How to Stay Healthy During Airline Flights

Things Travellers Can do When Flying to Prevent Health Problems

Mar 8, 2009

To ensure a safe and healthy flight, there are a number of things you can do before and during your flight to reduce the risk of accidents, illness and stress.

Flying can be stressful, even if the traveller is going on holiday or doing something else enjoyable. There are also various potential health problems associated with airline flights. But with a little preparation, most problems can be prevented.

Before the Flight – Allow Plenty of Time, De-stress, and Avoid Dehydration

A great deal of stress during flights is caused by delays and worry about being on time. This can be avoided by allowing plenty of time to get to the airport. The traveller should check that roads are clear en route to the airport, and that trains or coaches are running on time.

Also, travellers have to walk large distances at some airports, so they need to allow for that, and should wear comfortable shoes too. It is worth saving one’s arms and legs by using one of the many free luggage trolleys dotted about the airport. Anyone who has difficulty with luggage should ask for assistance from the airport staff.

It is a good idea for travellers to keep their minds active when waiting to board the flight by reading a book or magazine; this will combat nervous energy. Before getting on board the plane, going for a quick brisk walk to de-stress and getting the blood pumping around one's body can help reduce the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT.

It is advisable to avoid dehydration by taking plenty of water, buying it at the airport if necessary, and drinking regularly before and during the flight. Intensive moisturizing cream is useful to prevent dry skin.

During the Flight - Avoid Alcohol, Eat Lightly, and Try to Move Around

It is advisable to abstain from alcohol or caffeinated drinks during flights as they lead to dehydration, which tends to be a problem in airliners anyway owing to the dry air. It is also sensible to avoid eating a heavy meal during and before the flight, as this can lead to an upset stomach given one’s relative immobility during the journey. Eating light snacks at regular intervals is a better idea.

Experts advise travellers to keep moving throughout the flight. They suggest getting up and walking for about for five to ten minutes every hour, stretching regularly in one’s seat, and avoiding sitting with crossed legs. It is also good to tense and relax the leg muscles and place them on the foot rest as often as possible. Immobility can lead to DVT. Travellers can now buy elastic in-flight socks which can help to prevent DVT; these are available at airports or from many large pharmacies.

When taking off and landing, sucking sweets or swallowing will help equalize the pressure in one’s sinuses and prevent ear and sinus pain.

Although problems during flying are very rare, British Airways estimate that one in 20,000 travellers experience a serious health problem whilst flying. So following the above advice could make the difference between an enjoyable and healthy flight and a serious problem.

Source

The copyright of the article How to Stay Healthy During Airline Flights in Commercial Aviation is owned by Helen Krasner. Permission to republish How to Stay Healthy During Airline Flights in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.