Well-Being

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If you are simply interested in maintaining your health and comfort onboard, our well-being information provides handy, helpful tips to our valued passengers.

General Well-Being
Stretching
General Well-Being
Motion Sickness
Most modern jets fly at relatively high altitudes and therefore avoid major turbulence, which means motion sickness is increasingly rare. But if you are especially prone to it, there are a few things you can do to ensure your comfort.

The evening before you fly, eat an easily digestible meal (avoid spicy food) and avoid alcohol. Avoid alcohol the day you fly. When inflight, eat lightly and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. If you start to feel nauseated, try to keep your head still. Simply drop your seat back and close your eyes. You may also consider taking anti-motion sickness tablets available over the counter in most pharmacies. Follow prescribed dosages and direction. Antihistamines such as Avomine are also an alternative.

Stress of Flying
Some of us get a little nervous when we fly, but there are relaxation techniques you can practise that are designed to relieve stress.
  • Put your seat in the recline position
  • Close your eyes
  • Breathe in steadily, as you count slowly to three
  • Hold your breath momentarily, than breath out steadily, counting to three
  • Practise for 10 to 15 minutes


Alternatively, picture yourself in a relaxed situation, perhaps on a tropical beach. You may even be flying there on vacation! Concentrate on each part of your body in turn. Feel it gradually relax. Over several minutes, you should reduce your pulse and breathing rates and gradually tension will drain away.

Cabin Pressure Changes
Minor pressure adjustments occur within the aircraft during take off and landing -- pressure falls and rises respectively. Passengers sometimes experience ‘blocked’ ears. Yawning or swallowing can help to equalize the pressure in your middle ear. If the ear does not clear with yawning or swallowing, the Valsalva technique may help: Pinching your nose, keep the mouth closed, and attempt to blow out gently.

If you have a suspected ear infection you should see a doctor before you fly, as pressure changes can make the condition worse.

Food and Beverages
As a general rule, you’ll feel more comfortable if you eat and drink in moderation while onboard. Heavy meals can lead to indigestion during a long flight. Keep fully hydrated at all times with lots of clear fluids, especially water.

Jet Lag
When you travel across time zones, your biological clock becomes desynchronised, which causes jet lag. Jet lag is hard to avoid, but one tip is to get some shut-eye during the flight -- dim the lights and drop your seat back. Refrain from beverages that interfere with your sleep patterns, such as alcohol and caffeine (coffee, tea, soft drinks.) Once you land, adopt local time immediately. If possible, avoid any commitments in the first couple of days -- admittedly not always easy if you are travelling on business.

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Stretching
It is easy to stiffen up during a long flight. Here are a few simple stretching exercises to help loosen muscle and joints. You can perform them in your seat, but make sure it is in the upright position. Remember to respect the airspace of other passengers. Breathe normally, and do not overstretch. Repeat the programme every two hours or when you feel the need to stretch.

  • Hands: Grip the edge of your armrest with your hands, hold to a count of five, and relax. Repeat 10 times.
  • Legs: Starting with your feet on the floor, bring your legs slowly up towards your chest, as far as you can. Relax them slowly. Repeat three times.
  • Feet: Placing both feet on the floor, point your toes upwards as high as they will go. Point them downwards. Repeat this in a continuous movement five times.
  • Neck: Move your head slowly towards your right shoulder and hold. Then towards your left shoulder and hold. Move your chin slowly down towards your chest. Hold and relax. Repeat three times.
  • Arms: Starting with your arms outstretched, flex at the elbow and bring them slowly into your chest. Extend them again. Repeat five times.
  • Shoulders: Hunch up your shoulders, hold and slowly relax. Repeat five times.
  • Abdomen: Starting from a fully upright position, slide your hands down your legs as far as you can. Straighten up gradually. Repeat three times. Cross your arms across your chest and rotate as far as you can from right to left. Repeat three times.


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