Why do I always cry on flights?

The Altitude and the Waterworks: Why Flights Can Make You Cry

Have you ever found yourself inexplicably tearing up on a flight? Maybe it’s a particularly touching scene in the inflight movie, or perhaps just the general hum of the engines. Whatever the apparent trigger, many travelers find themselves inexplicably emotional thousands of feet in the air. But what if the real culprit isn’t a sentimental airline ad, but the very environment you’re flying through?

The truth is, the seemingly benign cabin of a commercial airplane is a carefully controlled, yet ultimately artificial, habitat. That meticulously maintained pressure and temperature come at a cost, and one of the surprising consequences can be increased emotional vulnerability, often manifesting as tears.

The primary offender is the dry, pressurized air at high altitudes. Think of it like this: when you fly, you’re essentially existing in a miniature, controlled desert. This significantly impacts our bodies in ways we might not immediately realize. One of the most crucial effects is dehydration. The air inside the plane is far drier than what we’re used to on the ground, constantly drawing moisture from our bodies.

Dehydration can trigger a cascade of physiological changes, including impacting our mood. While more severe dehydration can lead to headaches and dizziness, even mild dehydration can contribute to unexpected emotional shifts. It can disrupt the delicate balance of neurotransmitters in our brain, potentially exacerbating feelings of sadness, anxiety, or even simply leaving you feeling more raw and sensitive.

But the tears aren’t solely down to dehydration. The reduced oxygen levels at altitude also play a role. While the cabin pressure is regulated to a level that allows us to breathe comfortably, it’s still lower than what we experience at sea level. This subtle oxygen reduction can impact our brain function, making us more susceptible to emotional fluctuations.

Adding to the mix is the increased sensitivity in our tear ducts. For reasons that are still being actively researched, the dry air and altered pressure conditions within the cabin can sometimes irritate the tear ducts, making them more prone to producing tears. This means that even a relatively minor emotional trigger, something you wouldn’t normally react to on the ground, can suddenly become a sob-inducing experience.

So, the next time you find yourself tearing up on a flight, remember it might not be a sign of deep-seated sadness or unresolved emotional baggage. Those in-flight tears may simply be a physiological response to the challenging cabin environment. It’s a cocktail of dehydration, reduced oxygen, and sensitive tear ducts conspiring to make you a little more vulnerable.

What can you do to combat the altitude waterworks?

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. Avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine, as these can further contribute to dehydration.
• Moisturize: Use a good quality moisturizer on your face and consider using eye drops to keep your eyes lubricated.
• Relax: Try to relax and de-stress as much as possible during your flight. Listen to calming music, read a book, or practice mindfulness exercises.
• Don’t be ashamed: Remember, you’re not alone! Many people experience similar emotional responses on flights.

Ultimately, understanding the physiological factors at play can help you feel more in control and less surprised by those unexpected tears. So, the next time you board a plane, remember to pack your tissues, but also pack plenty of water and a healthy dose of self-compassion. You’re just reacting to the altitude.