Passengers with health problems
Passengers with severe, unstable breathing or heart problems, or following recent abdominal surgery or a major bleeding episode of any sort, should request medical clearance for flying.
This also applies to passengers with motor handicaps, or with other special health needs.
This is essential for specific transportation requirements to be met on time (see Table overleaf).
Absolute medical contraindications for travelling by plane depend on the type of medical condition, as well as on the type of aircraft and medical equipment fitted on board, and the availability of an adequately trained health professional whenever required.
Clothing and footwear
You should wear comfortable clothes (preferentially made of natural fibres) covering your arms and legs.
Comfortable, low-heeled, leather footwear is preferable.
Diving
Divers should refrain from flying for 12 to 48 hours, due to the attending risk of decompression sickness.
Food, beverages, medicines
Have light, balanced meals before travelling, and avoid alcohol and fizzy drinks.
Don't forget to take your usual medication along with you in your cabin luggage, and don't miss any doses.
Sleep
Sleep well before travelling.
In case you are heading for a place that is 5 or more time zones away, adapt your daily schedules progressively starting a few days before leaving, so that you will be closer to your destination's time frame when you get there.
Luggage
Follow airline regulations.
Luggage allowed inside the cabin must be relatively small and fit easily in the overhead bins.
Luggage items should be neither heavy nor have sharp edges, because in case of turbulence they may be tossed about and hurt someone.
Luggage for the hold should also comply with existing regulations.
Do not pack any flammable items (petrol, paint, sprays, matches, etc.), rockets, solvents, guns or ammunition, corrosive acid, or any radioactive material.
In case of an emergency, leave your luggage behind;
a few seconds can make a difference...
Children
Airlines in general follow high-standard safety regulations concerning the transportation of children.
Address your airline for further information.
Fear of flying
Many people feel a bit nervous when flying.
In more severe cases, they should seek specialised help, which can be quite effective.
Passengers with severe, unstable breathing or heart problems, or following recent abdominal surgery or a major bleeding episode of any sort, should request medical clearance for flying.
This also applies to passengers with motor handicaps, or with other special health needs.
This is essential for specific transportation requirements to be met on time (see Table overleaf).
Absolute medical contraindications for travelling by plane depend on the type of medical condition, as well as on the type of aircraft and medical equipment fitted on board, and the availability of an adequately trained health professional whenever required.
Clothing and footwear
You should wear comfortable clothes (preferentially made of natural fibres) covering your arms and legs.
Comfortable, low-heeled, leather footwear is preferable.
Diving
Divers should refrain from flying for 12 to 48 hours, due to the attending risk of decompression sickness.
Food, beverages, medicines
Have light, balanced meals before travelling, and avoid alcohol and fizzy drinks.
Don't forget to take your usual medication along with you in your cabin luggage, and don't miss any doses.
Sleep
Sleep well before travelling.
In case you are heading for a place that is 5 or more time zones away, adapt your daily schedules progressively starting a few days before leaving, so that you will be closer to your destination's time frame when you get there.
Luggage
Follow airline regulations.
Luggage allowed inside the cabin must be relatively small and fit easily in the overhead bins.
Luggage items should be neither heavy nor have sharp edges, because in case of turbulence they may be tossed about and hurt someone.
Luggage for the hold should also comply with existing regulations.
Do not pack any flammable items (petrol, paint, sprays, matches, etc.), rockets, solvents, guns or ammunition, corrosive acid, or any radioactive material.
In case of an emergency, leave your luggage behind;
a few seconds can make a difference...
Children
Airlines in general follow high-standard safety regulations concerning the transportation of children.
Address your airline for further information.
Fear of flying
Many people feel a bit nervous when flying.
In more severe cases, they should seek specialised help, which can be quite effective.
