I can’t sleep. My joints hurt. And the food isn’t good. And that stench! And the heat… And now it’s cold. Knees bumping into the back of a chair. And then the baby starts crying…
Are you familiar with this situation? Most of us have experienced some level of discomfort on an airplane, and if you’re unlucky enough to be in economy class on a transatlantic flight from Europe to New York, or even farther afield, it’s hardly a pleasure to fly in such conditions.
Of course, this is no accident. Contrary to popular belief, the atmospheric pressure in the cabin of modern airplanes is different from that at sea level – it corresponds to the pressure at the height of a small mountain, usually from 1,828 to 2,438 meters, at which the air contains less oxygen and the gases in the body cavities expand.
This condition is exacerbated by other stressors: flight delays, having to go through airport security, noise and vibration on board, tasteless food, sudden temperature changes, low humidity, cramped seats, time zone differences and many other irritants.
Arriving at the airport early can help avoid panic – and excessive physical exertion
However, there are ways to make travel much more bearable.
Reduce your own pre-flight stress
One such way, according to Rob Bohr, a clinical psychologist at the Royal Free Trust of London’s National Health Service, is to prepare in time for your flight – to reduce stress levels.
“It’s amazing how many people don’t prepare for a flight in advance: they don’t check the correct documents, the availability of their passport, and the time and airport of departure,” Bohr marvels.
They only catch up on the day of departure, which, according to Bohr, is too late.
“Scan your passport and keep it in your email just in case,” he advises.
When calculating your travel time to the airport, factor in the possibility of delays due to transportation worker strikes, traffic congestion and bad weather.
Choose your seat
Choose your location wisely. Websites like SeatGuru, owned by TripAdvisor, a U.S. travel software company, can help you.
There are seating charts in each model of plane for each airline, with color coding indicating which seats are best to avoid because they are near the toilet, particularly cramped, the seats don’t recline, and so on.
Heavy luggage can also be a source of stress, adding to a passenger’s anxiety and fatigue
According to experts, the seats next to the wings feel less turbulence because they are close to the center of gravity of the plane.
If you forget to choose your seat in advance, ask the stewardess: On an uncrowded plane there is a chance to sit in an empty row.
Travel light.
It’s important to realize that flying a plane involves a lot of physical exertion.
According to Richard Davood, a general practitioner at Fleet Street Hospital in London who specializes in travel medicine, bulky suitcases add to the stress and discomfort of the trip.
Carrying heavy carry-on luggage “increases the risk of muscle strains and musculoskeletal problems, which will only be exacerbated by low mobility and cramped conditions on the plane,” the doctor adds.
Familiarize yourself with the time difference – it’s easier to get used to it.
Another recommendation: it is better to refrain from eating before a long flight, as it helps to survive the change of the time zone.
Scientists from Harvard University (USA) claim that a 16-hour fast before boarding a plane may help travelers activate a special brain clock, which facilitates getting used to the time difference.
This clock is different from the circadian rhythm-based biological clock, which responds to light levels and sends the body a signal to wake up, fall asleep and eat.
Don’t Eat Anything.
So, you arrived at the airport in advance, prepared for the change of time zone and even fast enough to pass the inspection.
But this does not mean that now you can eat properly: do not be fond of fatty or fried food and other fast food.
Also avoid vegetables that can cause gas: onions, broccoli, cauliflower and white cabbage and beans.
It’s best to avoid fatty foods before a flight.
To avoid ruining your trip with flatulence, it is advisable to refrain from drinking alcoholic and carbonated drinks.
There was a case in 2006 when an American Airlines flight had to make an emergency landing, because one passenger was farting and started burning matches to cover the unpleasant smell.
She had to confess when dogs, trained to detect explosives, smelled the burnt matches.
Drink!
Don’t limit your fluid intake, even if you’re sitting in the middle and don’t want to bother other passengers with your trips to the bathroom.
“This is completely the wrong approach, which often causes women to develop bladder infections or cystitis after a long flight,” warns Davood.
He advises drinking as much as possible – at least 0.5 liters of fluid for every three hours of the flight.
But drinking alcohol only exacerbates dehydration. The humidity on an airplane is already low – only 5-15% – because the air enters the cabin from high altitudes, where there is usually no moisture at all.
Alcohol doesn’t just make you want to drink more – because of the low humidity, “one glass of alcohol is equal to two on the ground,” says Bohr.
Try to take a nap on the plane
Sleeping on a plane can be very difficult, especially in economy class.
If you can afford tickets for luxury seats, don’t forego them: sleeping in business or first class, where the seats fold out into beds, is much more comfortable.
If that’s not possible, consider paying a little extra for a seat with more legroom.
David Gradwell, a professor of aerospace medicine at King’s College London, recommends wearing loose, layered clothing because temperature fluctuations are likely on long-haul flights.
“The temperature on board is usually set for the entire cabin or by zone, but some may find it too high and some too low,” he explains.
Bring cozy, warm socks to wear during the flight, and a scarf or large stole – it can also be used as a blanket.
Move
Another problem for airline passengers – especially on long-haul flights – is the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (the formation of blood clots in the deep veins).
This occurs due to prolonged sitting and causes swelling of the feet and ankles as well as leg pain.
Blood clots in the legs are not very dangerous, but sometimes they can get into your lungs with the blood flow and cause chest pain and difficulty breathing-and sometimes lead to much more serious consequences.
Right after you leave the plane, it’s not out of the question that your joints will be crunchy and even sore
If you think you’re at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, visit your doctor before your trip and consider wearing compression stockings, which create slight pressure on your ankles to improve circulation.
It’s just important to get the right size and wear them correctly, says Michael Bagshaw, a professor of aviation medicine at King’s College London.
He adds that taking aspirin is pointless, but it’s good to move around so the blood doesn’t stagnate in your legs.
Don’t place your luggage under the seat in the front seat to leave more room for your legs.
In addition, Gradwell believes it is important to find out if you are at risk – this is possible if you have thrombophilia (increased tendency to thrombosis), if you have recently had major surgery or trauma to the lower extremities, if you or your loved ones have a history of deep vein thrombosis, if you are over forty, if you have cancer, if you are pregnant and finally if you are taking oral contraceptives.
All this advice may seem redundant, but do not underestimate the consequences of traveling thousands of kilometers in a tight and hermetically sealed container, which is essentially an airplane.