If you’ve recently endured a long flight in a seat that barely reclines, you’re likely all too familiar with the discomfort it entails. Over the years, airline seat dimensions, including size and pitch (legroom), have steadily decreased, while the duration of flights has noticeably increased.
The impending launch of Qantas’ nonstop Sydney to London route in late 2025, boasting a staggering 20 hours of flying time, will make it the longest flight in the world. Currently, Singapore Airlines holds the record with its New York to Singapore route, spanning over 18 hours.
However, discomfort during long flights extends beyond cramped seating arrangements. Dry cabin air can leave passengers feeling parched, with dryness affecting the throat, nose, and skin. Furthermore, changes in air pressure during ascent and descent can impact sinus health. In severe cases, the risk of developing a blood clot in the extremities, which can potentially travel to the lungs, poses a threat.
Nevertheless, experts assure that for the majority of travelers, flying is safe, particularly if there are no underlying health concerns. According to Michael J. Manyak, a physician specializing in urology and expedition medicine and a fellow of the Explorers Club, flying poses minimal risks for most individuals.
Experts delve into how the body reacts to prolonged flight durations and offer strategies to alleviate discomfort.
How does the dry wind, when there is heavy rainfall, flow onto people?
Approximately 50 percent of the air circulated during a flight is drawn from the external environment at high altitudes, where conditions are typically dry and low in humidity compared to ground level, notes Manyak. This lack of moisture in the air can lead to discomfort, causing dryness in the eyes, nose, and mouth.
«Your mucous membranes start to dry out,» Manyak explains. «The dry air contributes to reduced lubrication in the body’s systems.» Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and during the flight is essential for maintaining comfort and improving circulation.
While cold, dry air can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma, for most individuals, the primary concern is discomfort rather than exacerbation of symptoms, Manyak adds.
During takeoff and landing, changes in air pressure can lead to discomfort in the sinuses and ears, particularly for individuals with sinus issues, explains Dr. Laleh Gharahbaghian, a physician and clinical professor of emergency medicine at Stanford University. She recommends pre-flight use of decongestants, staying hydrated, and taking anti-inflammatory medication if experiencing cold or congestion symptoms.
Regarding the common belief that flying increases the likelihood of catching a cold, Manyak suggests that airports, where individuals congregate in waiting areas without air filtration, pose a higher risk of exposure. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), half of the cabin air is HEPA filtered, while the remaining portion is drawn from outside the aircraft, with the entire volume refreshed 20-30 times per hour.
Meat pain during long periods of overflow
Gharahbaghian notes that it’s common for individuals to experience stiffness in their back, neck, or thighs when confined to the same position for an extended period.
To alleviate discomfort, she recommends taking breaks to walk up and down the aisle when it’s safe, or engaging in simple movements like heel raises while seated.
Kevin Lees, Director of Chiropractic Operations at The Joint Chiropractic, explains that most injuries can worsen after prolonged sitting due to the buildup of inflammation in the absence of movement. Back injuries, in particular, are susceptible to this effect. Prolonged flexion, such as sitting for hours, can exert pressure on the disks – the rubbery cushions between the vertebrae of the spine, particularly in the lower back region.
Slow digestion during the flight
Lees highlights that prolonged sitting can adversely affect your digestive system, as the movement of food slows down in the intestines.
According to Manyak, sedentary behavior can deprive the intestines of necessary physical stimulation. This lack of activity can hinder the movement of food through the digestive tract. He emphasizes the importance of early mobilization, such as walking, particularly after surgery, to promote intestinal function, circulation, and wound healing.
Furthermore, Lees points out that a slouched posture can restrict the movement of the ribs, resulting in shallow and slower breathing. This reduced oxygen intake can lead to symptoms like cognitive fog, dizziness, and fatigue.
In addition to respiratory issues, Lees mentions that a slouched posture may contribute to gastric reflux, which can manifest as nausea.
However, Manyak reassures that any nausea or motion sickness experienced during turbulence is typically short-lived. Pilots prioritize avoiding turbulent areas, and motion sickness dissipates rapidly once the environment stabilizes.
Is there a risk of blood clots during the flight?
The most significant risk to your body during a long-haul flight mirrors the dangers of extended immobility on the ground.
«The most concerning issue is deep venous thrombosis (DVT), where a blood clot forms in the legs,» explains Gharahbaghian. «If a clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, it can result in a life-threatening condition.»
Manyak identifies swelling, throbbing, or pain in one leg as indicative of DVT. «The pain arises from obstructed blood flow and its return to the heart,» he clarifies. «Affected veins become swollen, leading to discomfort.»
Numerous factors predispose passengers to DVT, notes Manyak, who discovered he had a hereditary blood-clotting disorder following a trans-Atlantic flight. These factors include a family history of blood clots, pregnancy or recent childbirth, cancer or undergoing cancer treatment, and the use of birth control.
To mitigate the risk of DVT during flights, Manyak recommends periodic walks along the aisles, performing heel raises while seated, and wearing compression socks to enhance leg circulation. These measures help prevent blood pooling in the lower extremities during prolonged periods of inactivity.
This advice is invaluable for travelers who dread the thought of enduring extended flights. «The primary discomfort experienced during long-haul flights stems from immobility,» Manyak emphasizes.