Inflight
General Precautions
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
- If your ears feel plugged or start to hurt, drink water and try the Valsalva maneuver.
- Stay covered up (use the blanket provided onboard).
- Bring your own personal medication onboard with you.
- Carefully follow any precautions from your doctor.
- Avoid eating or drinking too much. Be careful not to drink too many carbonated beverages.
- Drink enough liquid.
- We recommend that you do not wear contact lenses.
- Keep your seatbelt fastened.
- To prevent vein thrombosis in the legs, move and stretch your legs at regular intervals.
By following the precautions above, you can enjoy a pleasant flight.
Prevention and Treatment of Traveler's Thrombosis (DVT) during a Flight
Potential Traveler's Thrombosis (DVT) during a flight (Traveler’s thrombosis, also known as "economy class syndrome")
Sitting for long periods of time without moving your legs can cause the condition of Traveler's Thrombosis (DVT), which results in blood clots in the inner legs.
The danger posed by these blood clots is that once the individual starts moving, a clot can travel in the bloodstream and end up blocking blood vessels to the lungs (lung embolus). Since Traveler's Thrombosis (DVT) was first reported in economy class passengers, it was nicknamed "economy class syndrome."
However, the condition is not restricted to economy class passengers, and the same danger is present whenever people sit in the same position for a long period of time in any mode of transportation. The term "Traveler's Thrombosis" is much more accurate.
Those with the following illnesses or symptoms are at risk for Traveler's Thrombosis (DVT): passengers with varicose veins in the legs, or who have had an operation on, injury to, or malignant tumor in their legs, past Traveler's Thrombosis (DVT), obesity with a propensity for blood clotting, as well as women using oral contraceptives, and those who are pregnant or have just given birth. These individuals should all consult their physician before flying.
Prevention and treatment of Traveler's Thrombosis (DVT) during a flight
- Actively perform leg exercises at your seat.
1.With your feet on the tips of your toes raise your legs
2.Raise the tips of your toes
3.Lightly massage your calves
- Take deep breaths from time to time.
- Drink enough liquid.
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
If you experience any of the initial symptoms of Traveler's Thrombosis (DVT), which are redness, swelling and pain from the thighs to the lower legs, go to the hospital immediately.
When Feeling Unwell
- Refer to the pages on Common Onboard Ailments and Their Treatment.
- Do not hesitate to consult the cabin crew.
- The cabin crew is trained to provide emergency assistance for passengers who are feeling unwell.
- If the flight attendant is not able to provide enough assistance, passengers onboard with medical knowledge may be asked for assistance.
Medical Supplies and Equipment Onboard
Please see the following page for information on medical supplies and medicines carried on board aircraft.