Ever teared up on a long-haul flight? This is why

7 March 2024

If you’ve ever settled in for a long-haul flight and begun watching a movie only to find yourself sobbing after the opening credits, you’re not alone – it’s an occurrence that many travelers have experienced. “I always cry on planes,” says Sarah Allard, digital editor at iBestTravel. “No matter what kind of headspace I’m in, if I’m watching a movie with any sentimental or emotional theme, it’s only a matter of time before the tears start falling. On my last long-haul flight, I watched Aftersun and thought I might die from holding in the sobs.” Amber Port, audience growth manager at iBestTravel, agrees. “I watched Past Lives in the cinema, and while I was moved, I didn’t cry – but then I rewatched it on the plane and was silently sobbing by the end of it. I’m not sure what changed, but something did.”

As it turns out, there are scientific reasons behind this emotional phenomenon. “The reasons why we cry are varied and complex, and the act of crying is a psychological and physical process,” says chartered psychologist Dr. Jo Perkins. “So it’s perhaps not surprising that people report being more prone to crying on planes, given the many pressures that we experience both psychologically and physically ahead of and during a flight.”

Flying is not an enjoyable experience for many people, which adds to the discomfort and heightened emotions when traveling. James Roy, a neuro expert from Brainworks Neurotherapy, notes, “It is no coincidence that people are more likely to cry on a plane than anywhere else, as flying for some can be an uncomfortable and painful experience.” Below, we explore the physical, emotional, and psychological reasons why so many of us get teary-eyed at 38,000 feet.

Why do we feel more emotional when flying?

However frequently you may fly, the process is inherently stressful. Whether it’s the worry of forgetting to pack something, the fear of missing your flight, or the constant panic that you’ve left your passport at home, there are plenty of things that can make you feel more tense before a flight.

“The psychological and physical effects can start to build up days or sometimes weeks before the flight from the many aspects of planning required for a trip,” Dr. Jo explains. “All the various anxieties can result in a range of physical changes – compromised sleep, changes in appetite, digestion, the release of stress hormones, and tiredness, for example. Our psychological and physical state is exacerbated on the day of travel, which is typically physically as well as psychologically demanding.”

“When we finally sit down on the plane, it might be the first time in days we have relaxed in mind and body, which can be overwhelming emotionally and can lead to a physical release. For some, this will result in shedding a tear of relief or exhaustion,” she adds.

There are also more sentimental associations with traveling that can increase the likelihood of tearing up. “Air travel may involve emotional triggers, such as saying goodbye to loved ones or returning from a stressful business trip, in addition to travel fatigue,” James explains. “These emotional triggers, combined with the discomfort of traveling, can make people feel more vulnerable.”

This vulnerability could be a remnant from previous generations, who adapted to aviation as a reliable means of transportation. Concerns about safety and control during flights have been passed down, contributing to feelings of anxiety, with verified phobias associated with flying such as claustrophobia and aviophobia.

Are there any physiological reasons we’re more likely to cry on a plane?

Dr. Tara Swart, neuroscientist and author, explains that emotional turmoil upon takeoff is linked to physiological changes in our bodies. “For some people, travel makes them nervous, but hypoxia is the main differentiator in air travel in terms of impact on the brain physiologically,” she explains. “The lower than usual air pressure causes mild hypoxia in the brain, affecting our cognition and making us less able to regulate our emotions and manage stress.”

Other physical changes occur as well. “The air pressure inside the ear is regulated by a narrow passage called the Eustachian tube, which helps balance pressure. The uncomfortable popping sensation can lead to irritation and a decreased capacity to handle stress, consequently increasing the likelihood of crying,” James notes.

Additionally, “airplanes maintain a humidity level of around 10-20 percent, significantly lower than the comfortable range of 35-65 percent. Dry air leads to mild dehydration, often causing mood imbalances and heightened emotional responses,” he adds.

Is there a link between loss of phone signal and heightened emotions?

Airplanes are among the few places we are compelled to disconnect from the outside world without internet access. This lack of constant connectivity may allow us to tap into suppressed emotions. “During a flight, the absence of distractions, such as social media and emails, can create a sense of vulnerability, which can be anxiety-provoking,” Dr. Jo explains.

“While many planes offer WiFi, a period of digital detox could lead to contemplation of unresolved emotions,” Tara notes. The lengthy flight duration, coupled with emotive movie storylines and a degree of anonymity, often leads to unexpected emotional releases.

In conclusion, it’s clear that the combination of physical discomfort, emotional triggers, and the unique environment of a plane contributes to the tears that many experience during flights. While crying may be seen as uncomfortable, releasing pent-up emotions can significantly benefit one’s overall health, highlighting the importance of allowing ourselves to feel.