Bubbles are Festive – But not When You’re Airborne

If you’ve ever gotten off a plane feeling 2 sizes bigger, it is most likely because of what you were drinking in-flight. Although all airline cabins are pressurized when flying at 9,800 feet or more, the pressure inside the cabin is slightly lower than what you normally experience on the ground.

As a result, the available oxygen is reduced and the gases inside your body expand. You know how plastic bottles water expand and pop in-flight – Well your body is no different.

Crew members kindly call this “jet-belly.” One way to counteract this unpleasant phenomenon is to not drink anything with bubbles—whether it’s sparkling water, soda, beer, or Champagne. As an experienced flyer, as much as I love sparkling water I make sure never to drink anything carbonated when I’m in the air.

However, you still need to drink because of the risk of dehydration. Passengers must drink to compensate for the extreme dryness of the cabin air and the fact that they breathe more quickly when there is less available oxygen.

So as much as it may seem to be a chore, it’s imperative that you drink plenty of water and keep yourself happy and hydrated!