HEALTH AND AIR TRAVEL
During the flight, the pressurization in the cabin rises to a fictitious altitude of 2400 metres, which is entirely safe for people in good health. We advise you to treat nasopharyngeal infections before flying.
In order to avoid decompression sickness, it is also not advisable to fly less than 24 hours after scuba diving.
The following information is quite helpful should you be concerned about health problems while flying :
TAKING MEDICATION ON BOARD
Should you need to take medication while flying, do not forget to put them in your hand luggage along with all prescriptions bearing the exact name of the medicine.
Remember to keep all medicine in your carry-on baggage Hypodermic needles are authorized in the cabin with a prescription. You are entirely responsible for their use. Please do not leave them in the aircraft: a special waste receptacle is available with our staff on-board.
VACCINES
Certain vaccinations are required for passengers (including animals) for certain destinations. Some vaccines are inoculated in several injections and time is needed before travelling to acquire the desired protection.
In France the Pasteur Institute is at your disposal to help you with such queries at :
+33 3 20 87 78 00 or by internet (available in French only) at : www.pasteur-lille.fr
For the purposes of our UK passengers, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has provided the following Questions and Answers. These topics summarize well the frequently asked questions concerning health and air travel. Readers are subsequently directed to the CAA website for the most up to date advice and expertise on each issue.
DIABETES – I am a diabetic, should I take particular precautions prior to and during travelling?
In general air travel does not pose any significant problems for travellers with well-conditioned diabetes. However, some precautions are needed before travelling. Please consult for more advice here
RESPIRATORY DISEASES - I have a lung condition which makes me breathless sometimes. Am I liable to have problems on an airplane?
The majority of individuals with conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sometimes called COPD, can travel perfectly safely on board an aircraft. Please consult the CAA for more advice here
For a complete list of Frequently Asked Questions relating to health issues and air travel, please consult the Civil Aviation Authority of the UK
