Is it normal to be ill after a flight?

For a lot of individuals, travel can be an exhausting experience and can take a toll on the body. Whether you're taking a road trip or flying on a plane to your destination, it is common for travelers to return home feeling sick after traveling for a period of time.



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The change in atmospheric pressure can mess with our body's defences, leaving our immune system weakened and consequently, we are left feeling rotten. In addition, due to the conditions, germs can hang around for days or even weeks in an airplane, even after previous passengers have departed.

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Not being able to focus or function at your usual level. Stomach problems such as constipation or diarrhea. A general feeling of not being well. Mood changes.

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Fevers caused by infection are especially common in people who have traveled to developing countries or parts of the world where healthcare resources and sanitation are limited. Any international traveler who develops fever in the weeks after returning home should be evaluated.

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Low humidity on airplanes
Low humidity can cause the nasal passages to dry out and cause irritation in the nose and throat. On top of that, bacteria and viruses can survive longer in low-humidity environments, making it harder for your body to fight off any infections you might catch aboard a plane.

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Planes also have very little humidity and the dry air can irritate the mucous membranes of the throat.

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Our immune systems are sensitive to fluctuations in hormone levels, and when things are kept in delicate balances, the emotional and physical exertions of flying can be enough to trigger immune responses you don't want.

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Jet lag symptoms usually occur within a day or two after traveling across at least two time zones. Symptoms are likely to be worse or last longer the farther you travel. This is especially true if you fly east. It usually takes about a day to recover for each time zone crossed.

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Oxygen. Lower oxygen levels contribute to the fatigue you're feeling. Because plane cabins are pressurized to simulate a 6,000-8,000 feet elevation, your blood absorbs less oxygen at those altitudes. This can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and a lack of mental sharpness.

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Airsickness is a specific form of motion sickness which is induced by air travel and is considered a normal response in healthy individuals. Airsickness occurs when the central nervous system receives conflicting messages from the body (including the inner ear, eyes and muscles) affecting balance and equilibrium.

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Travel can be exhausting. Here are tips to feel whole again.
  • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Travel, especially on a plane, can be dehydrating. ...
  • If you're not napping, stay engaged. ...
  • Keep your blood flowing. ...
  • Start moving ASAP. ...
  • Get outside. ...
  • Refuel with something satisfying or healthy. ...
  • Prioritize rest. ...
  • Take a shower or steam.


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Sitting down in a tight seat for 13+ hours can sometimes lead to circulation issues, including swelling in the feet. According to The Healthy, the chance of your body forming blood clots increases when blood isn't moving correctly, such as when onboard a long-haul flight.

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The dry air, low pressure, and the low amount of oxygen cause the immune system to weaken and can lead to inflamed sinus cavities. This, in addition to being confined in a small area with little airflow, makes it hard to avoid getting sinusitis from another sick passenger.

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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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Planes have a different atmospheric pressure than we are used to, which can cause the nasal passages to dry, leading to symptoms resembling flu.

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Here are several other reasons you may be feeling drained and struggling to reconnect with life at home after returning from a trip: the prospect of dealing with tasks that weren't done before travelling feels overwhelming. jet lag. you're readjusting to a time zone difference.

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Here are several other reasons you may be feeling drained and struggling to reconnect with life at home after returning from a trip: the prospect of dealing with tasks that weren't done before travelling feels overwhelming. jet lag. you're readjusting to a time zone difference.

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Aircraft cabin air is also very dry... This will make you dehydrated whether you feel thirsty or not.... and dehydration adds to fatigue after flights. Combine the two.... less oxygen per breath and dry air, and no wonder you feel done in at the end of a flight.

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There are different types of travel-associated infections that cause fever, along with other symptoms to include diarrhea, vomiting, rashes, and muscle aches. The most common of these include malaria, dengue, typhoid fever, and chikungunya.

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