You lose water on a flight primarily because of the extremely low humidity levels inside the airplane cabin.
Understanding Dehydration on Airplanes
The air inside a commercial airplane is kept very dry, which leads to increased water loss from your body.
Low Humidity Explained
- Humidity Levels: Commercial airplanes typically maintain humidity levels between 10% and 20%.
- Comfort Range: This is far lower than the comfortable range of 30%-60% that we experience on the ground (09-Nov-2023).
- Result: The dry air pulls moisture from your skin, breath, and other bodily functions.
How Dehydration Occurs
The dry air in the cabin causes you to lose water through:
- Respiration: Breathing in dry air causes more moisture to evaporate from your lungs.
- Skin: Your skin loses moisture to the dry environment.
- Sweat: Even without feeling particularly hot, your body can still lose moisture through perspiration.
Counteracting Dehydration
To combat water loss during a flight, consider these steps:
- Drink Plenty of Water: Bring a water bottle and refill it after security or purchase water on the plane.
- Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: These can act as diuretics, increasing water loss.
- Moisturize: Use lotion and lip balm to help keep your skin hydrated.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Avoid tight or restrictive clothing that can make you sweat more.
