Why Do Some People Get Horny On Planes?

Pop star Zara Larsson probably enjoys flying more than you do.

On September 23, the Midnight Sun singer uploaded a picture to her Instagram Story with a caption that read: “OK but what’s the science behind being hella horny on an airplane? I can’t be the only one. I’m about to bark.”

In a second slide, she suggested it could be “the peace and quiet that gives space for fantasising”.

This, of course, demanded investigation. So, we spoke to clinical sexologist Ness Cooper about what might be going on here, and whether the Lush Life singer really is the “only one” to feel this way.

Though Cooper said she “wouldn’t say [the phenomenon] is common”, she added that there are some pretty good reasons for the effect to kick in.

Firstly, she said, there’s the hormonal element. She explained that flying can “alter our hormones… [like] cortisol, norepinephrine and epinephrine (which are all hormones needed for sexual excitement)”.

Our circadian rhythm can also change, she added, and this “can influence sleep and the hormones released, which are extremely important when it comes to sex, orgasm, and even being able to become aroused sexually”.

The further you travel, the stronger this reaction may be.

Meanwhile, the sexologist said that the plane’s slight vibrations might kick parts of the brain into gear associated with sex.

And as Zara said, spending more time in the air could give your mind room to wander.

You might be affected by “the fantasy of the mile high club”, for instance. “The risk, thrills, and excitement around this fantasy may result in implanting the fantasy into others and lead to thoughts around sex,” said Cooper.

When we have the right environment and space to stop and move away from the day-to-day stresses, it can increase the permission we give ourselves to fantasise, she suggested.

Yep. Altitude, which is linked to less oxygen, can make some people feel less sexual – but for others, it might actually have the opposite effect.

“To link arousal with fantasy, our brains communicate in certain ways between different parts [of themselves], and less oxygen can make these communication pathways and parts interact differently,” the expert suggested.

Some people have kinks such as claustrophilia, “where being in a confined space like an aeroplane may do it for some”, or mechanophilia, which means “being involved with a mechanical machine like an airplane can turn some people on”.

Lastly, Cooper ended, if you’ve hit the lounge bar before boarding, “this may increase [the] disinhibition effect and lead to more wild thoughts”.

“Alcohol can feel more powerful when flying due to dehydration and altitude,” she added.

So there you go, Zara – you’re far from alone.