“Even a small amount of gas in your gut at ground level expands when in the sky, putting extra strain on your gut,” explains Dr Megan Rossi, aka The Gut Health Doctor, in an Instagram reel. She compares it to how vacuum sealed food packets puff up when on a plane – the air inside the pack expands.

“This will happen to everyone, but those who suffer from IBS or have a more sensitive gut may experience extra pressure, [leading to more] bloating and pain,” Dr Rossi adds.

How to stop bloating on a plane

“If you do struggle with this, then cutting down on higher-FODMAP foods 24-48 hours before flying can really help,” writes Dr Rossi.

Plane bloat: A dietitian explains why “mile high IBS” might be causing your travel discomfort