In-flight Health

Your safety and wellbeing is our primary concern. Please keep your seat belt fastened whenever the seatbelt sign is illuminated and at any time you are seated – in case your flight comes across unexpected turbulence. If you wish to stretch or walk around the cabin, please ensure that the seat belt sign is off. Drink plenty of water (or juice) during your flight, and avoid too many alcoholic and caffeinated drinks – they will dehydrate you.

Blocked and Popping Ears

As the cabin pressure adjusts to correct altitude during ascent (take-off) and descent (landing) you may feel some small discomfort with your ears ‘popping’. To help alleviate this, chew gum or suck on a sweet. For information on helping young children and infants, please refer to our Travelling with Infants section.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

DVT is blood clotting in a major vein – most commonly in the legs or lower body – where blood flow has been slowed. Medical practitioners advise that certain people are more susceptible to DVT. These include: people who are immobile for periods of time; those with a personal family history of DVT or who have recently undergone major surgery; people with certain blood disorders or heart disease; smokers; pregnant women; and the elderly.

We suggest you:

• Drink plenty of water and other fluids during and after your flight – limiting your consumption of alcoholic and caffeinated drinks;
• Take regular walks around the aircraft when the seat belt sign is off, to stretch and move your arms and legs at regular intervals;
• Avoid crossing your legs when seated;
• Massage your calves and thighs, and regularly move your ankles by circling and gently shaking your feet;
• If you experience abnormal swelling, tenderness or pain after your flight, we strongly recommend you see a doctor.

This is not a comprehensive list. If you have any doubts about your particular health risks, please talk to a medical practitioner.