What in the World - Why flying can make you feel rough

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Ever wondered why you might feel a bit unwell after a flight? There are lots of reasons for that - from dehydration, jet lag, cabin pressure and altitude.

Last month, a French court recognised that cosmic radiation was a factor in a flight attendant’s breast cancer diagnosis. Studies show that cabin crew and pilots have the highest level of radiation- related cancer deaths compared to more than 500 other jobs.

We’re looking at what impacts flying regularly, and for long periods of time, can have on your body. We hear from Savannah, a pilot in the US, about what she does to keep herself healthy when sitting in a cockpit for hours. And Naomi, who is taking a break from being cabin crew, tells us how spending so much time in a plane has affected her.

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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producer: Mollie Perella and Benita Barden
Editor: Verity Wilde

Published on Tuesday, 15th September 2026.

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