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Bryan Betty: How to deal with Long Haul flights

Author
Bryan Betty,
Publish Date
Sat, 11 Nov 2023, 11:18am
(Photo / Getty Images)
(Photo / Getty Images)

Bryan Betty: How to deal with Long Haul flights

Author
Bryan Betty,
Publish Date
Sat, 11 Nov 2023, 11:18am

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

ÌýÌý

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

ÌýÌý

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

ÌýÌý

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

ÌýÌý

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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