Oh the thrill of planning a big trip! As airports across Australia start to fill out with travellers looking to escape and explore the world once again, a new opportunity may present itself.

Speaking of new offerings, there is some good news for those who can't wait to set foot on the bustling streets of London soon – Qantas has officially announced that they will offer non-stop flights from Australia's eastern coast to London starting late 2025.

Yes, you read that right, folks! We may soon experience a 19-hour flight non-stop.

Compared with the current options, which take more than 24 hours because they are divided into shorter legs, these new flights will be substantially longer and more exhausting.

So, members, if you’re planning a long-haul flight any time soon and you’re a bit worried about it, we encourage you to read on for an in-depth look at what bodily changes you can expect to experience when flying for a prolonged period of time.

Our bodies experience some changes which may affect our health during long-haul flights. Credit: Pexels/Jason Toevs.

1. Dehydration

Dehydration is common on long-haul flights, and the longer the flight, the greater the risk of it. Experts explained that the atmosphere of the cabin is drier than usual due to the low levels of humidity, as well as the fact that an aircraft circulates air that is drawn from outside the cabin, where there is not much moisture.

However, dehydration can also happen from not getting enough water or from consuming too much alcohol, which is a diuretic and causes more fluid to be lost.

So, if you’re flying long-haul, it’s important to stay hydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of water before you get on the plane, and try to drink plenty of it during your flight to avoid any dehydration issues.

2. Pressure-related issues

When the air pressure inside a cabin changes as the plane climbs and descends (which it does throughout any long-haul flight, no matter the length) this can cause all sorts of discomfort in your ears, sinuses, gut and sleep.

You might experience earaches, caused by the difference in air pressure either side of your eardrum, or headaches, caused by expanding air in your sinuses. Another common problem is gut problems, due to the pressure on your stomach and intestines.

Due to the body's inability to absorb as much oxygen from the cabin air as it would at ground level, you may also feel sleepier than usual. It has even been said that the body slows down as a form of self-preservation when flying, which can make you feel tired.

The majority of these issues won't necessarily worsen on longer flights, which is good news for those who are worried. Additionally, these issues mostly only occur during ascents and descents.

The change in air pressure may cause drowsiness to most individuals. Credit: Pexels/cottonbro studio.

3. Blood Clots

Blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, are a major concern for long-haul flyers.

If you're not moving around enough on a flight, combined with certain other risk factors, like being over 40, obesity, a past medical history, pregnancy, or being on certain medications, you are more at risk of clots forming in the legs and potentially travelling to the lungs.

A study from last year found that the risk of developing a clot during a flight increased by 26% for every two hours in the air.

That said, there are a few things you can do to decrease your chances of developing them. To reduce risk, experts suggest passengers should hydrate regularly during long flights, limit alcohol and caffeine intake, and where possible, take walks around the cabin.

One potential way of preventing clots is wearing compression stockings. A 2021 Cochrane review of nine studies with over 2,600 participants, concluded that those who wore compression stockings on flights over five hours had a reduced chance of developing blood clots.

If you believe you might be at a higher risk of developing blood clots, make sure you speak to your GP before organising a plane trip.

4. Jet Lag

Jet lag is a fact of life for long-distance travellers, and crossing multiple time zones on the way to London will only add to travellers’ exhaustion.

The most direct symptomatic treatment of jet lag is helping your body clock adjust to the destination time as soon as possible, by exposing you to natural light, staying active, as well as avoiding stimulants, like caffeine and bright screens.

So if you notice symptoms of jet lag appearing, try to minimise your screen time and make sure you’re getting plenty of daylight when you land.

5. Radiation & COVID-19

It’s also important to note that the longer you’re in the air, the more at risk you may be of cosmic radiation – radiation that is coming from space, which can increase cancer and reproductive risk.

Again, this isn't a major concern if you only take the odd long-haul flights, but if you're pregnant or concerned, make sure you speak to your doctor before you organise a plane trip.

We also can’t forget about the danger of contracting COVID-19. Don’t forget to pack masks, to regularly wash your hands during the flight, and if you develop any symptoms, to chat to your GP before going on your trip.

Key Takeaways

• Dehydration is common on long-haul flights and can lead to dry throat, nose and skin. To reduce the risk, drink plenty of water before, during, and after the flight.
• Changes in cabin pressure can cause earaches, headaches, gut problems and sleepiness.
• Blood clots associated with long-haul immobility could be a concern, although the risk increases with longer travel. Compression stockings and movement throughout the flight may reduce the risk.
• Jet lag, cosmic radiation exposure and COVID risks should also be taken into consideration when taking long-haul flights.

So, Members, if you’re getting ready to jet off to London, make sure you keep the above in mind.

Have you ever taken a long-haul flight? Share your experiences, tips, and stories with us in the comments below!

 

[Ricci]

The one thing they don't mention is the absolute boredom! I am so over air travel, it's really just a glorified bus ride and no amount of movies and entertainment can overcome the tedium. I'll stick to road trips where if you pass an interesting looking town or whatever you can stop and mosey about and maybe share a conversation or two with the locals.

 

[Penny4]

I agree boredom comes into it with a long overseas flight.
Some people can sleep well on planes, while others can't.

 

[Wendybt]

Oh the thrill of planning a big trip! As airports across Australia start to fill out with travellers looking to escape and explore the world once again, a new opportunity may present itself.

Speaking of new offerings, there is some good news for those who can't wait to set foot on the bustling streets of London soon – Qantas has officially announced that they will offer non-stop flights from Australia's eastern coast to London starting late 2025.

Yes, you read that right, folks! We may soon experience a 19-hour flight non-stop.

Compared with the current options, which take more than 24 hours because they are divided into shorter legs, these new flights will be substantially longer and more exhausting.

So, members, if you’re planning a long-haul flight any time soon and you’re a bit worried about it, we encourage you to read on for an in-depth look at what bodily changes you can expect to experience when flying for a prolonged period of time.

Our bodies experience some changes which may affect our health during long-haul flights. Credit: Pexels/Jason Toevs.

1. Dehydration

Dehydration is common on long-haul flights, and the longer the flight, the greater the risk of it. Experts explained that the atmosphere of the cabin is drier than usual due to the low levels of humidity, as well as the fact that an aircraft circulates air that is drawn from outside the cabin, where there is not much moisture.

However, dehydration can also happen from not getting enough water or from consuming too much alcohol, which is a diuretic and causes more fluid to be lost.

So, if you’re flying long-haul, it’s important to stay hydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of water before you get on the plane, and try to drink plenty of it during your flight to avoid any dehydration issues.

2. Pressure-related issues

When the air pressure inside a cabin changes as the plane climbs and descends (which it does throughout any long-haul flight, no matter the length) this can cause all sorts of discomfort in your ears, sinuses, gut and sleep.

You might experience earaches, caused by the difference in air pressure either side of your eardrum, or headaches, caused by expanding air in your sinuses. Another common problem is gut problems, due to the pressure on your stomach and intestines.

Due to the body's inability to absorb as much oxygen from the cabin air as it would at ground level, you may also feel sleepier than usual. It has even been said that the body slows down as a form of self-preservation when flying, which can make you feel tired.

The majority of these issues won't necessarily worsen on longer flights, which is good news for those who are worried. Additionally, these issues mostly only occur during ascents and descents.

The change in air pressure may cause drowsiness to most individuals. Credit: Pexels/cottonbro studio.

3. Blood Clots

Blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, are a major concern for long-haul flyers.

If you're not moving around enough on a flight, combined with certain other risk factors, like being over 40, obesity, a past medical history, pregnancy, or being on certain medications, you are more at risk of clots forming in the legs and potentially travelling to the lungs.

A study from last year found that the risk of developing a clot during a flight increased by 26% for every two hours in the air.

That said, there are a few things you can do to decrease your chances of developing them. To reduce risk, experts suggest passengers should hydrate regularly during long flights, limit alcohol and caffeine intake, and where possible, take walks around the cabin.

One potential way of preventing clots is wearing compression stockings. A 2021 Cochrane review of nine studies with over 2,600 participants, concluded that those who wore compression stockings on flights over five hours had a reduced chance of developing blood clots.

If you believe you might be at a higher risk of developing blood clots, make sure you speak to your GP before organising a plane trip.

4. Jet Lag

Jet lag is a fact of life for long-distance travellers, and crossing multiple time zones on the way to London will only add to travellers’ exhaustion.

The most direct symptomatic treatment of jet lag is helping your body clock adjust to the destination time as soon as possible, by exposing you to natural light, staying active, as well as avoiding stimulants, like caffeine and bright screens.

So if you notice symptoms of jet lag appearing, try to minimise your screen time and make sure you’re getting plenty of daylight when you land.

5. Radiation & COVID-19

It’s also important to note that the longer you’re in the air, the more at risk you may be of cosmic radiation – radiation that is coming from space, which can increase cancer and reproductive risk.

Again, this isn't a major concern if you only take the odd long-haul flights, but if you're pregnant or concerned, make sure you speak to your doctor before you organise a plane trip.

We also can’t forget about the danger of contracting COVID-19. Don’t forget to pack masks, to regularly wash your hands during the flight, and if you develop any symptoms, to chat to your GP before going on your trip.

Key Takeaways

• Dehydration is common on long-haul flights and can lead to dry throat, nose and skin. To reduce the risk, drink plenty of water before, during, and after the flight.
• Changes in cabin pressure can cause earaches, headaches, gut problems and sleepiness.
• Blood clots associated with long-haul immobility could be a concern, although the risk increases with longer travel. Compression stockings and movement throughout the flight may reduce the risk.
• Jet lag, cosmic radiation exposure and COVID risks should also be taken into consideration when taking long-haul flights.

So, Members, if you’re getting ready to jet off to London, make sure you keep the above in mind.

Have you ever taken a long-haul flight? Share your experiences, tips, and stories with us in the comments below!

Yes. I flew from Melbourne to London and although I felt fine on arrival, I awoke early hours of the morning with a migraine and vomiting. I suspect it was a cocktail of dehydration, tiredness, change of time zone and a glass of wine with dinner. The same thing happened on the return journey with a more delayed reaction.
For a subsequent trip to London, I broke the trip with a stopover in an airport hotel and was fine.