According to Dr. Matthew Goldman, the environmental factors within airplane cabins plus the process of air travel itself affect the body’s natural functions. However, he also emphasized that there are preventative steps that can be taken to minimize these effects as much as possible. Dr. Goldman, a family medicine specialist at the Cleveland Clinic in the United States, explained, “We see constant fluctuations in cabin pressure, temperature, and oxygen levels. The humidity inside airplanes is also lower compared to sea level. All these factors can interfere with the body’s normal functioning. Additionally, air travel itself involves crossing time zones and closely interacting with dozens or maybe hundreds of new individuals.”
Dr. Goldman pointed out that travel-related stress can impact our bodies, advising individuals to plan their trips well in advance to reduce this impact. He further suggested that “travelers should head to the airport early to avoid the stress caused by unexpected traffic jams or long queues at the airport. People on medication should carry them in a carry-on bag for easy access when needed, and individuals with diabetes or certain health conditions should ensure to request special meals tailored to their needs in advance.”
If individuals feel unwell, it might be best to postpone travel, Dr. Goldman added. “If the Eustachian tube in your ear is blocked due to inflammation from a cold or allergy, the ear may not be able to equalize pressure during take-off and landing, which could lead to pain or damage in the ear.”
Dr. Goldman identified five ways air travel can affect the body and noted measures that individuals can take to lessen the adverse effects:
1. **Dehydration Risks**
Dr. Goldman stated that the airplane cabins are characterized by significantly low humidity levels because around 50% of the air inside is sourced from high altitudes where humidity is virtually absent. This can lead to dry throats, noses, eyes, and skin. Passengers should thus carry an empty water bottle to fill after passing through airport security and carry small moisturizer containers, eye drops, and nasal sprays in their hand luggage. Dr. Goldman also recommended wearing glasses instead of contact lenses to prevent uncomfortable dry eyes.
2. **Reduced Body Energy**
“The atmospheric pressure is low at high altitudes, meaning the body gets less oxygen. Airlines pressurize cabin air, but not to sea level pressures, so the amount of oxygen entering the body remains low, which may lead to fatigue and, in some cases, difficulty breathing,” explained Goldman. To alleviate these issues, hydrating the body with fluids is important, and getting up from the seat and walking around and stretching while seated, such as toe curls and leg stretches, is recommended to keep the blood flowing. For those traveling to different time zones for just a day or two, it’s best to keep sleep schedules aligned with their home time zone.
3. **Ear Pressure and Motion Sickness**
The doctor noted that cabin pressure changes continuously, and the ear’s inner pressure attempts to adapt to balance. Rapid external pressure changes during ascent and descent stress the tissues around the middle ear and the Eustachian tube, so the ear tries to adjust the pressure difference. Unbalanced pressure can lead to motion sickness—a disconnect between movement and body positioning messages that the brain receives. To reduce motion sickness, travelers should choose a window seat over the wing, where movement is minimized and the horizon can be seen, and perform swallowing or yawning movements during take-off and landing to open the Eustachian tube.
4. **Bloating**
Goldman stated that pressure changes lead to gas expansion in the stomach and intestines, causing bloating. Travelers should avoid foods that increase gas before and during flights.
5. **Exposure to Germs**
Goldman mentioned that while some may believe circulated cabin air may make travelers more prone to illness, airlines actually use advanced air purification systems capable of eliminating airborne bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The close proximity among a large number of travelers is what can cause illnesses. Goldman emphasized the importance of getting necessary vaccinations before travel, carrying a small sanitizer bottle, and washing hands thoroughly throughout the flight.
