Archive · 19 Sep 2025
Why Flying Causes Bloating: Causes, Symptoms, and Tips
Have you ever felt bloated on a plane?
It's called "jet belly!"
Air pressure changes, stress from rushing to the airport, and not enough water can cause gas to build up in your tummy.
This leads to bloating, like a balloon in your belly, and can make you feel uncomfortable.
To help, drink lots of water, avoid fizzy drinks, and move around on the plane.
Eating a meal a few hours before you fly is a good idea too.
This should help keep your tummy happy on your next flight!
Abdominal bloating is a common experience during or after flights.
Changes in altitude during flights can cause gas expansion in the gastrointestinal tract.
Stress, rushing to the airport, and dehydration can worsen bloating.
Experts recommend staying hydrated, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and moving around.
Eating a meal a few hours before flying is advisable to help digestion.
- Who
- Travelers
- What
- Experience abdominal bloating during and after flights, known as "jet belly."
- When
- During or after a flight.
- Where
- Flights and airports.
- Why
- Due to a combination of altitude changes, stress, and lack of hydration or movement.
- Issue
- Bloating and discomfort during or after flights
- Causes
- Altitude changes, stress, dehydration, and lack of movement
- Symptoms
- Abdominal discomfort, gas retention, cramps, and loss of appetite
- Recommendations
- Hydrate, avoid caffeine and alcohol, stretch, and move
- Expert Sources
- Ann DiMauro Barrante and Sonakshi Joshi