Travel Tips to Prevent Illness when Flying

Before your flight:
Plan ahead to prevent stress. Try to have packing, any needed arrangements you must make, or contacts needed completed before the last moment. Also, allow yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. If you know that weather conditions are bad, [or anything else] allow extra arrival time.

If you will be boarding in a large airport, you may have to walk a large distance. Besides allowing enough time so you won't be stressed, wear comfortable clothing. Think about wearing slip-on shoes, contents of pockets and bags, apparel items etc. that could cause trouble when going through the line.

Purchase luggage that rolls easily so you won't hurt your back or body toting stuff across the airport or from the rental car area. Do not be embarrassed to ask airport staff for any help you may need.

Try to keep your mind busy so you don't sit and fret. Nervous energy can cause you to have an upset stomach or a headache. Before boarding, go to the bathroom and take a quick walk to get your blood pumping. This can help reduce the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Drink plenty of water. Buy water at the airport if necessary to have on the plane. It is advisable to avoid dehydration for good health.

During Your Flight:
It is helpful to avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks, as they, also, can lead to dehydration. Flying tends to lead to dehydration anyway, so anything you can do to prevent it will help you the next few days. Try not to eat too heavily prior to flight.

Don't sit with your legs crossed in your seat and try to move around in your seat as much as possible. If you are on longer flights, it's best to get up and walk every couple of hours.

When taking off and landing, chew gum or suck hard candies to help equalize the pressure in one's sinuses and prevent ear and sinus pain.

Bring along wipes and keep your hands and area clean. This is especially true during cold and flu season.

Jetlag:
Dress in loose and comfortable clothing to help prevent jetlag. The stress of tight clothing could be just one more thing added to any problems that occur.

If you feel the effects of jetlag upon your arrival, take an over the counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen immediately. It may also help reduce some of the fatigue and body pain that you might feel after a very long flight. Vitamin C, vitamin B and potassium may also help you to feel better. This is why having fruit snacks should be considered.

Don't take a sleep-aid. Artificial sleep aids can make you feel worse as your body tries to adjust to the new time. You can also altar your sleep habits somewhat prior to your trip. This is especially helpful for a longer trip. Go to bed an hour or so later or get up earlier a couple days prior to flying.

Travel woes:
Things can wrong quickly, so do the best you can to plan and prepare prior to your flight. Check on flight schedules - be aware of weather conditions, check on rental cars, other reservations and luggage weight allotments. Check again to be sure you have your passport and tickets. Look over your itinerary, seat numbers and boarding check points for future flights. Be aware of time and distance for the next connection.

Watch you baggage and trust no one. If you are traveling alone be careful. Do not tell anyone too much about yourself. If you have any concerns, contact someone in the airport immediately. Also, call someone you know on your cell phone. Listen for any changes that will have an impact on your flight. Things can happen suddenly.

If you do feel sick on the plane, call your airline hostess immediately. He or she will help you in the best way they can.

Enjoy your flight and the time spent at your destination. Remember, some pre-planning and thought can help prevent problems and illness.