If you feel like you pass gas more frequently during long flights, it may be due to changes in cabin pressure. Additionally, individual gut conditions can affect the frequency of flatulence.
Dr. Zac Turner, a columnist for Australia’s News.com weekly health section, recently provided a scientific explanation for why people tend to fart more on airplanes and shared tips to reduce it.
The Real Reason Behind More Frequent Gas… It’s Not Because of the In-Flight Meal
According to Dr. Turner, the increased frequency of flatulence in flight is not simply due to airplane food. Instead, it is primarily caused by cabin pressure changes, which expand the intestines’ gases.
He compared the intestines to a balloon, explaining that there’s no issue at ground level, but when a plane ascends to 35,000 feet (about 10.6 km), the drop in cabin pressure gives the trapped air inside the intestines more room to expand. This leads to bloating and increases the likelihood of passing gas. The lower the cabin pressure, the more space the digestive gases occupy, ultimately increasing the frequency of flatulence.
Beyond pressure changes, individual gut conditions also play a role, meaning some people may naturally be more prone to farting during flights than others.
Dr. Turner pointed out that certain foods—such as beans, broccoli, dairy products, and high-sugar desserts—generate more gas in the intestines. This is because these foods are not fully broken down in the small intestine and instead travel to the colon, where gut bacteria ferment them, producing more gas. The human gut contains billions of bacteria, and differences in gut microbiome balance can also influence how much gas a person makes.
Dr. Turner further explained that some people have gut bacteria that do not generate much gas during digestion. In contrast, others may have an overactive microbial environment, like a chaotic reality TV show, producing excessive gas.
Gut Disorders Like IBS May Contribute
Meanwhile, those with conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, or lactose intolerance may have a reduced ability to digest certain foods, leading to a higher likelihood of producing more gas.
Tracking how often you pass gas may be one way to monitor gut health. According to Dr. Turner, the average person farts between 14 and 23 times a day. If someone passes gas more than 30 times a day, it could indicate an imbalance in gut bacteria or a reaction to specific foods.
He also advised that if excessive farting is accompanied by bloating, discomfort, or digestive issues, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition, and consulting a doctor is recommended.
Individuals who produce particularly foul-smelling gas may also have an issue with their gut microbiome. Dr. Turner noted that people with lactose or fructose intolerance tend to produce more strong-smelling gas because their food is not fully digested. He also explained that an imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to excess sulfur-containing gases, making the odor even more intense.
