Do you weigh more after a flight?

It takes about 24 hours before your body begins to eliminate undigested food residue (e.g., waste). So, you've gained a little water weight, not a surplus of fat cells. If you resume your usual healthy diet and drink plenty of water, you'll lose that extra fluid in a couple of days.



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Weight gained after a vacation or indulgent weekend doesn't mean you've put on fat. It's probably just water retention, experts say.

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Travel: For some people, sitting for a long time in a car or airplane can cause fluid retention. The lack of circulation allows fluid to build up; however, the swelling usually goes away in a day or two.

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While swollen ankles and feet after flying can feel quite alarming, it's generally temporary and starts to subside once you resume normal activities. Most individuals will notice a significant reduction in swelling within 24 hours of landing. For others, it might take around 2 days for the swelling to fully recede.

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The most likely culprit is inactivity during a flight. Sitting with your feet on the floor for a long period causes blood to pool in your leg veins. The position of your legs when you are seated also increases pressure in your leg veins.

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Leg and foot swelling during air travel is common and typically harmless. The most likely culprit is inactivity during a flight. Sitting with your feet on the floor for a long period causes blood to pool in your leg veins. The position of your legs when you are seated also increases pressure in your leg veins.

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However, the pressure in the cabin caused by being at such a high altitude makes any air trapped in your gut expand, which causes you to feel bloated after a flight.

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