Tips for the Traveler
Motion
Most travelers are not bothered by the cabin's vibration while the aircraft is in flight. In some people, however, turbulence can cause motion sickness. If you are one of those people, your doctor can suggest a medicine to help relieve the problem. Because motion sickness is often caused by a conflict between the body's sense of vision and its sense of balance, you might be less prone to motion sickness if you have a window seat and can focus on the horizon during turbulence.
Cabin Altitude
The percentage of oxygen in cabin air remains virtually unchanged, but as altitude increases, the partial pressure of oxygen decreases. The altitude for a typical transatlantic flight is 35,000 to 39,000 feet above sea level. Inside the cabin, the pressurized altitude is equivalent to 5,400 to 7,000 feet above sea level. (Denver, Colorado, U.S.A., is 5,280 feet above sea level, and the center of La Paz, Bolivia, is 11,811 feet.)
Research by the National Academy of Sciences has concluded that it is safe for healthy individuals to pressurize cabins to this altitude, and because pressure changes in aircraft cabins are very gradual, most travelers do not suffer adverse effects. If you experience discomfort, you can usually relieve it by swallowing. During take off and landing, chew gum, or suck on a hard candy. Babies can be given a bottle.
However, if you suffer from an obstructive pulmonary disease, an upper respiratory or sinus infection, or certain cardiovascular conditions, there could be some risk at these cabin altitudes. Ask your doctor for advice.
Jet Lag
As the aircraft changes time zones, your biological clock becomes disturbed. This "jet lag "can cause fatigue, sleepiness, and loss of appetite.
For each time zone you cross, it takes your body about one day to adjust to the new day-night cycle. However, evidence shows you are likely to recover more quickly after westbound flights compared to eastbound f lights. You can minimize the impact of jet lag by getting a good night 's rest before your f light. If you will be at your destination for less than 48 hours, remain on your "home "schedule. For a longer visit, change to the local schedule as soon as possible.
Immobility
Airlines offer a variety of seating arrangements. Passengers can choose more spacious seats, or less expensive, but more restrictive seats.
You can avoid problems associated with long periods of immobility by exercising while seated or by getting out of your seat from time to time and walking down the aisle. Seated exercises can include ankle circles, feet pumping, knee lifts, shoulder rolls, knee-to-chest movements, forward flex, neck rolls, and overhead stretches. The exercises usually can be performed without disturbing nearby passengers. It is good to start stretching before standing to promote good circulation.
Noise
The level of cabin noise has been reduced dramatically since the first jets flew. Today 's aircraft cabin includes sound-absorbent seats, cabin walls, and partitions. Buffers and seats are designed and placed to minimize noise. Boeing continues to work closely with airlines to lower noise levels inside cabins. Boeing also has a world-class test facility for developing new products and designs that will reduce cabin noise even more.
Today, you don 't need to wear earplugs to fly in an airplane. However, any noise can add to stress, so you may choose to wear earplugs, especially if you are anxious or are not feeling well. Consideration for fellow travelers also helps to reduce disturbing noise. If you use headphones, be sure that the volume is not loud enough to harm your ears or disturb your seatmates.
Low Humidity
During flight, the relative humidity in the cabin is similar to a dry summer climate or to being indoors in the wintertime. In this drier climate, anyone can become dehydrated without enough liquid.
Caffeine and alcoholic beverages actually contribute to dehydration, so drink them in moderation. You may need to remove your contact lenses if they become irritated in the dry air and you can use moisturizers to refresh your hands and face. Dry air can aggravate allergies or asthma, so take the same precautions as if you were in any similar climate.
Air Quality
The air in the cabin is a continuously flowing combination of air from outside the cabin and highly filtered recirculated air. Numerous scientific studies of cabin air quality show that contaminants do not build up in the cabin and that the filtered and high-volume airflow supplied to the cabin is both clean and safe.
The highly efficient air recirculation systems and the large quantity of dust-free, dry, sterile outside air supplied during f light reduce contaminant levels in the cabin. The air filtration technology is similar to that used in hospitals. Each minute, the cabin ventilation system supplies about 279 times more oxygen for each person than can be consumed. In addition, airplane furnishings are made from materials that are much less likely to release the gasses common to household furnishings such as carpets and drapes.
Ozone is present in the cabin atmosphere because the sun naturally converts oxygen to ozone. But ozone exposure is decreased to insignificant levels by the airplane's structure, by catalytic ozone converters, and by recirculation systems. The air recirculation filters remove almost all tobacco smoke particles, and many airlines offer smoke-free flights or controlled areas for smoking.
Catching a Cold
Microorganisms do not pass through the filters of the highly efficient air recirculation systems on today 's jets. The system delivers a mix that is one-half outside air and one-half filtered recirculated air. It normally produces between 14 and 20 cubic feet of air per person each minute. As a result, the air supply in the cabin is essentially sterile and particle-free.
However, whenever groups of people are together, there is the potential for diseases to spread. Passengers who become ill during or after a f light may have gotten the disease either from another passenger or from exposure before traveling. It is a good idea to wash your hands and minimize touching your eyes, nose, and mouth while you are traveling.