So This Is Why Pilots Are Prohibited from Holding in Flatulence During Flight

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - There are a number of unusual rules that pilots are said to have to follow for flight safety. From not eating the same menu as the copilot to advice not to hold in flatulence while flying.

This was revealed by Barbara Bacilieri, an Argentinian flight attendant known on social media as Barbie Bac, who has shared a number of quirky facts about the aviation world to nearly 5 million followers.

One of the odd rules she mentions is that pilots are said not to hold in flatulence during flights. She explains that at an altitude of around 30,000 feet, cabin pressure is lower so the volume of gas in the body increases. This condition could cause discomfort and even distract the pilot in the cockpit.

“Pilots must focus on performing their duties, not on stomach pain caused by gas,” she said, quoted by Yahoo, on Tuesday (19/05/2026).

Although the rule about flatulence is not actually an official aviation policy, a 2013 gastroenterology study from Denmark and England did suggest releasing gas can aid comfort and health for passengers and crew.

There are medical and safety reasons why pilots are advised not to hold back excessive gas during flights.

At altitude, cabin air pressure is lower than on the ground. As a result, gas in the body can expand. Because of this pressure change, gas in the intestines can increase in volume and cause bloating, abdominal pain or discomfort. In aviation there is even a term “trapped gas” for gas trapped in the body due to pressure changes.

For pilots, pain or pressure in the abdomen can disrupt concentration, especially on long flights or during critical phases such as take-off and landing.

Another rule Bacilieri mentions is that pilots and copilots are advised to choose different meals before or during a flight.

“The captain and the copilot choose different meal menus. One chooses chicken and the other chooses pasta,” Bacilieri said.

She noted the rule aims to reduce the risk of both pilots becoming food poisoned at the same time. If that happened, flight safety could be compromised as both pilots could be unable to control the aircraft.

Usually, the captain determines the menu first, while the copilot takes the other option. Cabin crew are also said to ensure the correct meals are available before boarding.

However, some pilots dispute that the rule is still strictly enforced across all airlines.

Boeing Dreamliner pilot, Charlie Page, said airline catering hygiene standards are now far higher than before, so some carriers are loosening the rules. According to him, pilots are actually more at risk of digestive disturbances from local foods consumed before flying.