Airplane travel is an increasingly easy and affordable mode of transportation. There are a number of effects altitude and airplane travel have on the body, including oxygen deprivation, alteration of sleep patterns, and an increased risk of contracting contagious diseases.

When you fly, your body undergoes several physiological shifts due to the pressurized cabin environment, which typically mimics an altitude of 6,000 to 8,000 feet. The most common effect is mild hypoxia, a slight drop in blood oxygen levels that can cause fatigue or a "cabin fog" feeling. The air is extremely dry (often below 10% humidity), leading to rapid dehydration, dry eyes, and skin irritation. Gas in your body cavities expands by about 25% as the pressure drops, which causes "jet belly" (bloating) and ear "popping." Your taste buds also become about 30% less sensitive to salt and sugar in the thin air, which is why airline food often tastes bland. Long periods of immobility can cause "edema" (swelling) in the feet and legs, increasing the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). In 2026, newer aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 mitigate these effects by maintaining a lower cabin altitude and higher humidity, but travelers are still advised to drink ample water and move their legs frequently to combat these "invisible" physical stresses.