IN-FLIGHT HEALTH

GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. PASSENGER'S STATE OF HEALTH

During long flights, you may feel the effects of changes in air pressure, the lower amount of oxygen in air inhaled, dry air, or limited ability to move about.

Serious or chronic illnesses, injuries, or recent operations can affect the way you feel on board the aircraft.

We recommend consulting with your family doctor about the state of your health and about your planned trip – there are many conditions which may cause air travel to lead to health problems.

Before travelling to distant or tropical destinations, please seek the advice of a specialist.

2.  SENSE OF WELL-BEING

Flight is not natural for people, and therefore possible fears associated with flying are not out of the ordinary.During the flight the sounds of the engines may change, and turbulence may occur; both of these are normal phenomena.Allow the sight of calm, cheerful cabin personnel sooth any anxieties you may feel. They spend thousands of hours in the air!

We recommend bringing something interesting to read to occupy your attention during the flight.

3.  BEFORE THE FLIGHT

Get a good night’s sleep.It may be possible for your physician to prescribe a mild sedative.

Drinking alcohol is not advised – intoxicated people may be denied boarding.

Do not overeat before your flight.It is particularly advisable to avoid heavy foods, as they may cause greater discomfort in the conditions aboard the aircraft.It is also best to avoid carbonated beverages.

If you are taking medication regularly, it should be packed in your carry-on baggage.

For the flight, choose ordinary, comfortable clothing and light, comfortable shoes.

Carry-on baggage should be as light as possible - heavy hand baggage is not allowed by law, and can cause injury and increased fatigue.Carry-on items should fit into the overhead baggage compartment.If they are stowed under the seat in front of you, you will be unable to straighten your legs.

4.   DURING THE FLIGHT

ALCOHOL   

We advise against drinking alcohol during the flight; there are many important things to remember while travelling. Remember that you are not to drink alcohol other than that which is served by the cabin crew. Under no circumstances should you combine alcohol with sedatives!

BEVERAGES

It is best to drink about one glass of still water for every hour of your flight, as the air on board the aircraft is very dry.

FOOD

Overeating is not advisable in conditions that allow limited possibility of movement, and in lowered air pressure.

SLEEP

Try to take advantage of every opportunity to nap or sleep during your flight.

EXERCISE

Please watch the short film about on-board exercises as well as the article and diagrams in the on-board magazine “Kaleidoscope” – the exercises it recommends will improve the circulation in your extremities and help improve your posture.

MEDICAL HELP ON BOARD THE AIRCRAFT

Should you feel ill, please ask the cabin crew for assistance. The cabin personnel will do anything they can to make you more comfortable.

OXYGEN DEFICIENCY

For technical reasons, it is difficult to maintain air pressure in the passenger cabin on board aircraft that is the same as that found at surface level. While in flight, the air pressure in the passenger cabin is similar to that at two thousand meters above sea level. This is approximately equal to the height of the peaks of the Tatras. Lowered air pressure means thinner air and as a result, a lower amount of oxygen is taken into the lungs. Young and healthy people are usually not aware of this difference, but at the end of their flight they may feel excessive fatigue. Older passengers, or passengers who suffer from circulatory or respiratory problems may, however, feel significantly worse. They may experience anxiety, weakness, sleepiness, or shortness of breath. Persons with heart conditions may experience chest pains.

People should not travel too soon after serious illnesses, including episodes of coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. You should ask your doctor whether your current state of health permits you to travel safely by air. If there are any concerns, your doctor may decide to change your medications or dosages. The carrier may also be informed of the need for supplemental oxygen, which can be specially provided in the passenger cabin. The carrier may then ask for documentation of the doctor’s opinion, which should be provided in a special “MEDIF” form.

Keep your medications with you! If your medications are packed in checked baggage, the flight crew will not be able to access them during the flight in case of an emergency. In necessary, oxygen can be temporarily made available in the cabin, but the cabin crew's medical knowledge and the contents of first aid kits are limited!

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On the day before your planned flight we suggest not eating heavy or greasy food. We also suggest not drinking too much alcohol or caffeine based drinks. During the flight, especially on long distance routes, we suggest the regular drinking of non-fizzy drinks. Coffee and alcohol should be consumed in limited quantities.

To make your flight more comfortable we suggest wearing comfortable, loose clothing.

If you suffer from a chronic illness or are otherwise recovering from an illness, please consult your doctor (particularly before a long flight). Also bring with you all necessary medication in your hand luggage.

People diving with an aqualung should remember that they should not fly within 24 hours after diving, with regard to the danger of decompression sickness.

The seating position during the flight can have an adverse effect on your wellbeing. This is why, in order to improve circulation and relax tensed muscles, we suggest a few simple exercises while flying. Information on these exercises is available in the in-flight magazine Kaleidoscope or on the flight deck screens on long distance flights. The whole programme of exercises should be completed without using too much effort. We encourage that you regularly change the position of legs and also complete our suggested exercises a few times during the duration of the flight.