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Well-being in the Air

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Flying thousands of metres in the air, packed into a small metal tube with pressurized cabin can often affect your sleep patterns, digestion and blood circulation – no wonder air travel makes us tired, dehydrated and jetlagged!
With a little care and foresight, though, we can make travelling much more comfortable – even when flying with little children. Read our useful ideas to make your flight a pleasant one:

Comfort Zone

  • The air in the cabin is pressurised and filtered, and is very dry. Use a moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated. Avoid wearing contact lenses.
  • Change position often. Take walks up and down the aisle when the seatbelt sign is off and do some stretching exercises. Also consult the in-flight information packs for an exercise guide that most airlines now provide. This will not only make you feel better, it might help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis.
  • Even if you move around during the flight, you will still be sitting for long periods of time. Make this easier on yourself by wearing comfortable loose-fitting clothes and avoid tight shoes.
  • If possible, go for a brisk walk or a swim before you fly. You will feel much better during the actual flight.
  • Every hour you're in your seat, spend a few minutes moving your feet up and down and in circular motions.

Food and Drink

  • Instead of eating large meals, have frequent snacks. This will keep your digestive system running smoothly, and reduce the risk of indigestion.
  • Keep yourself well hydrated by regularly drinking water or juices, preferably not sparkling. Avoid drinks containing caffeine, as these might dehydrate you even further.

Flying with Children

Though it is not easy keeping active young children cooped up in an airplane for hours on end, but here are some ways to keep them comfortable.
  • Children become dehydrated more quickly than adults. Ask the flight attendants for more water and juices as needed.
  • Have their favourite healthy snacks ready with you. Children may want to eat at any time, so have something available before they get restless.
  • Have lots of little activities for them to do. Take a colouring book and pencils, a favourite storybook or travelling board games. Try to avoid noisy toys; other passengers will thank you.
  • Make sure kids get lots of sleep during long flights, otherwise they can become cranky. Flying with Infants
  • Flights can be cold: keep kids warm.
  • Infant foods may not be available on board. Carry all supplies with you!
  • Mothers who are breastfeeding need plenty of water to be well hydrated.
  • If the child is bottle-fed, have some prepared formula ready.
Elderly People

If you're in good health, just follow the recommendations discussed above (Comfort Zone). If not, please ask your doctor for advice.
Deep Vein Thrombosis

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in the veins of the leg.
  • Dehydration can worsen it. So can sitting down for long periods, which reduces the blood flow to your legs.
  • To prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis, drink plenty of water and if practical keep exercising your leg muscles by taking regular walks when the seatbelt sign is off.