Long-haul flights can make you sad and gassy—here’s why

Let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like the unique discomfort of a long-haul flight.

You’re wedged into a seat, your knees are up around your ears, and after what feels like a thousand hours in the air, you’re left feeling a little weepy, a little gassy, and a lot less glamorous than you’d hoped.

If you’ve ever wondered why you seem to turn into a sentimental, bloated version of yourself at 35,000 feet, you’re not alone—and, as it turns out, there’s a whole lot of science behind it.

Why do we get so emotional in the air?

Ever found yourself tearing up at a movie you’d normally scoff at on the ground?

You’re not imagining things—flying really does make us more emotional. There are a few reasons for this.

First, the whole process of flying is stressful: getting to the airport, navigating security, finding your gate, and then being crammed into a metal tube with hundreds of strangers.

It’s enough to wear anyone down. But there’s more to it than just travel stress.

Scientists have identified something called ‘altitude-induced emotional disinhibition’.

When you’re flying, the cabin is pressurised to simulate an altitude of about 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level.

This means there’s less oxygen in the air, which can leave you feeling tired and dehydrated.

Dehydration, in turn, affects your brain and your ability to regulate emotions.

So, when you find yourself sobbing over a rom-com or getting misty-eyed at the in-flight safety video, you can blame the altitude (and maybe a little bit of sleep deprivation).

The gassy truth: Why we fart more on planes

Now, let’s address the elephant in the cabin—the mysterious case of the in-flight flatulence.

If you’ve ever felt uncomfortably bloated or noticed a suspicious odour wafting through the cabin, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not to blame.

Here’s what’s happening: as the plane climbs, the air pressure in the cabin drops.

According to studies published in the New Zealand Medical Journal and the British Medical Journal (BMJ), this causes the gas in your stomach and intestines to expand by up to 30 per cent.

That’s right—your insides are literally inflating like a balloon.

Add to that the fact that any undigested food in your gut is still being broken down by bacteria, producing even more gas (hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane, to be precise).

And if you’re wondering why the smell seems to linger, it’s because the cabin air is recycled—up to 50 per cent of it, in fact.

So, any odours (from food, bodies, or otherwise) tend to hang around longer than they would on the ground.

Flight attendants are well aware of this, and many have mastered the art of using the overhead air vents to redirect any offending smells.

(A handy tip for your next flight: aim your air nozzle strategically!)

If you’d like to keep your in-flight emissions to a minimum, try avoiding fizzy drinks, beans, onions, and high-fibre foods before you fly.

And don’t forget to get up and walk around when you can—movement helps your digestion and can ease that bloated feeling.

Why does plane food taste so bland?

If you’ve ever wondered why your in-flight meal tastes like cardboard, you’re not just being picky.

The dry, pressurised air in the cabin actually dulls your sense of smell and taste.

Studies have shown that low air pressure reduces your ability to detect salty and sweet flavours, making everything taste a bit… meh.

Even the constant background noise of the engines can affect your taste perception, further muting those already bland meals.

And let’s not forget the plastic cutlery and trays, which don’t exactly help the dining experience.

Airlines have tried to compensate by adding extra salt and spices to their meals, but there’s only so much they can do.

So, next time you find yourself feeling a bit teary, bloated, or underwhelmed by your meal at 35,000 feet, remember: it’s not just you, it’s science!

Understanding the effects of long-haul flights on our bodies—from emotional shifts to digestive changes—can help us better prepare for the journey ahead. 

These natural responses are common to many travellers and highlight how flying impacts us beyond just the miles travelled.

What has been your experience with feeling more emotional or bloated during flights? Have you found any strategies that help ease these symptoms? Do you think airlines could do more to improve passenger comfort in these areas? Feel free to share your thoughts and tips in the comments below.

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