Health and Wellbeing related to customers long-haul flights is becoming more and more relevant. With the era of ultra-long-haul flights i.e. >14 hours duration; our body’s will be prone to more physiological fatigue and the repercussions related to this static environment. Blood circulation becomes a risk. These longer duration demands together with immobility may lead to a reduction of efficient venous return, lower limb’s swelling and the potential of initiating the clotting cascade during these periods of stagnation while flying.

Wellness strategy’s look to support customers experience in-flight, but also post-flight leaving them to maximise their leisure and corporate experiences at their respective destinations. Passengers and flight crews may forget that the highest incidence of blood clots (VTE) actually occurs in the first two weeks after your long-haul flight while the travel environment becomes the origin. Taking action pre and in-flight becomes the mainstay of VTE prevention. 

Innovation within the aviation space may help reduce these risks. Better preparation prior to long-haul flights around health education i.e. recognising your own risk factors becomes paramount and planning prevention strategy’s becomes an essential part of flying. See www.flyinghealthprogram.com pre-flight risk factors for more health information. Taking personal interest and responsibility will help you fly healthier for longer.

Wellness in-flight also becomes important from a movement and circulation point of view. Some airlines are physically promoting more space in designated wellness areas to encourage movement, exercise and hydration. We think that this is a good idea. So please make use of these facilities whenever you get a chance. 

Encouraging movement onboard to alleviate venous stasis is key to prevent VTE. So more is better.   

Happy flying, have a great week.