Stress

Air Travel Facts and Tips - Dr. Ken Goldberg

If you've flown anywhere lately you probably already know this but recent reports are confirming that this year's on time record industry wide is the worst since the government started tracking performance. U.S. airline delays are at their highest level in at least 13 years, and analysts say fliers can expect more of the same for the rest of the summer.The Department of Transportation on recently reported that the industry's on-time performance in the first six months of the year was its worst since the agency began gathering comparable data in 1995. In June, nearly a third of domestic flights on major U.S. airlines were late.

Part of the explanation for the worsening delays is that demand for air travel is rising, both on major airlines and on smaller regional carriers. In addition, the government said weather-related delays in June were up 7 percent from a year ago. Reports of mishandled baggage and complaints filed with the government also rose.

For June, U.S. airlines' on-time arrival rate was just above 68 percent, compared with roughly 73 percent a year earlier, according to Department of Transportation data. So far in 2007, nearly 25 percent of flights on the 20 largest carriers have arrived late, the agency said.

Reports of lost, damaged, delayed or stolen baggage rose to 7.9 per 1,000 passengers in June, up from 6.3 per 1,000 last year. Complaints about airline service filed with the government rose 43 percent from last June. Canceled trips rose to 2.7 percent of domestic flights in June, up from 1.7 percent last June.

Keeping in mind the delays and crowding involved with air travel today, AdvoCare's Scientific and Advisory Board member, Dr. Ken Goldberg, M.D. has provided us with the following information on how to fly safely with a few simple tips that take some of the pain and suffering out of travel.

When most people think of air safety, it's falling out of the sky they worry about. Truth be told, though, the most likely hazards in air travel don't arise from meeting the ground or another aircraft unexpectedly. They come from being shoe-horned into a limited space with a large number of people and spending several hours in an environment that is less than ideal.

At 35,000 or so feet up, you are exposed to air that is excessively dry and not as fresh as you might like, and more than the usual amount of ionizing radiation. Plus you're very likely to be cramped. It's no recipe for fun, but there are ways to pamper yourself:

• To feel less cramped, opt for an aisle seat. You'll be able to stretch your legs a bit, and you can easily get up once an hour to stretch.
• Give your back a break by putting a pillow in the small of your back and perhaps one behind your neck.
• Avoid dehydration by drinking 8 ounces of water (as a "just in case" measure - purchase a bottle of water once through security in the airport and keep it with you for the flight) or another nonalcoholic, noncaffeinated, nonsalty beverage each hour.
• Avoid the salty snacks so many airlines like to provide. (Remember, it's probably a good idea to bring some healthy snacks of your own along for the flight)
• Order a special meal. Standard airline fare is notorious, but you can request low- salt, low-fat, vegetarian, kosher, or diabetic-designed meals at least 24 hours in advance.
• If you tend to have ear problems on ascent or descent, or if you're suffering from congestion, consider taking a decongestant beforehand and an hour before landing if the flight lasts longer than the duration of the medicine. Nasal sprays also may be helpful. Even if you're having a good ear day, chew gum or swallow often to equalize the pressure; this problem is easier to solve before it becomes severe.
• Take good care of yourself before and after your trip. Exercise and a healthful diet- especially one rich in antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins C and E and beta carotene-will help protect you against both the unusual concentration of infectious agents in a crowded passenger compartment and the higher than normal radiation levels at altitude.

AdvoCare's Breakfast bars (Apple Cinnamon, Berry) and Fruit & Fiber Bar make great, healthy snacks to take with you in your carry on bag while you're on the plane or stuck at the airport.

Even if you don't sit in First Class, you can pamper yourself with first-class treatment.

Follow these tips, and you're in for much happier landings.