Long Haul Flights: How Do They Affect Your Body?

Flights that do not stop for more than 12 hours are dubbed long haul flights. Science Alert notes that those who are already flying long haul may have even longer options in the coming years.

According to DW, Australian aviation firm Qantas has announced that starting in the latter parts of year 2025, the company will be offering long haul flights from east coast Australia all the way to London. This would take over 19 hours of non-stop travel.

This may leave individuals wondering what happens to the body during these longer flights and if it differs from what is happening to current long haul travels.

What Happens to the Body During Long Haul Flights?

Dehydration

For one, in several cases, individuals tend to get dehydrated during the course of a long haul flight. This is the reason why one's skin, nose, and throat may feel dry during the airplane ride.

The longer the travel time, the higher the dehydration risks. This is due to the reduced humidity levels, since air moving through the cabin is taken from outside and since air moisture is not that strong in elevated areas.

Hence, to prevent this from happening, it is important to replenish fluids before entering the plane. It is also important to drink more fluids than usual during the plane ride.

Blood Clotting

According to Hematology, blood clots could form within the legs during a plain ride because of the prolonged duration of immobility. Such type of blood clot is clinically referred to as deep vein thrombosis or DVT. With longer flights come heightened risks of getting a blood clot. Hematology also notes that flights worth 8-10 hours or longer have the highest risks.

At times, the DVT just resolves on its own. However, in cases that are more severe, it can lead to warmth, pain, and swelling. It may also break or move to the lung's blood vessels. This results in pulmonary embolism.

Science Alert notes that those who are concerned about getting blood clots during the ride should consult their general physician prior to the trip. In most cases, individuals do not know about the clot until the flight ends, given how it takes time for the clot to travel and form. Hence, it is important to observe for any telltale signs after the flight.

Sleep, Gut, Sinuses, and Ears

With alterations in pressure within the cabin, the gas within each person responds and reacts. As the aircraft rises and pressure levels plummet, it expand. This leads to common concerns such as headaches, gut issues, and earaches.

At times, individuals may also feel sleepier compared to usual. This is because of the body's inability to take in the same oxygen quantity from the cabin air. The body protects itself by slowing down. As a result, individuals may feel sleepy.

The good thing is that the majority of these issues are not more stressed during long haul flights. They are usually issues that come with the ascension and descension of the plane.

The Bottom Line

Studies regarding the body's reaction to longer haul flights from Australia to Europe are still in the early phases. Until these findings are conclusive, the advice stays comparatively simple.

Simply adhere to the guidelines of the airline and consult the GP prior to the trip if necessary. During the ride, make sure to move around, hydrate oneself, use a mask, and have good hand hygiene practice.

Moreover, if any worrying symptoms show up after the flight, it is important to see a doctor.

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