Air travel combines speed, comfort and safety and it is considered as the best form of transport.
However, due to the peculiarity of the air travel, sometimes passengers experience some kind of annoyance or light malaise, mostly in long flights.
The following advices will help you to enjoy your flight, healthy and relaxed.
 

Ear pain
 
During travel the air pressure changes can cause discomfort to the ears, in most cases during landing. So,
 
l  if you have discomfort to the ears you should swallow or chew a gum. You can also try a deliberate yawning or hold your nose and with your mouth closed, blow gently as in trying to exhale. That opens the eustachian tube and enables a balance between the middle ear and the ambient air pressure
 
l  in case you have a cold, nasal drops may help you if received at least 20 min before the aircraft begins to descend from cruising altitude
 
l  in case you travel with children, a good idea is to give them something to eat during descend of the aircraft, so as to chew and swallow which will help to enable a balance of pressure
 
 
Dehydration
 
Usually humidity in cabin is relatively low and therefore may cause discomfort in the eyes, nose and throat. For alleviating discomfort it is recommended to,
 
l  drink water, juices and soft drinks during the flight
l  use skin moisturising lotion to moisturize your skin
l  avoid wearing contact lenses
l  avoid drinking alcoholic and caffeine-containing beverages
 
 
Motion sickness
 
Motion sickness occurs very rarely during air-travel and is caused by a disagreement between the balance centre of the inner ear and the visually perceived motion when visual contact with the actual outside horizon is lost.
 
Dizziness, fatigue, and nausea are the most common symptoms of motion sickness.
 
If you are susceptible for motion sickness,
 
l  eat lightly before and during the flight, so as your stomach is neither empty, nor heavy
 
l  request a window seat, preferably over the wings
 
l  look by the window and try to fix your eyes on a point on the horizon, which will give your sense of balance a reference point
 
l  take medications as per your doctor's prescription or non-prescription medications such as travel chewing gum
 
 
Fear of flying
 
Flying is generally considered to be one of the safest forms of public transportation. Despite of this, there are many people who have fear of flying and experience great anxiety during the flight.
 
Fear of flying is sometimes a distinct phobia in itself but usually, is related to one or more other phobias such as claustrophobia, acrophobia, agoraphobia, fear of loss of control et.c.. Mostly common symptoms are perspiration, heart palpitation, short breath, sense of nausea and loss of appetite.
 
There are some tricks that can help you to control your fear:
 
l  go to the airport much earlier, for a better reconciliation with the situation
 
l  during the flight, try to relax and to breathe normally
 
l  occupy your mind by listening to music or by reading a book
 
l  each time you start feeling uncomfortable, breathe deeply and slowly through your nose. Pause and then exhale slowly. Repeat this until you feel better
 
l  do not hesitate to apply to the flight attendants in case you need help
 
l  take a natural or medicinal tranquilizer as per your doctor's prescription or recommendation
 
 
Smokers
 
Smoking is not permitted on our flights. Heavy smokers could chew special gums or use nicotine replacement patches in order to reduce nicotine craving.
 
 

In-flight Exercises

The following exercises are designed to help loosen muscle and joints, to increase the blood circulation and to relax. You can perform them in your seat provided that they can be done with ease and with minimal disturbance to other passengers. Repeat the programme every 1-2 hours and walk occasionally, down the aisles.
 
Ankle circles:
Lift one foot off the floor. Draw a circle with the toes 8 times clockwise, then 8 times counter-clockwise. Relax. Repeat with the other foot. For greater effect, do the exercise with both feet simultaneously (one foot clockwise, the other counter-clockwise and then reverse circles).
 
Foot motion:
Place both feet on the floor, point your toes upwards as high as you can. Then put both feet flat on the floor. Finally lift heels high, keeping toes on the floor. Repeat this in a continuous movement 5 times.
 
Knee lifts:
Press your hands against the seat and raise one leg with your knee bent. Tense your thigh muscles. Relax. Continue with the other leg. Repeat 5 times for each foot.
 
Buttock tense:
Tense your buttock muscles for 5 seconds. Relax.
 
Knee lifts to chest:
Bend forward slightly. Clasp hands around the left knee and hug it to your chest. Hold stretch for 15 seconds. Keep hands around the knee and slowly let it down. Continue with the other leg. Repeat 5 times.
 
Forward flex:
Place both feet on the floor; lean forward slowly, keeping your back straight. Allow your hands to glide along your legs toward your ankles. Hold stretch for 15 seconds and slowly sit back up.
 
Neck roll:
With shoulders relaxed, drop ear to shoulder and gently roll neck forward - side - back - side, in a rolling motion and holding each position about 5 seconds. Repeat 5 times.
 
Shoulder roll:
Gently roll your shoulders forward, up, back and down, 5 times. Repeat in the reverse direction.
 
Arm stretch:
Stretch your arms; then flex at the elbows and bring them slowly into your chest. Repeat 5 times.

Hand stretch:
Clench your hands; then open them, spread your fingers and count to 5. Repeat 8 times.

Relax your eyes:
Warm your palms by rubbing your hands together; then hunch your palms and put them over your closed eyes, for 3 minutes. Breathe deeply and slowly.

Relax your body and mind:
Sit comfortably and relaxed in your seat. Breathe deeply and slowly through your nose. Full your chest with air; then push the air down to your belly. Exhale slowly through mouth. Concentrate to your breath. Repeat as much as desired.