Why do you get dehydrated on a plane?

Answer 1

Flying may be a quick and convenient method of getting around, but it does have some drawbacks. Some of the common health problems that affect airplane passengers, for instance, are often the result of a lack of humidity in the cabin air, which can lead to dehydration if you're not careful. The air inside the cabin of a plane usually has a humidity level of 10 to 20 percent - much lower than a comfortable typical indoor humidity of 30 to 65 percent. For this reason, it's very important to take measures to keep yourself hydrated while you're on a plane.

On the Plane: Why Is Low Humidity a Problem?

Dehydration can cause problems ranging from mild discomfort caused by dry skin and scratchy eyes to potentially life-threatening issues, such as problems with breathing for people who have respiratory conditions like asthma. Dehydration can also lead to fatigue, says William L. Sutker, MD, chief of Infectious Diseases at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas.

Being in a low-humidity environment has another caveat: You're at increased risk of catching a respiratory virus, such as a cold. Humidity in the air keeps your airways moist so the lining can help trap germs trying to enter your body. When the air you're breathing is too dry, the mucous in your airway can't do its job, and viruses or bacteria can enter more freely.