The dry and recycled air circulating around the plane cabin can really dry the nasal mucus, causing you to lose your ability to fully taste food properly. 

This is why plane food can sometimes taste really bad and unpleasant. According to a study done by Lufthansa airlines, high altitudes can cause your taste perceptions to drop by about 30 per cent. 

This is one of the reasons why airlines tend to taste test their food out in highly pressurised cabins. 

This is especially so while you’re sitting down. Blood tends to pool around the legs, causing a deep vein thrombosis to happen. Airlines often suggest you walk around the cabin if you’re trying to get blood to circulate around your body. 

Deep vein thrombosis causes blood clots to happen and you’ll get cramps from the pain. 

Thanks to factors like cabin pressure and thin air, your body absorbs less oxygen, causing you to feel a whole host of symptoms like sleepiness, dizziness and sometimes air sickness. 

Plus, because you’re seated for hours on end, oxygen doesn’t circulate around the body as much. 

As the plane climbs high elevations, the gas in your body can sometimes move about and try to find its way out. 

This can sometimes lead you to feeling flatulent and cause general discomfort. 

Some studies have revealed that because you’re so close to the sun, you’re much more susceptible to stronger UV rays. This is why you really need to load up on sunblock even if you’re going to be in the plane for hours on end. 

Looking for sunscreens that could protect you? Here are some we love. 

Whether it shows on your face or your tummy, bloating is one of the side effects of flying and it can be due to several things. 

For one, you might not be drinking enough water so make it a point to take an empty water bottle with you when you’re travelling. Fill it up at the airport or ask for a flight attendant to fill it up for you at the start of the flight. 

Alternatively, bloating can happen because the gas in your body expands and is trying to escape your body. 

From your nasal canal to your face and even your mouth, everything will start to feel dry when you’re flying. 

The humidity levels in planes can dip to about 10 per cent, causing your skin to feel dry and uncomfortable. Load up on water and remember to mist your face for maximum comfort. 

Because of the lack of activity going on, your metabolic rate slows down, signalling the brain to conserve its energy.