Air Travel Concerns

Jet Lag

Jet lag is caused by traveling at great speeds over many time zones. This unbalances the "circadian rhythms," or biological clock, which is set by the pineal gland (a tiny organ in the brain). Eye cells send light and darkness messages to this gland, which releases melatonin (a sleep-inducing hormone) in response to darkness. Thus, abrupt changes in time zones can upset melatonin production, which ultimately unbalances the body's sleep-wake cycle. These biological functions, combined with travel-related physical and emotional stress, cause jet lag.

Common symptoms of jet lag include headaches, irritability, upset stomach, sleeplessness, gastric discomfort, chills and inability to concentrate. Symptoms may be worse if you are traveling west to east (away from the sun), because light helps to preserve the body's equilibrium. Travel from east to west (to an earlier time zone) results in fewer jet lag symptoms, and traveling northward or southward does not affect the body's circadian rhythms at all.

Experts say it takes one day for every time zone crossed to recover from jet lag symptoms. For example, if you cross six time zones, it will take six days to feel like your old self again. Although there are many methods for minimizing jet lag, it is impossible to eliminate it entirely.

One suggested method of minimizing jet lag effects is to drink plenty of water before, during and after the flight. Some doctors recommend that you drink two eight-ounce glasses of water right before departure. Dehydration is highly possible during airplane travel, due to dry cabin air. It results in diminished blood flow to your muscles, reduced kidney functions and fatigue, all of which induce jet lag. You can prevent dehydration by drinking one liter of water for every six hours of flight in addition to beverages you drink with meals. Even if you may not be thirsty, it is important to drink water on a regular basis throughout the flight, because the body's thirst mechanism does not warn you early about dehydration.

Researchers are now looking into "light therapy," which is a method of re-adjusting the body's inner clock by controlling exposure to natural and artificial light. One step in this strategy is to expose yourself to daylight as soon as possible once you arrive at your destination. Researchers also advise that you turn on your overhead light during your flight when it is daylight at your destination and turn off your light, or wear an eyeshade, when it is night there.

A second strategy is to try to reset the body's clock through the use of food. Many airlines have started serving their meals according to the destination's time zone. However, the "jet lag diet," another food strategy once thought to play an important role in minimizing the effects of jet lag, has been proven ineffective. (The Argonne jet lag diet consisted of eating certain foods at specific times in given amounts beginning three days before departure. A controlled study by the U.S. Army indicated that travelers practicing the jet lag diet actually fared worse than the "non-dieting" group.)

Another recent research strategy uses melatonin capsules as a possible method of combating jet lag fatigue. The capsules, which consist of concentrated amounts of melatonin, have been found to be successful in reducing fatigue when taken according to the destination's nighttime schedule.

Aside from "scientific" methods, you can take a number of simple steps to improve your ability to ward off jet lag. Physical conditioning during the two to three weeks before your trip can help increase your stamina and thereby reduce the fatigue caused by travel-related stress. And according to reports from airline crews, it is helpful to take non-stop flights and to schedule your departing flight in the morning, when you are most ready for a full day's worth of activities.

In addition, following a few simple "do's and don'ts" can help:

* Don't smoke, drink large amounts of alcohol, or take unnecessary medication while in flight.
* Do get a decent night's sleep before your flight.
* Do try to get some sleep during long flights.
* Do exercise while on board the plane by stretching, walking about the cabin, and doing fitness exercises in your chair (like squeezing a tennis ball for seven counts and then releasing).

Much of the stiffness and the uncomfortable, dazed feeling following a flight is simply the result of sitting inactively for long periods of time. You may want to ask airline representatives if they can provide a brochure for in-flight exercises.

Finally, limiting your activities the first day after your arrival will yield more hours of fun and productivity in the end.

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Flying with a Head Cold

A head cold can cause problems during air travel. Swollen mucous membranes can prevent pressure between the airplane cabin and your sinuses or inner ear from equalizing, sometimes resulting in pain during ascent and especially descent. Further, permanent ear or sinus damage can result.

Children with conditions which may cause "blocked ears," such as allergies or serious colds, should postpone air travel until their symptoms diminish. In general, avoid traveling with sick children or those who have been exposed to communicable diseases.

While your safest course of action with any head cold is to postpone your flight until your condition clears up, flying is particularly inadvisable when you have a high fever or ear or sinus pain. See a doctor if these symptoms appear or if you have an urgent reason for travel and you aren't sure if you should postpone your flight because of your condition. Your physician can counsel you on the advisability of travel and prescribe medications to help clear up your condition. Antibiotics may be necessary, and decongestants can be helpful.

If you must travel with a cold, use a decongestant and/or nasal spray before takeoff. If you have a long flight, check the label on your decongestant and time your doses so you will be able to take the decongestant about an hour before landing. Nasal sprays are best repeated right before descent.

Antihistamines are the most effective decongestants, but they can also cause drowsiness. Avoid driving after your flight if you have taken an antihistamine. If you are pregnant or have special problems, consult your physician before taking any medication.

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Flying with Children

Collapsible umbrella-type strollers are a convenient way to transport your small child or infant through airports. Lightweight, mesh storage bags that clip onto the back of the stroller can provide some portable storage space. Most airlines allow passengers to carry umbrella strollers on board for storage in the garment closet, but it's a good idea to check your carrier's policy ahead of time.

Fares and regulations for infants and small children vary, so check with your travel agent or airline for current information. If you plan to use an infant safety seat, it must be FAA-approved, and it may not be used at emergency exits or in the rows directly in front of or behind them. If you have not reserved a seat for your child and you bring a safety seat aboard in the hope that an empty seat will be available, you may be disappointed. In that case, the flight attendant will stow the safety seat for you.

It's a good idea to remember that unless you do purchase a separate ticket for your child, you will most likely be allowed only one carry-on bag. This may make it difficult to pack enough supplies for both you and your child, especially if it is a long flight.

Travel agents can supply you with a chart depicting your aircraft's seating arrangement. Some considerations when reserving seats will help you, your child, and your fellow travelers remain comfortable on board the aircraft. Bassinets can sometimes be reserved on international flights. Most are placed at bulkhead seats. Bulkhead seating provides more space in front of the passenger, but has a drawback - since there is no under-seat storage, infant feeding and changing supplies will be in the overhead bin, rather than at your arm's reach. If the airline allows, you may be able to use an umbrella stroller as infant seating during flight in the extra space in front of bulkhead seats.

Infants may be more comfortable seated away from the galley areas, which can be noisy during meal services. Young children will disrupt fewer fellow passengers if they are seated close to the washrooms, in aisle seats.

Adults who frequently accompany children on international flights recommend avoiding Monday and Friday flights, which are often crowded with business travelers. Mid-week flights are usually less crowded and may lend an atmosphere more conducive to the child's needs.

Aircraft cabins can be chilly, so include warm clothing in the hand luggage you carry on board. Some passengers experience slight swelling of their hands and feet during flight. If you remove your child's shoes during flight, it may be uncomfortable for the child when you put the shoes back on.

Although special meals for toddlers and children can be ordered in advance through many airlines, it is important to carry an adequate meal supply for infants. Carry enough supplies for a possible 24-hour delay, since unanticipated delays are not uncommon and may be lengthy in international travel.

Some airlines have formula and baby food on board, but travelers should not assume supplies will be available. Always call at least one day in advance to arrange meals for infants and small children. This allows the airline enough time to get supplies on board the plane, or if they do not prepare meals for small children or infants, it will allow you enough time to obtain the necessary supplies.

Airlines frequently prohibit flight attendants from mixing formulas for passengers, which makes ready-to-eat preparations most convenient. Also keep in mind that airline attendants are prohibited from serving you during take-offs and landings, so be sure to keep all necessary baby supplies close at hand. It's also a good idea to check with the airline before departure to see if they will have diaper wipes or bottle warming and cooling capabilities.

Children are generally not prone to motion sickness during flight, but they may experience discomfort during ascent and descent. In children, the ducts linking the middle ear and the nasal cavity are narrow, making it difficult for air pressure in the ears and nose to equalize when cabin pressure changes. Since frequent swallowing helps equalize air pressure, it's a good idea to bottle- or breast-feed infants during takeoffs and landings. If this is inconvenient, you can stimulate swallowing by placing drops of water on the infant's tongue with a plastic eyedropper. Small children should drink liquids or chew crackers or cookies. Avoid gum or small, hard candies, since unexpected turbulence could cause choking. Also keep in mind that turbulence can cause hot beverages to spill, so avoid them if you are holding a child in your lap.