Drinking Alcohol and Flying: Health Risks During Long Flights

Consumption of alcoholic beverages on flights is a common practice, especially on long trips. However, studies show that this practice can pose health risks due to the combination of alcohol and the specific conditions in the aircraft cabin.

A study (1) conducted by the Institute of Aerospace Medicine at the German Aerospace Center investigated the effects of moderate alcohol consumption under simulated flight conditions. The goal was to analyze how the combination of alcohol with the specific conditions of the aircraft cabin, such as low pressure and reduced oxygenation, affects health and well-being, particularly during sleep.

Participants went through two experimental nights: on one, they consumed alcohol before sleeping; on the other, no alcohol was consumed. The sessions were carried out both under simulated flight conditions and at sea level. The results showed that those who consumed alcohol had a higher frequency of hypoxia (reduced oxygen levels in the blood) and increased heart rate during sleep. Additionally, the combination of alcohol and low atmospheric pressure intensified known negative effects, such as reduced sleep quality and oxygen saturation.

How Alcohol Affects the Body During a Flight:

• Dehydration: Alcohol contributes to dehydration, which is already exacerbated by the low humidity inside aircraft cabins.
• Reduced Oxygenation: The study indicates that alcohol consumption in low-pressure conditions (simulating cruising altitude) significantly reduces blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), potentially leading to prolonged periods of hypoxia (oxygen levels below 90%).
• Cardiovascular Changes: Alcohol combined with hypobaric conditions (2) (the reduction of atmospheric pressure at high altitudes) increases heart rate, placing more strain on the cardiovascular system.
• Impact on Sleep: Although alcohol helps with falling asleep, it reduces deep sleep phases, making rest less restorative. Additionally, alcohol can impair breathing during sleep, increasing the incidence of apnea and snoring episodes, contributing to worsened fatigue symptoms by the end of the flight (3).

Recommendations:

• Avoid alcohol consumption before and during the flight: This practice helps prevent dehydration, hypoxia, and excessive fatigue.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential to minimize the effects of low cabin humidity.
• Prioritize rest: Avoid substances that could interfere with sleep quality, such as alcohol, coffee, and other caffeinated drinks, especially on long flights.

These precautions are particularly important for individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as respiratory or cardiovascular diseases (4). Raising passenger awareness about the risks associated with alcohol consumption during flights can be an effective measure to improve the safety and comfort of air travel.

References:

1. Trammer RA, Rooney D, Benderoth S, Wittkowski M, Wenzel J, Elmenhorst EM. Effects of moderate alcohol consumption and hypobaric hypoxia: implications for passengers' sleep, oxygen saturation and heart rate on long-haul flights. Thorax. 2024 Sep 18;79(10):970-978. doi: 10.1136/thorax-2023-220998. PMID: 38830667.
2. Petrassi FA, Hodkinson PD, Walters PL, Gaydos SJ. Hypoxic hypoxia at moderate altitudes: review of the state of the science. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2012 Oct;83(10):975-84. doi: 10.3357/asem.3315.2012. PMID: 23066620.
3. Park SY, Oh MK, Lee BS, Kim HG, Lee WJ, Lee JH, Lim JT, Kim JY. The Effects of Alcohol on Quality of Sleep. Korean J Fam Med. 2015 Nov;36(6):294-9. doi: 10.4082/kjfm.2015.36.6.294. Epub 2015 Nov 20. PMID: 26634095; PMCID: PMC4666864.
4. Seccombe LM, Peters MJ. Physiology in medicine: acute altitude exposure in patients with pulmonary and cardiovascular disease. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2014 Mar 1;116(5):478-85. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01013.2013. Epub 2013 Dec 26. PMID: 24371015.