To further ensure that you have a pleasant and enjoyable experience on our flight we would like to draw your attention to certain in-flight health tips, which are recommended for all passengers and are to be followed throughout the duration of the flight.
The health tips listed below are at all times subject to any intervening in-flight safety instructions being issued and are designed to improve blood circulation.
- Exercise your legs at regular intervals while seated to improve blood circulation; one example of a recommended exercise would be to alternate stretching and flexing the feet.
- Deep-breathing exercises are recommended. Short walks, preferably once every two hours, are excellent for circulation. Increase your normal intake of water and/or soft drinks before and throughout the flight; only drink alcoholic beverages in moderation. Any passenger who is aware of and/or affected by a medical condition of any nature whatsoever has the duty to seek medical advice from his/her own medical practitioner before embarking on an intended flight, in order to determine whether the medical condition could be worsened by air travel.
No need to be a seat potato
Before takeoff
- Airports are full of corridors, shops, restaurants, lookout points and magazine stands. Make use of these and move as much as you can prior to your flight.
- Avoid overloading yourself with carry-on luggage, otherwise you'll find moving around too much of an effort. A small hold-all goodie bag (remember to pack any medicines you may need once on board), a bottle of water and a great book/magazine are enough to see you through any trip.
- Go easy on the pre-flight drinking (unless it's water). Flights don't come with clip-on livers - yet. Alcohol causes dehydration which, combined with the effects of altitude, can leave you weary and wan looking.
- Any kind of clothing that inhibits movement or cuts off your circulation is a bad idea. Cotton suits, silk pajamas or good old-fashioned sweat suits are a good idea. This is also the time to wear really comfortable shoes - the kind that can expand with your feet.
- The Knee Defender is a plastic gadget used in the cabin of an aircraft which slides onto the arms of your tray table, for the express purpose of preventing the person in front of you from reclining their seat. The use of this item is prohibited on board any SAA aircraft.
In the air
- Time yourself and make sure you get up at least every two hours (unless you are sleeping, of course).
- Go to the bathroom regularly, even if it's only to splash your face, slap on some moisturizer or apply deodorant. Pamper yourself, you will feel better for it.
- Do seated exercises (see on-board exercises).
- Set your watch to the time of your destination. This gives your body time to adapt to the new reality prior to arrival on the other side.
On arrival
- While waiting for your luggage, shake your feet, stretch, take some deep breaths. Get the blood flowing again. Take a walk to the wash room and freshen up.
- Give yourself a vigorous scrub in the bath or shower to help your circulation.
- Any form of exercise helps - like a short walk around the hotel. A massage is one of the best ways to get rid of any unwanted build-up in the body.
- A short nap on arrival can do wonders to lift the spirit. Don't overdo it, though - when night time rolls around, you want to be able to sleep properly.