Why do I feel so weird on a plane?

It's not just your imagination – flying in an airplane can zap your energy, dry your skin and make various body parts feel different or weird. How come? “The pressure, temperature and oxygen levels in the cabin fluctuate, and the humidity level is lower than it is at sea level,” says Matthew Goldman, MD.



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The sensation of “dropping” comes from the retraction of the flaps and slats. The rate of climb is reduced, causing it to feel like a descent.

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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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The main aspect of in-flight health that most of us will encounter is tiredness and changes to circadian rhythms. Flying often involves getting up at unsociable hours, inadequate sleep and messing up the body clock — all of which leave us more susceptible to being hit nastily by any bugs that may be floating about.

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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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According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 6.5 percent of the U.S. population has aviophobia (a fear of flying), and roughly 25 percent experience some sort of flying-related anxiety.

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So many travelers struggle with this fear, so the best way to cope is to find a seat with plenty of space. The least crowded section of the plane is first or business class. But if upgraded flying isn't in your budget there are still options. Try sitting in an aisle seat in an exit row towards the front of the plane.

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  1. Name your phobia. ...
  2. Familiarize yourself with airplane noises. ...
  3. Check the turbulence forecast. ...
  4. Bring a photo of your destination. ...
  5. Skip coffee and wine. ...
  6. Distract yourself. ...
  7. Tell the flight attendants. ...
  8. Embrace safety information.


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Disembarkment syndrome is a neurological condition usually occurring after a cruise, aircraft flight, or other sustained motion event. The phrase “mal de débarquement” is French and translates to “illness of disembarkation”.

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In HC-BPPV patients, turning one's head or body to either side in the supine position provokes vertigo, which usually lasts for several minutes.

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In larger planes, the main risk from flying to the ear is from pressure fluctuations in the cabins. Large airplanes generally have less of these, and small unpressurized airplanes have the most. Should avoid if possible as potential for worsening hearing or dizziness.

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The best seat on the plane to avoid turbulence is either over the wings or towards the front of the aircraft. The wings of the plane keep it balanced and smooth, whereas the tail of the aircraft can bounce up and down more. The closer a passenger is to the front of the plane the less turbulence they would usually feel.

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Scientists have done the math, and it turns out that frequent fliers actually age the tiniest bit more quickly than people with both feet on the ground. But not to worry, the difference is so small, you don't have to worry about extra wrinkles.

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Why do I gain weight flying? All those pounds are mostly water weight. The reason for the five-pound “gain” is water retention.

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Believe it or not, an hour of flight time is akin to spending about 20 minutes in a tanning bed. Except, instead of achieving a healthy tanned glow, all it does is just deteriorate your skin condition. Sun exposure is actually one of the key reasons for the skin to lose its elasticity.

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