Archive for: November 2006

Flying is one of the safest modes of transportation
More than three million people around the world fly safely on commercial aircraft every day. And, Boeing airplanes have an excellent safety record. Boeing built about 70 percent of the aircraft currently …

Catching a Cold
Microorganisms do not pass through the filters of the highly efficient air recirculation systems on today ’s jets. The system delivers a mix that is one-half outside air and one-half filtered re-circulated air. It …

Air Quality
The air in the cabin is a continuously flowing combination of air from outside the cabin and highly filtered re-circulated air. Numerous scientific studies of cabin air quality show that contaminants do not build up …

Low Humidity
During flight, the relative humidity in the cabin is similar to a dry summer climate or to being indoors in the wintertime. In this drier climate, anyone can become dehydrated without enough liquid….

Noise
The level of cabin noise has been reduced dramatically since the first jets started to fly. Today ’s aircraft cabin includes sound-absorbent seats, cabin walls, and partitions. Buffers and seats are designed and placed to minimize …

Immobility
Airlines offer a variety of seating arrangements. Passengers can choose more spacious seats, or less expensive, but more restrictive seats. The less expensive seats are normally a 3/3 configuration

You can avoid problems associated with long periods …

Jet Lag
As the aircraft changes time zones, your biological clock becomes disturbed. This “jet lag “can cause fatigue, sleepiness, and loss of appetite.

For each time zone you cross, it will take your body one day to …

Cabin Altitude
The percentage of oxygen in cabin air remains virtually unchanged, but as altitude increases, the partial pressure of oxygen decreases. The altitude for a typical transatlantic flight is 35,000 to 39,000 feet above sea level. …

Motion
Most travelers are not bothered by the cabin’s vibration while the aircraft is in flight. In some cases, however, turbulence can cause motion sickness. If you are one of those unfortunate people, consult your doctor …

Tips for the Traveler

To reduce stress, allow extra time for check-in and connections.
Drink any caffeinated or alcoholic beverages in moderation.
Perform in-flight exercises, and walk about the cabin if possible.
Eat lightly.
Consult your doctor before flying if you suffer from any chronic …