Why Do Long Flights Make You Feel Crappy?

Fly fear metaphor, aerophobia concept. Business woman holding airplane in hand.

Thirsty and stuffy onboard your flight? A recent study says the ozone is to blame.

The negative effect of ozone on air quality — stuffy noses, dry eyes and mouth, respiratory symptoms and more — may be more pronounced in aircraft cabins at high altitudes, according to a study published by the Public Library of Science (PLOS), which

The San Francisco-based nonprofit examined the indoor environment of 83 domestic and international flights, with flyers completing a survey of symptoms and satisfaction of air quality.

PLOS’ findings were published in a report titled Impact of Cabin Ozone Concentrations on Passenger Reported Symptoms in Commercial Aircraft, include:

• 26 percent of flyers reported dry mouth or lips.
• 22 percent noticed dry eyes.
• 19 percent claimed nasal stuffiness.
• 46 percent of passengers reported at least one symptom related to the eyes or mouth.
• 33 percent of flyers claimed at least one upper respiratory symptom.

“In light of these concerns the FAA’s 1985 regulation on cabin ozone concentrations should be revisited and action should be taken to ensure low ozone levels during entire flights,” a portion of the report reads. “Since the performance of catalytic converters can significantly decrease during their lifetime, their mandatory use should be coupled with regular performance checks and maintenance.”

Average ozone levels, as opposed to peak concentrations, showed slightly weaker associations, whereas medium- and long-duration flights were significantly associated with more symptoms.

The projected was funded by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), neither of whom played a role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

[Photo: iStock]