Many airline passengers experience unexpected physical discomfort while flying—not from turbulence, but from bloating, cramps, and gas, a phenomenon now commonly referred to as jet belly.
According to Dr. Brennan Spiegel, a professor at UCLA and director of Health Services Research at Cedars-Sinai, jet belly is caused by the change in cabin pressure during flight. While airplane cabins are pressurized, they do not replicate sea-level conditions. This leads to the expansion of gas in the intestines, resulting in bloating and abdominal discomfort.
“Think of a sealed snack bag puffing up mid-flight,” said Spiegel. “That’s essentially what happens inside the gut.” A 1969 study even found that abdominal gas volume in subjects increased more than four times at high altitude.
In most cases, jet belly causes mild discomfort, but for some individuals—particularly those with digestive conditions like Crohn’s disease—it can trigger more severe symptoms, including inflammation and pain.
To alleviate symptoms, Spiegel recommends a technique he calls the “Jet Belly Release.” Passengers can perform this by placing their hand a few inches below the navel, pressing gently, and massaging toward the right hip to help move gas through the digestive tract.
Additional strategies to relieve jet belly include seated torso twists, proper posture, and slow, deep breathing. These actions stimulate digestion and can prevent the discomfort from escalating.
“These movements not only help when symptoms appear, but also reduce the risk of developing jet belly during the flight,” Spiegel added.
Passengers are also advised not to hold in gas, as doing so can worsen symptoms. However, for the sake of fellow travelers, discreet trips to the restroom are encouraged when possible.