Flying remains one of the fastest ways to reach holiday destinations, but the cabin environment can take a toll on the body. Reduced air pressure, low humidity, and prolonged sitting create a unique set of physiological stressors that affect many passengers.
Dr Asimah Hanif, an NHS GP working with travel insurer Staysure, identifies five common issues: ear popping, headaches, swelling, dehydration, and dry eyes or skin. Ear popping, she explains, occurs when changes in cabin pressure affect the eustachian tubes. Chewing gum, yawning, or performing the Valsalva maneuver (pinching the nose and gently blowing) can help equalise pressure. If discomfort persists beyond a day, she advises seeking medical advice.
Headaches are often linked to dehydration, but Hanif notes that reduced oxygen levels, sinus issues, disrupted sleep, and even fluctuating blood sugar from airline meals can contribute. Her top tip is to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol before and during the flight. Swelling in the ankles, caused by reduced blood flow from sitting, can be eased by moving around the cabin or rotating the ankles regularly. Compression socks are helpful for those with circulation problems, but not necessary for everyone.
Dehydration is exacerbated by the low humidity in cabin air, leading to dry eyes, skin, and airways. Hanif recommends drinking water throughout the flight and using moisturiser or eye drops if needed. She stresses that any swelling affecting only one leg, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath or chest pain, could indicate a blood clot and requires urgent medical attention.
For UK travellers, these tips are particularly relevant as summer holidays peak. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises checking travel insurance policies for cover relating to medical emergencies abroad, including those arising from flight-related conditions. Many policies include 24-hour helplines for advice on symptoms like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).