Sexologist explains why flying might arouse you after Zara Larsson admits to it

Zara Larsson has spoken out about a phenomenon that apparently is way more common than you’d think - feeling aroused on an airplane.

Now, we know that air travel isn’t exactly sexy. You’d think it’s impossible to feel turned on while surrounded by people snoring, someone reclining their seat way too far back, and the smell of extortionate tuna toasties - but it turns out there’s actually some science behind why it can happen.

The 28-year-old Swedish pop star brought attention to the matter in a series of Instagram Stories on Wednesday (23 September).

She posted a selfie alongside the text: “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 follow-up post, the singer reasoned: “Maybe it’s the peace and quiet that gives space for fantasizing about… things…because idk about you guys, but when I’m bored my mind goes straight there like let’s play that back again and again and again THANK YEWWWWW.”

A sexologist has outlined a slew of reasons why you might be, ahem, in the mood, while travelling (Getty Stock Image)

Reacting to the candid admission, one X user penned: “No, she's right. I once watched Dirty Dancing on a flight and b***h, I was struggling. The flight felt so long after that.”

While a second and third reasoned: “It’s air pressure imo” and “There have been studies on this. Comes down to being ‘locked in a capsule’ with no escape.”

HuffPost spoke to clinical sexologist Ness Cooper, who weighed in on the idea and explained that while she ‘wouldn’t say [the phenomenon] is common,’ there are some interesting reasons why it can happen.

The expert outlined that there’s a hormonal element, and flying can ‘alter our hormones’, including cortisol, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, which are all hormones needed for sexual excitement.

Air travel can also alter our circadian rhythm, which, if you’re unfamiliar, is your body's internal clock, helping to regulate sleep, hormone release, and other biological processes.

The rhythm being disrupted ‘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’.

Interestingly, the sexologist highlighted that even the slight vibrations of the plane could cause your brain to associate with sex - if this is the case, let’s hope there’s not loads of turbulence!

The sexologist revealed that Zara isn't the only one to feel this way (Instagram/zaralarsson)

Or, the expert explains that you might simply just have a fantasy of being part of the ‘mile high club’.

As Zara said, if you’re sitting there for hours with not much to do, it’s easier for your brain to wander into those territories.

She said: “The risk, thrills, and excitement around this fantasy may result in implanting the fantasy into others and lead to thoughts around sex.”

Some people may even have claustrophilia without realising it, which is defined as an abnormal or unusual pleasure, comfort, or desire derived from being in confined or enclosed spaces.

Finally, if we want to get really scientific, the altitude of being so high up in the sky is linked to less oxygen, which can make you feel more sexual.

The sexologist said: “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.”

So there you have it - you’ll never be able to look at air travel the same!