Is it unhealthy to fly frequently?

After all, those who fly more frequently also experience more jet lag — and circadian disruption does all kinds of bad things to the body, including increasing cancer risk (more on this later). What's more, estimating radiation doses in these studies is rife with uncertainty and potentially confounding factors.



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While many people believe that recirculated, germy air is the main culprit of illness after a plane ride, the real reason why flying can cause us to get sick is from low humidity. When you're soaring through the sky, the high elevations cause the humidity level in the airplane cabin to decrease.

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However, as a general rule of thumb, I would consider anyone flying at least 100,000 miles per year (flown miles, not earned miles) or 48 flights per year (4 per month) a “serious” frequent flyer… roughly speaking. When you sign up for frequent flyer miles with an airline does that mean you are getting a credit card?

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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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Based upon the calculation above, the average American can expect to take approximately 208 flights in their lifetime. That's a big number!

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The effects of flying on the human body vary from mild skin dryness to more severe problems like deafness. Flying increases the risk of catching a cold, dehydration, aging faster, reduced alertness, increased risk of diseases like cancer, fuzzy thinking, and many others.

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Your chances of being involved in a fatal plane crash are incredibly small – around 1 in 11 million, according to Harvard researchers. While your odds of being in a plane accident are about 1 in 1.2 million, survivability rates are about 95.7% – so the odds are with you no matter how you look at it.

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While many love the experience of travelling by flight, it can be a nightmare for others who often complain of experiencing jet lag, nausea, memory loss, or brain fog post their journey. Some studies show that even relatively mild levels of hypoxia (deficiency in oxygen) can alter our ability to think clearly.

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Traveling by airplane exposes people to decreased air pressure and lower than normal oxygen levels. For most people, these changes are not noticeable. However, for patients with certain underlying lung conditions, small atmospheric changes can have significant and potentially severe effects.

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One of the most common risks associated with being a pilot is the physical and mental strain. Pilots must remain alert and focused for long periods of time, often in difficult circumstances. This can lead to fatigue and stress, both of which can have a negative impact on their performance and safety.

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The survey showed that, in 2022, 44 percent of Americans flew commercially, and almost 90 percent had taken a commercial flight in their lifetime.

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Some main concerns include exacerbations of chronic medical conditions due to changes in air pressure and humidity; relative immobility during flights leading to thromboembolic disease; and risk for infection due to proximity to others on board who could have communicable diseases.

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Feeling unwell directly after a flight is often the cause of low humidity. 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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If you don't shower and bacteria and fungi do catch a ride back to your hotel with you, Tetro says you may end up depositing germs that aren't your own into your new space—particularly your bed.

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