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| For a healthy and comfortable time on board, please note the following characteristics
of the inflight environment and their possible health effects on health: |
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| The Inflight Environment |
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 Atmospheric
pressure
During flights, cabin pressure is adjusted by air-conditioning but remains about
0.2-0.3 hPa lower than at sea level about equal to being on a mountain 2,000-2,500
meters high. It is said that the large pressure change that occurs 15-30 minutes
after takeoff, and again before landing, may cause ear problems for some passengers
who are not in good physical condition.
Temperature and humidity
Cabin temperature is set to 22-26 C. During long flights, cabin humidity tends
to drop below 20% as the humidity of the air brought in from the outside is extremely
low. Due to the dryness in the cabin, the body may dehydrate, causing nasal or
throat pain as well as discomfort to contact lenses wearers.
Oxygen
dilution
Along with the decrease in atmospheric pressure, the concentration of oxygen in
the cabin decreases 20-30% (compared to sea level). While this is not a problem
for most passengers, those suffering from respiratory diseases, cerebro-vascular
disorders or serious anemia may be affected under certain, rare circumstances.
Motion
Airliners produce minimal vibration, but passengers who tend to feel nauseous
in motor vehicles may suffer ill effects if the flight encounters turbulence.
Because not all turbulence is foreseeable, we recommend that you keep your seatbelt
fastened whenever you are in your seat.
Seating
When you remain seated in the same position for a prolonged period, veins in the
feet and legs can become constricted. This in turn can lead to the formation of
blood clots in the leg, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
DVT is not necessarily accompanied by any overt signs, and an expert opinion is
needed to confirm the condition, but the following symptoms may occur: pain, swelling
and discoloration of the leg, congestion of the superficial veins of the leg,
or the leg feeling warm to the touch.
If a clot does build up, there is a risk that it may detach itself and travel
to other parts of the body, such as the lung, where it can cause chest pain, shortness
of breath and even sudden death. This may occur hours or even days after the clot's
formation.
DVT is not related to class of air travel. It has wrongly been called 'Economy
Class Syndrome', whereas in fact it can affect passengers in any cabin. Nor is
it limited to air travel, as people sitting immobile in cars, trains or buses
may also be at risk.
Some passengers are more prone to DVT than others, and if you have any health
concerns, or if any of the following apply to you, you are advised to seek medical
advice before flying: |
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- personal or family history of DVT and/or pulmonary embolism
- recent major surgery
- malignancy, previous or current
- (known) thrombophilia
- varicose veins
- heart failure or recent myocardial infarction
- hormone therapy, including the oral contraceptive pill
- polycythemia, thrombocytosis
- pregnancy or recent postpartum condition
- recent injury, including limb fracture
- recent immobilization for a day or more
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| In the Cabin |
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Clothing
Wear loose fitting comfortable clothes. To maintain your body temperature, it
is a good idea to bring a jacket or other warm items of clothing.
Beverage
Drink adequate fluids, especially water. If you choose to drink beverages containing
alcohol and/or caffeine or soda beverages please do so in moderation.
Exercise
During long flights, move your feet and legs every 2-3 hours, and avoid crossing
your legs when seated. We present an inflight video of stretch exercises that
can be performed while seated, and which are believed by experts to be effective
in minimizing the risk of developing DVT.
# Clothing, beverage and exercise are considered to be effective in preventing
DVT. |
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| Stretch your feet forward as far as possible, then back. |
Turn your feet in the same direction drawing circles with your toes. |
Use your fist to gently beat your calf from bottom to top. |
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 Eyewear
Remove contact lenses during long flights and use eye drops as needed.
Medication
Bring any medication you regularly take into the cabin.
Ears
If your ears are blocked or aching, try the following :
- Swallow several times, or have a cough - drop or candy.
- Yawn or open your mouth widely. Valsalva maneuver can also be tried if above
methods do not relieve the ears.
- After blowing your nose, pinch it and blow again with your mouth closed.
(Be sure to blow air gently. Stop the maneuver if it does not relieve the ears
after trying two or three times, or if one of the ears is aching.)
Use of a baby bottle or pacifer may be effective for babies.
Nose and throat
Wearing a surgical mask can help ease throat or nasal discomfort
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| Before Your Trip |
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 Consult
your physician
If you are receiving medical care, be sure to consult your doctor when planning
your flight. If you are not confident about your health due to a previous illness
or chronic disease, we recommend that you take a medical check before your trip.
We also recommend passengers in the late stages of pregnancy or those accompanying
infants to consult their doctors. Furthermore, if you fall into any of the DVT
risk categories as set out overleaf, please ask your doctor whether you are fit
to travel and how DVT can be avoided.
Carry your necessities with
you
Please check that your carry-on baggage contains any health-related items you
may need such as medications, over-the-counter drugs, nasal spray, glasses, etc.
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