Christmas time is here and, like any other holiday season, who doesn't go on a trip?
Many people choose to fly. It is the fastest and most reliable way for medium and long journeys. However, it is advisable to prepare and take into account a series of things before boarding a plane. These are small tips and recommendations that will come in very handy when embarking on a flight.
First of all, we must bear in mind that for some people, the idea of flying in a cabin thirty thousand feet above the ground generates anxiety and insecurity. In this sense, it is important to be aware that it is the safer means of transport of those currently available to us. Aircraft maintenance and overhaul standards as well as cabin crew training and experience are among the most demanding procedures in any environment.
It is often precisely the misinformation about the aviation world and all the different aspects of the steps necessary for an aircraft to commence flight which causes some of these fears. In this sense, the first piece of advice is to find out all these details, which will help them to start the trip with greater confidence. However, for extreme cases, there are also companies that specialise in treating fear of flying, with a proven success rate.
And, getting down to business, some of the recommendations for a comfortable flight are as follows:
- The relative air humidity in an aircraft cabin is about 20%, which is very low compared to 40-70% in a normal building. It is therefore advisable to drink fluids (avoiding tea or coffee) to stay hydrated.
- According to statistics, the majority of passengers remain seated The passenger should therefore wear comfortable clothing that is not constricting and allows freedom of movement in a confined space.
- In this respect, and regardless of the length of the journey, care should be taken to ensure that a certain mobilityThis can be through small exercises in the seat itself, moving feet, legs, back, neck, or by taking a walk around the cabin every 2 hours on long journeys.
- Even though the cabins are pressurised, the pressure change in the atmosphere directly affects the eustachian tube, blocking it and causing great discomfort. We can help to overcome this effect by chewing a piece of gum or candy or by opening our mouth wide (yawning).
- Aircraft may shake or make sudden movements when they pass through areas of instability (turbulence). The wind, through which we are moving, is nothing more than the laminar circulation of particles in the air. Turbulence occurs when this movement is disordered and disturbances appear in the form of eddies. When passing through an area of clouds, by very strong wind currents or by abrupt or very abrupt variations in the intensity and direction of the wind, known as "wind shear". For this reason, it is always recommended to keep your seatbelt fastened during the flight and not to move from your seat. If turbulence makes you feel uneasy, the best thing to do is to find a seat between the wings of the plane, as this is the most stable place to sit.
- Before travelling, it is advisable to make a copy of all documentation to use in case of loss or theft of the originals. In any case, if you lose it at some airports, you can get a temporary official copy on the spot or at the embassy on presentation of an identification document.
- Carries only one cabin suitcaseNo matter how long your flight is and where you're going, hand luggage avoids long check-in queues and wasted time. To fit everything in your cabin suitcase, first make a list of the things you want to take with you, being practical and choosing clothes that are easy to combine. Secondly, place everything in sight, and once you have done this, you have to start putting the puzzle together, making the most of the corners and all the spaces, leaving shoes, liquids and electronic devices for last. And remember to always wear the bulkiest items.
- Take less than you need During the trip: Depending on whether it's for business or pleasure, you will bring more or less stuff, but you always end up doing some shopping on your travels and you have to bring it back home. For this it would be great to leave a space in your suitcase for possible purchases.
- Put shirts or silks in dry-cleaning bags: If you are forced to wear shirts or clothes made of fabrics that wrinkle easily, put them in dry-cleaning bags, hang them in the shower and let the hot water run, the steam will stretch the garment.
- Weigh and measure the dimensions of your suitcase before you go to the airport: Every airline has its own rules, and even if you think your bag is tiny, you may have to check it in, and apart from the extra cost, you will lose time dropping off and picking up your bag at the airport.
- Choose a direct flight non-stop: you will avoid unnecessary loss of time, and you will prevent the next plane from being delayed.
- Stand up to the '...jet lagOn long journeys with time zone changes, a simple trick to be aware of is to think about the time of the destination you are flying to and act accordingly, so that the impact will be less.
With these recommendations we are sure to make our trip a little more pleasant for all intents and purposes.
Back to the beginning of this post, aviation safety is the first of the premises which is considered in this sector and to which any decision or action is subordinated. In order for an aircraft to be placed at the head of the runway ready to start a flight, an important team of technicians, engineers, pilots, crew and ground technical personnel carry out an important monitoring of all types of procedures and preventive measures.
Finally, each aircraft passes through different revisions The first is a daily inspection before the first flight, another one after 100 hours of operation, another one every 600 hours, then every 18 months and the so-called 'Major Shutdown', every five years or its equivalent, 30,000 flight hours, where the aircraft is completely disassembled and reassembled, checking every part, however small it may be.
And if you still have any doubts, the knowledge, experience and friendliness of the pilots and cabin crew are the best guarantee to solve any doubts that may still arise before or during the flight.
Bon voyage.
