Why do I get bloated when I fly?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Gut gas expands as cabin pressure falls, hours of sitting slow your digestion, and fizzy drinks plus salty plane food add more. The NHS lists fizzy drinks and known gas-producing foods among bloating causes. The fixes: water instead of carbonated drinks, no gum, light meals, hourly aisle walks, and skipping beans, cabbage, and lentils before flying. Bloating lasting days after landing, or arriving with pain, vomiting, or bowel changes, is no longer a flight story; the NHS says frequent or persistent bloating should be checked.
What to do
- Skip fizzy drinks and gum on board; drink water instead.
- Walk the aisle every hour or two and do seated calf pumps.
- Eat lightly and avoid gas foods like beans and cabbage before flying.
- See a GP for bloating that persists for days or comes with pain or bowel changes.
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