Question: Do ya'll feel different in the air than you do on the ground?

[geetrue]

I was just wondering the other day ... do ya'll feel different when your flying in an airplane?

Like a passenger for example on a commercial airplane. I'm sure you would if you were a pilot, but I was mostly interested in what you feel and what the difference is that you feel on the ground vs in the air.

I personally haven't flown in an airplane in almost thirty years, In fact it will be 30 years next February. I always liked watching the ground and wondering who all of those people were that lived in those little houses and drove those little cars.

I use to fly out of Quosent Point Rhode Island on commercial jets to change crews on my submarine and then we would land at Boston Logan on the way back.

That was one scary landing

Here is one person's question about alcohol and air travel

Dear Alice,
My new job requires me to travel by airplane quite a bit. While flying, I sometimes have a cocktail or two, and most of the time, I am really loopy by the time we land. Some colleagues of mine have told me that one drink in the air is the equivalent of 2 drinks on the ground. How is this possible?
—Loopiness in the Sky

Dear Loopiness in the Sky,
You bring up some good questions about how being in a pressurized tube hurtling through the sky can affect us mere mortals.
During a flight, the barometric pressure of an airplane cabin is lower than most places on Earth. The majority of commercial aircraft are designed to be pressurized to the equivalent of an elevation of 6,000 to 8,000 feet. That's higher than the elevation of Denver (the mile high city at 5280 feet). This decreased pressure environment diminishes our bodies' ability to absorb oxygen and can produce light-headedness or other altitude sickness symptoms in some people. While generally not an issue on planes, the lack of oxygen can result in a condition called hypoxia. Hypoxia is the technical term for a lack of oxygen to the organs in the body, including the brain.
One of the minor symptoms of hypoxia is mild intoxication, similar to what is experienced after consumption of alcohol. Granted, physiological changes associated with fluctuations in barometric pressure and alcohol intoxication are complex. However, it's likely that the loopiness you've noticed is the result of the cumulative effects of lower oxygen levels and inebriation. Blood alcohol content (BAC) and the way the body processes alcohol under such environmental conditions probably stays the same as on land. Meaning, some people may seem more drunk in the air than on the ground after consuming the same amount of alcohol, because of the lower oxygen levels in their blood.
Another thought to consider is that the air on planes is very dry (it helps preserve the interior of the plane). Add in the diuretic impact of alcohol and a person can become dehydrated much faster than on the ground. Some health professionals and travel experts recommend avoiding alcohol before or during flying for these very reasons. Others will advocate for alternating at least eight ounces of water between alcoholic beverages (both on the ground and in the air).
While the impact of alcohol while flying can appear stronger, it's not really double strength at altitude. Regardless, if you're on the way to a meeting, it might be better to refrain. Or, if you've just closed the biggest deal of your career, then perhaps a drink in celebration is in order. Now that you're informed, ultimately it's your choice!
Happy Travels,

[Cybermat47]

I went up in a Helicopter last year, nothing felt different apart from the feeling of awe.

[Takeda Shingen]

On liftoff and descent, yes. I get a very intense feeling of vertigo. Once we reach cruising altitude, I may as well be sitting in my living room; a very rigid and cramped chair in my living room.

[Herr-Berbunch]

I've flown lots, there is a difference but it's hard to describe. Twelve of my last thirteen flights were all one way to 14,000' so all I can remember is the distinct difference in breathing as you pass 10,000'.

On commercial flights I've always had a drink or two, but I wouldn't have more than a couple.

[geetrue]

Originally Posted by Herr-Berbunch

Twelve of my last thirteen flights were all one way to 14,000' so all I can remember is the distinct difference in breathing as you pass 10,000'.

One way! My god man what did you do, jump out?

[Herr-Berbunch]

Originally Posted by geetrue

One way! My god man what did you do, jump out?

But of course. I tell you, they send you up in the most rickety old aircraft - you don't want to come back down in it!

[Tchocky]

Just back from the airport, time enough to read GT, pack my bags, flying again at 10 tomorrow morning. I really enjoy flying, cramped chairs and all. Of course, sitting in a big comfy chair on the ground and telling them all where to go is more fun

[Stealhead]

Originally Posted by Herr-Berbunch

I've flown lots, there is a difference but it's hard to describe. Twelve of my last thirteen flights were all one way to 14,000' so all I can remember is the distinct difference in breathing as you pass 10,000'.

On commercial flights I've always had a drink or two, but I wouldn't have more than a couple.

You where in a none pressurized aircraft in a pressurized one there should not be a change in how breathing feels.

To me flying feels different in the equilibrium you can feel that you are moving but not in the same way that walking or riding in a vehicle that has contact with the ground does.

Funny thing about flying is that you do not feel the speed of travel.Now if you where in a rocket or a fighter with the afterburners lit you'd feel the Gs.Now the chop of mild turbulence that you can feel.

My favorite part of flying is on take off and landing the folks that have never flown when they hear the flaps and the hydraulics moving they get this look of fear on their face I think its funny.I think what would this person do on a noisy C-130 freak out.C-130s are fun to ride in when they pull banking turns and things no airliner would ever do that is flying when you feel some Gs.Imagine the Gs that John Glenn felt in 61 on lift off now that's fun.

[Jimbuna]

Flying doesn't bother me but I'm always that little bit happier when I'm standing on terra firma.

[Stealhead]

Originally Posted by jimbuna

Flying doesn't bother me but I'm always that little bit happier when I'm standing on terra firma.

Yeah this is true..... unless you are slightly inebriated in that case terra firma can be challenging.

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by Stealhead

Yeah this is true..... unless you are slightly inebriated in that case terra firma can be challenging.

Most definitely

[Fubar2Niner]

The wierdest feeling I get is that point when you look out the window, shortly after take off, and it seems you're hardly moving, almost like you're going to fall from the sky. It's only then I'd prefer to be on the ground.

Best regards.

Fubar2Niner

[GoldenRivet]

The only way to answer your question that i can think of is this...

When i am in the air i feel at peace, at home, comfortable and confident, perhaps as "at ease" as if i were sitting in my favorite chair in my living room on a warm evening.

When i am not in the air, i spend a lot of time looking up at things that are... like birds, clouds, airplanes etc.

[Jimbuna]

I get that twinging feeling in my posteria as the undercarriage finally leaves the ground and you feel the plane is dropping back to the ground...if only for a split second.

[eddie]

I really like flying, but don't like it when pressure builds to where your ear drums feel like they are going to pop!