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What issues can arise on a long haul flight?Ìý

• The main complaints tend to be irritating more than anythingÌý
• Becoming dehydrated – can lead to headaches, dry mouth, dry noseÌý
• Not being able to sleep, ankle swellingÌý
• Cramped conditions, especially in economy class seats!Ìý
• More serious: deep vein thrombosis – leg clots due to not moving around.Ìý

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How do we improve comfort?Ìý

• Really important to stay hydrated - plenty of fluid.Ìý
• Wear loose fitting clothes – you want to be comfortable.Ìý
• Carry lip balm or nasal spray to moisten nasal passages if dry - for comfort.Ìý
• Don’t drink alcohol or overdrink alcohol – it can worsen dehydration, headache and interfere with sleep.Ìý

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Are there issues with food and taste?Ìý

• At 30,000 feet your taste buds don’t’ work as well and food tastes ‘bland’.Ìý
• Also, your nose can dry out which affects taste.Ìý
• Airlines tend to produce stronger flavoured food such as curries to compensate.Ìý
• Up to 30% more sugar and salt in food to add to taste.Ìý
• Don’t overeat as we tend to bloat as gas forms in abdomen, which can cause abdominal discomfort.ÌýÌý

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And sleep?Ìý

• Carry eye shade and ear plugs, and a neck pillow is a really good idea.Ìý
• Best thing to do is work out the sleep time at your destination before you go and try and sleep at that time on the flight.Ìý
• Some use melatonin, a ‘sleep hormone’Ìý

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How do we avoid blood clots?Ìý

• Two key things – stay hydrated and get up and move around every 3-4 hours to get blood circulating.Ìý
• Failing that wiggle toes and bend knees in your seat frequently.Ìý
• Some choose to wear compression of flight stockings which encourage blood to circulate.Ìý
• They also reduce ankle swelling!Ìý
• If you have persistent leg swelling, chest pain or SOB in weeks after a long-haul flight – see your GP!Ìý

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