Is sweating more common during air travel?
When I'm travelling by air, my clothes (underwear in particular) seem to collect more sweat than usual. This happens even when the environment is not particularly warm, I'm not wearing a jumper or long pants, and I'm not using the blanket supplied. I'm not nervous about flying either. I occasionally get up to go to the toilet, and travel in economy class in an aisle seat. I don't get car-sick, in fact I can read quite comfortably even while I'm in a bumpy car ride, and I'm not aware of getting air sick.
Is there anything about air travel (perhaps the narrow seats?) that makes sweating more of a problem? What can I do to prevent it?
How to hide your bodily odors after a long flight? is more how to hide sweating that does happen.
Best Answer
Perspiration is a normal physiologic response to the environment on an airplane.
Some factors, such as temperature and humidity, are obvious.
There is one that is apparently less so. Airplane cabins are simply not the environment most of our bodies are used to, no matter how frequently we fly. At cruising altitudes, cabins are pressurised at pressures equivalent to about 1800-2400 m (6000-8000 ft) above sea level.
Most of our bodies are not used to that. In response to the low barometric pressure, our bodies go into a mild state of hypoxia (lower oxygen concentration in the blood). This in turn will activate our sympathetic nervous system – that is, the fight-or-flight (haha) response. For more details see The autonomic nervous system at high altitude and Physiological Adaptation of the Cardiovascular System to High Altitude.
A consequence of increased sympathetic activation is the secretion of sweat from our sweat glands.
Your sympathetic nervous system may be further activated by stress, anxiety, or a number of other factors.
So there's really nothing you can do to prevent your body from perspiring when you travel on a plane. Just let your body go about its usual sweaty business, and prepare for the repercussions.
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Why do I sweat so much at the airport?
Simply the ear sends the message of "We're moving" to the brain while the eye sends a "No, we're standing still" signal. This creates a confusion in the brain resulting in, dizziness, nausea, sweating, yawning, trembling, fatigue and vomiting occur.How can I stop sweating at the airport?
Choosing the right clothes to sweat less when travelingWear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes. Think maxi skirts, loose shirts, and shorts where possible. Choose cotton or silk clothing where possible. Wear compression shorts to help prevent chub rub (translation: chafing of thighs).What happens to your body during air travel?
Air pressure is lower at higher altitudes, which means your body takes in less oxygen. Airlines \u201cpressurize\u201d the air in the cabin, but not to sea-level pressures, so there's still less oxygen getting to your body when you fly, which can make you feel drained or even short of breath.Why do I sweat so much in any weather?
Depending on the sweating symptoms, excess perspiration can be caused by anything from low blood sugar to pregnancy to thyroid issues to medication. "Certain conditions, like diabetes, thyroid conditions, and menopause may cause excessive sweating," Dr.7 Reasons You Might Be Sweating A Lot
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Answer 2
You did not mention whether you use the overhead air inlet (ventilation). It is there on every plane for your comfort. I open my inlet as soon as I get on the plane, and enjoy the nice and cool stream of air. It completely solves the whole sweating issue for me. (Sorry not enough rep to comment)
Answer 3
I have the same problem when I travel by air. My experience is that airplane seats don't breathe like other fabrics/seats due to their secondary use as floatation devices (I've had similar problems with sitting in leather chairs). One of the best remedies I've found to at least remediate the discomfort is to use talcum powder prior to boarding, and reapply during long flights.
Another potential cause is that the total time sitting during travel can be quite high. I find that I have less sweat issues when I refrain from sitting in the boarding area prior to boarding.
To add some conjecture: If someone stores luggage under your seat, I imagine the airflow is cut down. Heat dissipation is likely the main issue here.
Answer 4
Try wearing flip flops. If I wear regular shoes my feet get sweaty - and thus I feel more sweaty and unclean on long flights.
This works for me and I always do this (I fly 10-20 times per year).
I also couple this with comfortable lightweight clothes - t-shirt or lightweight casual shirt & shorts.
Answer 5
All other conditions being the same, air travel has two physical aspects different from other modes of travel.
The air in the cabin is drier. This is why you are encouraged to drink water during your flight. Why would this promote sweating? The moisture in your skin would evaporate and your body is trying to compensate.
The pressure in the cabin might be lower than the atmosphere at ground level, which would increase the evaporation rate on your exposed skin.
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