How does flying make you feel?

The body, the inner ear and the eyes send inconsistent signals to the brain. Cold sweats, dizziness, headaches and fatigue are common symptoms. Many student pilots experience motion sickness. But after a while they get used to the sensations of the flight environment and don't have any issues.



Flying triggers a unique cocktail of physiological and psychological sensations due to the pressurized environment and high altitude. Physically, the dry cabin air (often less than 12% humidity) can make you feel dehydrated, leading to dry skin, scratchy eyes, and fatigue. The change in air pressure during ascent and descent can cause "airplane ear" (ear barotrauma) as the pressure in your inner ear struggles to equalize. Psychologically, many passengers experience a heightened emotional state—a phenomenon sometimes called "the mile-high cry"—where the combination of confinement, white noise, and lack of oxygen makes people more likely to tear up during a movie. On a supportive level, the white noise of the engines can actually be quite "grounding" for some, inducing a meditative or sleepy state. In 2026, newer aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or Airbus A350 are designed to fly at lower "cabin altitudes" and higher humidity, which significantly reduces the "jet lag" feeling and helps travelers feel more refreshed and less physically drained upon arrival.

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Air pressure is lower at higher altitudes, which means your body takes in less oxygen. Airlines “pressurize” the air in the cabin, but not to sea-level pressures, so there's still less oxygen getting to your body when you fly, which can make you feel drained or even short of breath.

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No matter your age, a person's first flight is an exhilarating experience. First-time flyers are often either scared or excited about their big day. If you're feeling nervous about flying, you should feel secure knowing you are safer in the air than driving in a car .

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You can become dehydrated Dehydration is common on long-haul flights. It can explain why your throat, nose and skin can feel dry on an airplane. The longer the flight, the greater the risk of dehydration. That's because of low levels of humidity in the cabin compared with what you'd expect on the ground.

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Jet belly: (noun) the bloated state in which your stomach inflates post-flight. Also, a very unpleasant feeling. May also make you look like you're 3 months pregnant. So how does one prevent this jet belly? Well, it all depends on what you eat on the plane.

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The following day, you're tired and cranky – much worse than after any other travel day – even though you rested well on the plane itself. Commonly referred to as post-flight aches, these symptoms can be excruciating and keep you from moving around generally for a few days after your trip has ended.

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Short answer: Because we're moving at the same velocity as the Earth, in the same way that passengers inside an airplane don't feel movement because they're moving with the same velocity as the plane. People on a smooth flight don't feel the plane's movement.

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If you're seated with your belt on, it's like a roller coaster ride and nothing worse. Remember that I said it's rare, not unheard of, for turbulence to bring airplanes down. There is one kind of turbulence that has been known to cause accidents -- the turbulence generated by thunderstorms.

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But seriously, there's no need to worry: Planes are specifically designed to handle and minimize turbulence. When you look out your window and see the wing bobbing up and down as the plane experiences turbulence, don't fear that the plane is about to come apart, says pilot Korry Franke.

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You'll feel the tires hit the runway and that can be a bit dramatic but it's normal. You'll feel the pilots start to brake and that is pretty cool feeling the engine slow itself down from 300+ mph.

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The Airport and Airplanes are Full of Germs Airplanes are just as dirty. Studies have shown bacteria and viruses living on armrests, seat belts, window shades, tray tables, toilet handles, and more for DAYS.

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The freedom to travel wherever you wish without restrictions of roads and traffic, the serenity of an early morning flight, the camaraderie of fellow fliers and the feeling of accomplishment. The measure of the fun of flying is truly greater than the sum of all its parts.

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Low air pressure during air travel also decreases the amount of oxygen in the air. This effect is modest and generally not noticeable for healthy travelers. For patients with significant lung disease, a small decrease in available oxygen can cause significant symptoms, especially with exercise.

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Aerotoxic syndrome relates to ill-health effects associated with breathing contaminated air in an airliner cabin. Researchers have associated aerotoxic syndrome with exposure to substances such as engine oil and hydraulic fluid.

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Eat Light. Contrary to popular belief, flying on an empty stomach doesn't help you combat air sickness. In fact, an empty stomach actually exacerbates symptoms. Eat a light meal such as crackers, fruit, and other light snacks.

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You may feel discomfort and notice minor swelling in your abdomen area as well. Luckily jet belly shouldn't last more than one week after you land and can be relieved using different techniques and by taking natural supplements.

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