What happens to your body during a flight

Air pressure changes can cause passengers to experience build-ups of gas which lead to bloating, constipation and stomach pains

Roisin O'Connor
Wednesday 04 May 2016 13:31 BST
Comments
BA flight
BA flight (PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

If you’ve ever flown on a plane before, chances are you’ve suffered a few unpleasant symptoms.

A new infographic shows exactly how cramped conditions and constant pressure can create an environment that leads to dehydration and other illnesses.

Compiled by Comparetravelinsurance.com.au, it claims that catching a cold is over 100 times more likely when a person is travelling by plane due to the recirculated cabin air.

(Compare Travel Insurance
(Compare Travel Insurance (Compare Travel Insurance)
(Compare Travel Insurance
(Compare Travel Insurance (Compare Travel Insurance)

Meanwhile air pressure changes can cause passengers to experience build-ups of gas which lead to bloating, constipation and stomach pains.

In February a US senator announced that he wanted to bring in the "Holy Grail" of air travel: New rules which would give passengers more legroom.

Terrifying video of turbulence

Charles Schumer, a veteran New York politician, said he intended to fight against “encroachment on passengers’ leg space” on flights, which he claimed forces them to sit "like sardines".

"It’s no secret that airlines are looking for more ways to cut costs,” he told the Associated Press, “but they shouldn’t be cutting inches of legroom and seat width in the process… It’s time for the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] to step up and stop this deep-seated problem from continuing.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in