Chen said:
My method is to just let it out.
If you trust that it’s not smelly but just noisy, the cushioned seat and the airplane noise cover most of the sound.
Noise-cancelling headphones also help muffle them. (At least for you)
Chen said:
My method is to just let it out.
If you trust that it’s not smelly but just noisy, the cushioned seat and the airplane noise cover most of the sound.
I just scrunch my nose and look around to see who did it.
Chen said:
My method is to just let it out.
Wherever you are, let it fly free.
Chen said:
My method is to just let it out.
Safe travels and good winds, my friend.
I don’t have tips, but here’s the reason: lower air pressure makes gas bubbles expand at high altitude. I’m not sure why your gas lingers longer than just after the flight.
What does your diet look like? One helpful thing is to keep a detailed food diary for at least 14 days to see what you’re eating. Don’t change anything, just log the food you eat.
For example:
//----------------------------------------------------------
Mar 10, 09:00, Breakfast - 2 slices of toast with butter, 2 fried eggs.
Mar 10, 12:45, Lunch - 1 bowl of pasta, 1 bowl of salad.
Mar 10, 15:30, Snack - 5 cookies.
//----------------------------------------------------------
There are several good apps available—stick to ones that aren’t too complicated. Keeping this diary helped me a lot and can assist if you want to consult a nutritionist.
Something that has helped me is going on a light diet at least 2 days before a flight, eating foods that are easier on your stomach. Stick to soups and mashed potatoes (without butter), and avoid fried, oily, spicy foods, refried beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, lentils, etc. Also avoid sodas.
@Zane
It’s not a big deal if you just get bloated on flights. Changes in cabin pressure cause gas in your intestines to expand. No need to overhaul your diet and keep a food diary for a flight.
Rin said:
@Zane
It’s not a big deal if you just get bloated on flights. Changes in cabin pressure cause gas in your intestines to expand. No need to overhaul your diet and keep a food diary for a flight.
It’s not a big deal if you just get bloated on flights.
You’re right, it’s not serious. But it can be very uncomfortable. I’ve been there. Lower pressure plus gas can lead to painful bloating. You want to let it out, but being polite makes it even harder and more painful.
No need to change your way of eating
Absolutely, not suggesting that your entire diet needs to change. But it’s worth experimenting a bit with what you eat before long flights. Since what we eat will sit in our guts while we’re in a low-pressure tube, it makes sense to choose foods that minimize gas.
Food diary for a flight.
That suggestion was more for getting an overview of OP’s diet, which could help identify trigger foods. I found my own diary really useful, so I thought it might be helpful to share 
What I didn’t mention is that everyone’s body responds differently to the same food. Some can eat 5 burritos stuffed with refried beans and be fine. Others might eat a small serving of Brussels sprouts and be done for.
@Zane
I just keep emergency Gas-X (Simethicone) handy. Also, for drinks, I ask for hot water. I think that helps break up gas (might be an old wives’ tale). When I’m on vacation, I want to enjoy new foods, so I don’t want to deprive myself. But I don’t have GI issues. I guess if I did, I’d think differently.
@Zane
Looks like a pretty bad diet. 5 cookies?
Kiran said:
@Zane
Looks like a pretty bad diet. 5 cookies?
Too many or not enough?
Five animal crackers is small. Five Crumbl cookies is way too much.
Kiran said:
@Zane
Looks like a pretty bad diet. 5 cookies?
Too many or not enough?
Five animal crackers is small. Five Crumbl cookies is way too much.
A cracker isn’t a cookie.
@Kiran
Now that I have permission, I’ll start enjoying those little pink frosted cookies with soups, salads, cheese, and wine, even if it’s not dessert.
@Kiran
Now that I have permission, I’ll start eating those little pink frosted cookies with soups, salads, cheese, and wine, even if it’s not dessert.
Try fasting! You’re likely eating and drinking things that upset your stomach. Apple cider vinegar in water and fasting for 18:6 could help. Also, avoid airline food; it’s often prepared days in advance, so it’s packed with carbs that can upset your stomach. ACV helps your gut.
@Auden
Best suggestion. I had the same issue on my last two 5-hour flights. I fasted for 12 hours before and didn’t drink anything during the flight. Just meditated during the flight.
I have a similar issue with bloating and gas, and also a weak bladder.
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I need an aisle seat for frequent bathroom trips.
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I take medicine similar to gas-x before and during the flight if needed (for long flights).
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I drink apple juice when they serve meals and drink a lot of water.
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I make sure to let out gas (in the bathroom, of course).
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I drink probiotic drinks once settled in the hotel (yogurt drinks, veggie juice) to help empty my stomach.
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I wear comfy pants.
Edit: no apple juice!
@Cameron
Apples, like many fruits, have fructose, a carb that can create gas and bloating. The fructose concentration increases when you drink them as juice.
I take extra probiotics before and during travel and sometimes drink magnesium or detox tea. When I was younger, enough coffee helped, but now I need supplements to keep things regular after a flight.
Check the types of meals offered on airline websites. Most airlines allow you to order a bland meal, which has no onions and avoids most bloating ingredients and strong spices. I was thrilled to learn about that option!