March 11, 2025 – 4 min read
Have you ever noticed that food tastes different on a plane? Or that you feel unusually tired, even if you’ve just been sitting for hours? There are some suprising ways flying affects your body, but don’t worry, it’s all completely normal. Let’s break down the science behind these sensations and why they happen.
Ever wondered why airplane food tastes bland? It’s not just the catering! The cabin’s low humidity and reduced air pressure affect both your taste buds and sense of smell. Studies show that:
Why it happens: Taste and smell work together to create flavor, but flying reduces both. To compensate, airlines enhance meals with extra seasoning!
Do you ever board a plane feeling fine, but suddenly feel like you could take a nap? That’s because:
Even though airplane cabins are pressurized, oxygen levels are lower than at ground level, similar to being at high altitude. This can cause mild fatigue in some people.
That uncomfortable ear-popping sensation during takeoff and landing? That’s your body adjusting to changes in air pressure. The Eustachian tubes in your ears connect the middle ear to the back of the throat and help equalize pressure between the inside of the ear and the cabin.
If the tubes don’t open fast enough, the pressure difference can cause a clogged feeling, discomfort, or even temporary hearing changes.
Your ears are just adjusting to altitude changes, similar to what happens when driving up a mountain.
Ever noticed your shoes feel tighter, or your stomach feels bloated after a few hours in the air? This is due to:
This is another one of the surprising ways flying affects your body, though it’s completely harmless.
Pro tip: Wear compression socks and choose shoes with adjustable straps or laces instead of tight-fitting or slip-on styles. Compression socks help reduce swelling by improving circulation, while adjustable shoes allow you to loosen them mid-flight if needed.
Airplane cabins have very low humidity levels, usually around 10-20%, compared to the 40-60% we’re used to on the ground. As a result:
Why it happens: The cabin air is drawn from outside at high altitudes, where humidity is extremely low. This dry air pulls moisture from your body, which is why drinking water during flights is essential.
Ever felt tipsy faster after one in-flight drink? While alcohol isn’t absorbed faster at altitude, you might feel its effects more strongly because:
Why it happens: Your body is adjusting to lower oxygen availability, which can make alcohol’s effects feel stronger than usual—though your actual blood alcohol level remains the same.
If you’ve ever felt wobbly after a long flight, it’s because your inner ear (which controls balance) has adapted to constant motion. When you land, your body may take time to adjust to the stillness of solid ground.
Why it happens: Your brain just needs time to recalibrate, most people feel normal again within minutes or hours!
There are many surprising ways flying affects your body, but rest assured, these changes are completely normal and harmless. From taste perception shifts to mild bloating, your body is simply adapting to the unique environment of air travel. Now that you know the science behind these sensations, you can fly with confidence, knowing your body is just doing what it’s designed to do!
Pro Tip: Stay hydrated, move around when possible, and opt for umami-rich foods to enhance your in-flight experience!
The Calm Cabin was created by a once-terrified flyer who finally overcame her fear of flying, and is now on a mission to help others do the same.
If the thought of stepping on a plane fills you with anxiety, you’re not alone. This space is here to support, reassure, and empower you to take off with confidence, so you can finally enjoy traveling and discover the world with ease and peace of mind.
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