Why do I retain fluid after flying?

Swelling is common during air travel The swelling is a combination of inactivity paired with the force of gravity pulling the fluids in your body toward earth. Sitting with your feet motionless for hours at a time can cause the blood to pool in the veins of your legs, but it isn't the only source of swelling.



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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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As annoying (and uncomfortabe) as it can be, Trotman reminds us that “some degree of bloating after a plane trip is normal, and it should typically resolve itself within a couple of days.

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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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While swollen ankles and feet after flying can feel quite alarming, it's generally temporary and starts to subside once you resume normal activities. Most individuals will notice a significant reduction in swelling within 24 hours of landing. For others, it might take around 2 days for the swelling to fully recede.

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It is very common for a person's ankles to swell during or after flying. This is often due to a buildup of fluid known as edema. Swollen ankles due to edema are often harmless and the swelling usually goes away on its own. In some other cases, swollen ankles may be a sign of DVT.

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Why Does Swelling Happen When You Travel? Swelling, also called edema, happens when fluids in the body pool in certain areas, causing them to become temporarily larger. Sometimes swelling is mild and may go away on it's own in a few hours.

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Swollen ankles are a common side effect of long-haul flights. They most often occur due to the buildup of fluid in the legs, known as edema. Studies show that edema is present in around 97 in 100 people who fly for more than 7 hours. In some other cases, a person's ankles may swell due to DVT.

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The most likely culprit is inactivity during a flight. Sitting with your feet on the floor for a long period causes blood to pool in your leg veins. The position of your legs when you are seated also increases pressure in your leg veins.

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Humidity on the plane is sometimes likened to the desert at an interval of 10-20% with some research showing that in a “10 hour flight you lose from 1.6 to 2 liters of water.” Skipping water not only leads to fatigue and a headache, but you can experience bloating, swelling, and tight skin.

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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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Patients with a chronic intestinal inflammation often experience bouts of inflammation after a journey. The main cause of this is not the stress of travelling, but the lack of oxygen experienced in an aircraft or during high altitude stays in the mountains.

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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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