Travel FAQs

Health nd Comfort Tips for Longhaul Travel

Plan for good all round health and comfort and reduce the worry and risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Before you go.

• Q. Should I consult my doctor ahead of the trip ?
• A. Yes !. Apart from a check up and maybe inoculations for specific countries you may be advised to take a low dose aspirin starting a day or two before you travel especially if you have varicose veins or other circulatory problems. Research has proved that aspirin(thats if you are not allergic to aspirin) helps to reduce the risk of blood clots. He may also recommend wearing "flight stockings" as they are now called. "Flight stockings" help reduce the risk of DVT by helping to keep blood moving back to the heart from the lower limbs, which in the case of people with circulatory problems may pool and slow down resulting in "stasis" which is a DVT risk scenario.
• Q. How should I plan to be comfortable on the flight ?
• A. Consider what clothes to wear. Loose comfortable clothing is recommended (natural fibres are best nearest to body).Wear comfortable shoes to cope with any tendency for your ankles to swell. These decisions will benefit your body's circulation in the pressurised aircraft cabin environment during the flight. Consider bringing extra drinking water in your hand luggage. You may find it difficult at times to get cabin crew attention when you need water so that extra bottle makes it easy to stick to your hydration routine.

At check in

Try to get an aisle seat if possible. An aisle seat will allow you more freedom to stretch your legs and get exercise more easily as well as facilitating your toilet requirements without the worry of disturbing other passengers who may be asleep at the time.

During the flight

• Q. What should I be aware of improve the comfort of my seat?
• A. Be aware of any seating discomfort.Try to alleviate seat pressures especially in the thigh area directly behind your knees. If you are of short leg stature and cannot reach the floor then try putting some item under your feet to alleviate any pressure points behind your knees and thighs-this should improve your leg circulation and comfort. If you are of longer leg stature, keep the space under the seat in front free for stretching your legs. Keep your legs uncrossed at all times for better circulation.Consider bringing a lumbar support item with you as the seat may not suit your lower back needs .
• Q. Is there anything else I can do to improve my comfort during the flight ?
• A. Yes!Follow the exercises recommended in the airlines in-flight magazine or video screens. Walking the cabin aisle when convenient (avoid meal times) on an hourly basis and exercising your lower legs to improve circulation is also recommended. Remaining still for long periods in your seat can increases the risk of circulation problems.
• Q. What "good practise" should I consider regarding my inflight food and drink ?
• A. Eating lightly is best as its easier on your digestive system when your ability to burn it off is restricted. Limit or reduce totally the intake of alcohol and caffeinated drinks as they also increase the body's tendency to dehydrate. If you ignore this tip then try to compensate by practising moderation and taking plenty of water at the same time. Also, drink water on a regular basis during the flight. It helps to reduce the tendency to dehydrate as cabin air is dry from recirculation and lack of moisture replacement. Dehydration tends to make the blood a little more difficult for the heart to circulate.

Longhaul Technologies manufacturers of innovative aircraft Seat Cushions. The company uses a combination of foam and airbag technologies to make longhaul flights more comfortable and health friendly.