Why am I so bloated and swollen after flying?

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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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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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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How to get rid of bloated stomach after flying: your foolproof formula
  1. Stay hydrated. ...
  2. Be mindful of carbonated beverages and sugar alcohols. ...
  3. Take short breaks to walk and stretch. ...
  4. Supplement magnesium. ...
  5. Opt for a balanced, nutrient-dense meal pre-flight.


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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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Once you've landed, you can use a lot of the same tools to reduce swelling after your travel: “Stay hydrated, move around, and wear compression socks,” says Wurster. “Also, be mindful of what you're eating and avoid foods too high in sodium because that can also add to further swelling.”

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Post-flight recovery
  1. Elevate your feet. If you're uncomfortable, grab a seat at the arrival gate where you can elevate your feet. ...
  2. Soak your feet or take a bath when you arrive at your accommodations. Just as a hot tub or jacuzzi increases blood flow, a hot bath can have the same effect. ...
  3. Take a walk or exercise.


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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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One of the biggest culprits of bloat (and other digestive woes) while traveling is staying sedentary. Whether it's a long plane ride, multiple hours in a car, or lounging on the beach, all of that sitting slows down your digestive tract.

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Dryness and air pressure changes can affect your ears, sinuses & taste. A 3 hour flight can shed up to 1.5 litres of water from the body. Aeroplane cabin humidity levels as low as 4% can cause the mucous membranes of your nose, mouth and throat to dry out.

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Four or more hours on a plane can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances, leading to a small increase in your weight, says Jampolis. If you do plan on weighing yourself after a flight (for some odd reason), drink lots of water while you're in the air and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you further.

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The pressure from the high altitude when you're flying is known to cause trapped gases in your stomach to expand and take up more room, making you feel bloated. This is bad news for those who are susceptible to bloating as it might even cause them to feel nausea and stomach pain.

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Air pressure in the cabin is lower than at sea level. As cabin pressure falls while flying, gas starts to expand. As a result, you may feel pressure in your stomach or digestive system. Gas and bloating are common.

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To add to that the increased altitude and low air pressure mean that the lymphatic system is not able to properly transfer the fluid, which increases retention.” Meanwhile the low humidity of the air means that moisture evaporates from the skin, leading to increased dehydration.

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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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Answer From Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D. Leg and foot swelling during air travel is common and typically harmless. The most likely culprit is inactivity during a flight.

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Remember that anything over 6 hours flying time is considered long haul, but flights of longer than 10 hours are not uncommon either. One important thing to remember is to keep your seat belt fastened at all times in case of unexpected turbulence.

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