Healthy Travel Tips

The in-flight environment differs from that of life on the ground. Understanding the in-flight environment can provide a more enjoyable and comfortable journey.

How is the in-flight environment different from that of everyday life? Are there any precautions to keep in mind during a flight? What items are good to have available during a flight?

How is the in-flight environment different from that of everyday life? In-Flight Temperature   The in-flight temperature is maintained in a range from 22~26℃.     - Wear a long-sleeved top and clothes of thin material.

In-Flight Humidity   The in-flight humidity is approximately 15%. Considering that the average person feels most comfortable when humidity is around 50~60%, the in-flight atmosphere can be said to be very dry. The moisture in our bodies evaporates without our feeling it, and the skin as well as membranes in the eyes and nose dry out causing potential irritation.   - Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking water, juice, or other beverages frequently. Drinking a lot of coffee, tea, etc. can actually have the reverse effect and cause dehydration.    - For passengers wearing soft contact lens, remove them and switch to wearing glasses. Doing so can prevent dryness and inflammation of the eyes.    - A good practice is to use supplements and/or water sprays to keep your skin moist.

In-Flight Atmospheric Pressure   The in-flight atmospheric pressure is maintained at about that at the altitude of 5,000~8,000 feet (1,524~2,438 meters) above sea level (a level that has little effect on the average healthy person).   - If your ears should become deafened or affected by the pressure change upon aircraft take-off or landing, either work your jaw up and down lightly or drink some water. Another useful practice is to close your mouth and hold your nose while blowing out lightly. - For small children, giving them something to eat or feeding them milk is recommended.

In-Flight Noise Level   With the fitting of soundproof panels and seat improvements, the in-flight noise level has dropped significantly over the past several years.  On average, the noise level poses no inconvenience.  However, during take-off and landing, and with some seats near the engines, slight rises in noise level may be detected.   - You can ask a flight attendant for earplugs. - Listen to music.

Information Regarding Peanut Allergies   It is difficult to restrict passengers from carrying on peanut products, opening them in-flight, and eating them. In addition, it is possible that peanut elements from previous flights may remain in the cabin.   >> View Detail

Are there any precautions to keep in mind during a flight? Food/Beverages   Eating excessively or drinking beverages that produce much gas such as carbonated beverages, beer, etc. can cause stomach complaints.   - Eat light meals during a flight. - Avoid foods that produce gas such as onions, radish, beans, etc.   Air Sickness   As the airplane flies through the atmosphere, some sensitive passengers may suffer from air sickness.   - Make sure to get enough sleep/rest on the day prior to travel. - Avoid drinking alcohol in-flight, and eat light meals. - If taking a motion sickness medication, make sure to follow instructions carefully and take 30 minutes before boarding.      Jet Lag   Jet lag occurs when the body cannot adjust to the time difference from long-distance trips made over relatively short times, and can arise primarily from travel to destinations with time zone differences of six hours or more. Common symptoms included drowsiness, fatigue, and loss of appetite.   - On the night prior to travel, go to sleep earlier than usual if flying to the east, and go to sleep later than usual if flying to the west.      Impeded Blood Circulation (Economy Class Syndrome)   When sitting in one place with little movement during a long flight, the blood circulation in the veins of the legs slows and causes swelling of the feet. Though rare, in certain cases, thrombosis can be caused by the coagulation of blood in the lower body.   - Engage in light stretching or massages over fixed intervals, or walk around the cabin.    - Apply foot cream generously and wear in-flight socks or slippers, and work out fatigue in any foot.   - Wearing elastic stockings can help the elderly, pregnant women, and those who have recently undergone surgical procedures.        Fear of Flying   The fear of flying indicates the feeling of fear and/or anxiety during flights or in the time leading up to air travel. Effects are diverse and encompass those who cannot fly at all, those who have no choice but to fly, and those who can fly yet feel uneasy throughout the entire flight.   - Do not focus on your senses and fears, and engage in conversations with other passengers instead. - Listen to the calming music provided in Korean Air’s audio program. - Seek assistance from a professional.

What items are good to have available during a flight?    For the utmost convenience of our passengers, we have prepared the following items. Amenity Kit   This small bag holds a number of useful items for long flights including a toothbrush, toothpaste, sleeping mask, in-flight socks, etc. This bag is also equipped with a small necklace-like band that can be used to secure small personal items. ※ This item is currently provided to regular passengers on all our North America/Europe/Middle East/Oceania routes.      Newspapers / Magazines   Korean/English newspapers as well as those in a variety of other languages, the high-quality Morning Calm travel magazine with its interesting pictures and useful information, the Sky Shop catalog that assists in purchasing top designer items at special prices, etc. are all available for our passengers to read.   Emergency Medicine   As a variety of ointments, bandages, cold medications, pain relievers, indigestion medications, etc. are on hand, passengers who require any medicine can consult any flight attendant.   Toiletries Set   All lavatories are equipped with toiletries including toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, after-shave, lotion, cleansing tissues, etc.   Pillows/Blankets   A pillow and blanket is provided on every seat.