mi fa stare male.

The turbulence is making me feel ill.

Explain the cause to cabin crew

Posso spostarmi in un posto vicino al finestrino?

Can I move to a window seat?

Looking at the horizon reduces motion sickness

Mini Dialogue

— Ho il mal d'aria. Avete qualcosa per la nausea? — Mi dispiace. Abbiamo dell'acqua e del succo di zenzero. — Grazie. Cosa posso fare? — Guardi fuori dal finestrino, respiri lentamente e allenti la cintura di sicurezza. — C'è ancora molta turbolenza? — No, tra dieci minuti dovrebbe essere più tranquillo.

— I have motion sickness. Do you have anything for nausea? — I'm sorry. We have water and ginger juice. — Thank you. What can I do? — Look out the window, breathe slowly, and loosen your seatbelt slightly. — Is there still a lot of turbulence? — No, in ten minutes it should be calmer.

Cultural Note

Cabin crew on Italian flights carry basic medical supplies but not prescription medication. For regular motion sickness sufferers, taking an antihistamine (e.g., dimenhydrinate/Dramamine) before the flight is recommended. Window seats over the wing experience the least movement during turbulence.