Flying is something many of us enjoy, but not everyone is a fan of the experience, especially when it comes to long-haul flights. The feeling of fatigue, muscle soreness, ear blockage, dizziness, headaches, and swollen legs are common complaints.

These symptoms are often blamed on crowded cabins, poor air quality, or motion sickness. However, the truth is that these issues are frequently caused by a lack of oxygen, resembling altitude sickness.

Can you get high altitude sickness on a plane?

Video by Pharmacist Virginia

Low Pressure and Its Effects

Long-haul flights typically take place at an altitude of over 10,000 meters (about 32,800 feet), where the air is thinner, and both the temperature and air pressure are lower. As a result, the cabin needs to be pressurized and heated to a certain level, but this is only maintained at the equivalent of about 1,981 to 2,438 meters (6,500 to 8,000 feet) above sea level. This lower pressure is essential to reduce the structural pressure on the aircraft, decrease its weight, and reduce fuel consumption.

Altitude sickness typically happens at elevations higher than 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). Therefore, rules state that cabin pressure must not fall below 565 mmHg to prevent this condition. Although the cabin pressure is regulated to help mitigate altitude sickness, prolonged exposure to lower pressure can still result in oxygen deficiency, causing symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches, and general discomfort.

The Boeing 787 and Increased Cabin Pressure

To investigate the effects of long flights on the human body, Boeing collaborated with Oklahoma State University to design a study. The findings confirmed that flying indeed brings its own set of discomforts. The research was conducted in a low-pressure cabin, closely mimicking the experience of a flight. The 502 participants were divided into five groups and exposed to different cabin pressures. They spent 20 hours in the cabin, with free movement and access to entertainment, as well as meals, but they had to sleep for at least six hours during the experiment.

The results revealed that the lower the cabin pressure, the lower the oxygen saturation in the blood. Decreased oxygen levels led to clearer signs of unease. At a pressure equivalent to 2,438 meters above sea level, participants' average oxygen saturation dropped below 93%. Additionally, 7.4% of the participants experienced altitude sickness, most commonly 8 to 10 hours into the flight. The more time you stay in the cabin, the less oxygen there is in your blood, which increases the chances of feeling sick. This helps explain why short flights tend to be more comfortable, while long-haul flights are often much more difficult to endure.

In response to these findings, Boeing has designed the new 787 aircraft with a higher cabin pressure. Thanks to new composite materials used in the construction of the aircraft, which replace traditional aluminum, it can fly at higher altitudes while maintaining a higher level of cabin pressure. This innovation aims to enhance passenger comfort during long flights.

Tips for a More Comfortable Flight

While the low cabin pressure during flights doesn’t generally pose a major health risk, it can still affect comfort. To reduce oxygen deficiency symptoms and make flying a more pleasant experience, we can follow a few simple tips when traveling:

1. Wear Loose Clothing

Tight clothes can add to discomfort, so it’s a good idea to dress in loose, comfortable clothing for long flights.

2. Stay Hydrated

Being on a flight often leads to dehydration because of the dry air in the cabin. Therefore, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking enough water during your flight.

3. Avoid Drinking and Sleeping Pills

While drinking may seem like a way to relax, it can actually exacerbate dehydration and make symptoms worse. Similarly, taking sleeping pills can interfere with the body’s natural adaptation to the flight environment.

4. Limit Beans and Carbonated Drinks

Some foods, such as beans and fizzy drinks, can lead to bloating and pain when flying. Choosing lighter meals and snacks is a better option.

5. Breathe Slowly and Deeply

Deep and slow breathing can help maintain oxygen levels and reduce feelings of dizziness or discomfort.

By following these tips, we can make long-haul flights more manageable and improve our overall travel experience. Whether we are traveling for business, pleasure, or adventure, taking a few precautions can go a long way in making the flight more comfortable.

Safe travels, and remember, staying informed and prepared can make all the difference!