Why do I feel unwell after a long haul flight?

Airplanes can be breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses, from cramped conditions to the low humidity that characterizes the air circulating on board. Low humidity can dry out your nasal passages and irritate your throat.



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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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Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take it easy until you feel better.

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Jet lag is a temporary sleep disorder, but not temporary enough for many travelers. If you're flying from San Francisco to Rome for a 10-day trip, for example, it may take six to nine days to fully recover. That's because it can take up to a day for each time zone crossed for your body to adjust to the local time.

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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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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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Disembarkment syndrome is a medical condition that may occur following a sustained motion event like an aircraft flight or cruise. It is a neurological condition that is normally diagnosed by a neurologist when the sufferer reports a persistent swaying, rocking, or bobbing sensation.

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Aerotoxic syndrome relates to ill-health effects associated with breathing contaminated air in an airliner cabin. Researchers have associated aerotoxic syndrome with exposure to substances such as engine oil and hydraulic fluid.

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What are returning travelers' most common complaints? “Diarrhea, fever and rash are the most commonly reported symptoms among post-vacation travelers,” Dr. Oza says.

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Not only does jet lag cause that weary feeling, it can have some flu-like symptoms too. From headaches and nausea, to shivering, some people even suffer gastrointestinal problems.

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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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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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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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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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And while most people will be fine existing in a high-altitude environment for long periods, those who are sensitive may feel mild hypoxia or low oxygen in body tissues. This non-critical hypoxia may cause travelers to experience headaches and feel more tired.

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The following day, you're tired and cranky – much worse than after any other travel day – even though you rested well on the plane itself. Commonly referred to as post-flight aches, these symptoms can be excruciating and keep you from moving around generally for a few days after your trip has ended.

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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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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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