Ever Been Locked in the Airplane Bathroom?

Dec. 30, 2009— -- The first terrorism scare on Northwest Airlines flight 253 this week inspired the public and the government to rethink airport security.

But the second terrorism scare on Northwest Airlines flight 253 Sunday got some of us rethinking air sickness.

A 36-year-old Nigerian petroleum engineer who stayed in the bathroom past the flight crew's call to return to his seat landed him in handcuffs awaiting interviews with the FBI when the plane landed in Detroit. Officials and the flight crew were on alert after the attempted terror attack Christmas Day.

FBI officials reported he was "belligerent and uncooperative" when asked to return to his seat an hour before landing, but promptly released him after the incident, concluding that he was sick with food poisoning.

"Indications at this time are that the individual's behavior is due to legitimate illness," Homeland Security spokeswoman Sara Kuban told ABCNews.com.

Now, the unidentified Nigerian man is free to go, but many people will likely find themselves in hostile social situations as travel illnesses meet amplified security precautions and decreasing space between passengers.

The following are true travel illness horror stories from our readers, in addition to some expert tips to help you avoid the worst travel sickness around.

Francisco Hernandez, of San Francisco, Calif., just wanted some Pepto-Bismol the first time he flew back from visiting Mexico City.

Unfortunately, the stewardess thought he was interested in other sorts of drugs.

"I went to the bathroom with an upset stomach. When I entered the bathroom, I noticed a lot of white powder all over the floor. I think it was baby powder," said Hernandez. "It was like five or 10 minutes that I was in there trying to get whatever was in my body out."

Hernandez said he felt ill but couldn't vomit so he returned to his seat. Shortly afterward, a stewardess came over and began asking about the white powder.

"I was so embarrassed and angry, but crippled by the stomach pain. She asked, 'tell me the truth, are you using drugs? Be honest,'" said Hernandez.