Flying While Pregnant – Tips To Ensure Your Safety
January 22, 2010 by Adriana Noton
Filed under Flights
As long as expectant mothers do not have any complications with their pregnancy and they are not flying when the due date is close, air travel while pregnant is normally very safe. It is safest for a pregnant woman to travel by air during the second trimester which is weeks 18 to 27. If an expectant mother is more than 36 weeks pregnant, most airlines will prohibit her from flying because of the increased risk of delivering during the flight. Although it is safe for pregnant mothers to fly, they have to be aware of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and developing blood clots, particularly during long flights.
The following tips will help ensure a safe flight when pregnant:
1. During a flight, a pregnant woman should keep a number of items nearby. Do not drink beverages containing caffeine and alcohol, but drink plenty of water. Keep your nutrition levels at their optimum levels by bringing fresh fruit which is full of vitamins such as plums, grapes, dried apricots or oranges. To avoid catching a cold or flu, wear a face mask. Bring ear plugs and an eye mask.
2. To make the flight as comfortable as possible, wear loose fitting and comfy clothing. Often a pregnant woman’s feet will swell. To make it more comfortable during the flight, wear a support hose and shoes with modifiable straps. To decrease blood clots and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) try to get up from your seat and walk up and down the aisle every hour or so. Get plenty of rest during the flight. Book a seat that allows for the most leg movement. Many airline websites have information about the varying legroom on each of their seats, or check a legroom guide to learn about the different sizes reported by each airline. A bulkhead seat and an aisle seat are a comfortable choice because there is more room to move.
3. Most medical experts recommend that a pregnant woman should not fly before 12 weeks because of the risk of a miscarriage and morning sickness. After 28 weeks, most airlines will need a letter from the expectant mother’s doctor saying she is healthy enough to fly as well as verifying the estimated due date. Because each airline has its own guidelines for flying while pregnant, when a pregnant woman books a flight, she should inform the airline that she is expecting. If booking a flight online, make sure that you check the airline’s website regarding their rules about flying when pregnant. A woman can also telephone the airline about her pregnancy ahead of time.
4. When you make your flight preparations, it is important not to be shy about giving the airlines all of your information and asking them important questions. You can also ask the airline for comfortable seating. It is important to be aware that many insurers will not insure a pregnant woman who flies because it is considered a higher risk so it is important to check with your insurance provider about their policy coverage. You can always purchase air travel insurance.
When flying while pregnant, it is important to get as much rest as possible. Flying during a pregnancy is a time when it is really worth spending a few extra dollars. Some airlines will charge a few extra dollars for seating that has a bit more room. Being pregnant does not have to make your flight uncomfortable. By consulting with your doctor, making the right flight preparations, and asking the essential questions, you will greatly increase your chances of having a restful and relaxing flight.
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Family Travel – Tips For Flying With Children
January 12, 2010 by Adriana Noton
Filed under Flights
Traveling by car with children can be easily managed. Kids get use to a car quickly and learn how to entertain themselves. As well, it is easy to stop the car and talk to them when they are not behaving. Traveling by airplane with children can be much more challenging. However, by employing a few simple measures, you can make the flying experience much more enjoyable.
The following is a list of helpful tips to make flying with children less stressful:
1. It is important to make sure you are prepared for the flight. There are a number of items you will need to board the airplane. Make sure you bring your child’s passport and airplane ticket. When possible, purchase direct nonstop flight tickets so that you do not have to change planes which often is a hassle when traveling with children. For international air travel, book a bassinet for infants up to about 8kg. Ask the airline if they permit early boarding for families. Call the airline to see if they provide child seats. If they do not provide such seats, bring your own child seat. Arrive at the airport early and ask for bulkhead seats as they are roomier.
2. To ensure that your flight is peaceful, you need to keep your children busy while in the air. Many airlines offer video games, seat-back movies, activity books, comic books, and coloring books. You can also bring your own crayons, paper, puzzle books, toys, and game books. It will keep the kids entertained and focused during the flight and allow you to relax.
3. Many airlines will offer snacks; however, the food they distribute is not always suitable for children. Bring your kids favorite snacks and drinks. Do not give them food items that are high in sugar because it can cause them to become hyper during the flight. Water and juice are good choices. Other food items that are good choices include: bread sticks, small boxes of dry cereal, carrot sticks, apple pieces, raisins, bananas, rice cakes, and dried fruit.
4. When planning where you will stay once you arrive at your destination, choose an accommodation that caters to children. There are many resorts and hotels that provide free meals for kids and even allow children to stay for free. Some places also offer children’s activities, cribs, babysitting services, and recreational facilities for children.
5. It is important to keep children healthy, happy, quiet, and safe during the flight. When changing altitudes, children will often experience ear pain. For infants, you can lessen the pain and screaming by giving them a pacifier or a bottle. You can give older children gum to chew.
Because flying with children can be stressful, the night before the flight, make sure you get a lot rest. You want to make flying with children comfortable and enjoyable. By preparing ahead of the flight and planning how to keep the kids busy during the flight, you can help reduce the chances of problems arising and help ensure the flight is relaxing and fun.
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Flying With Your Dog in a Private Plane
December 6, 2009 by Bruce Hogan
Filed under Flights
There is no doubt that most of us love our pets and are up for taking them with us everywhere we can. Its amazing to note that most dogs love going for a trip in the car. Mind you its not clear if it’s the car they love so much or just being with their owner.
All those Private Pilot dog lovers would be more than happy to take their canine friends with them on a flight. In fact some of them do. After the first few times you can pretty well determine how the dog is going to react to flying, but it can be a little unpredictable the first few times. Its not like being in a car where you can just pull over because the dog is nervous. Perhaps a wise idea would be to give the dog some preliminary training.
The first thing you want to ensure is that the dog will remain independent even if she/he is a little apprehensive. You don’t want your dog to be jumping around the plane and into your lap when you are trying to fly your plane. Its very important that you have a well trained obedient dog that is going to listen to your commands. Especially the command to sit. That way you will be more assured that you can talk the dog through its nervousness. If you dog has been in the habit of roaming around your car and sitting in your lap when driving then you will need to break him of this habit before you attempt flying with him.
If you dog is crate trained then this is perfect for you. The first few times you fly simply take the dog and crate for a flight. You will get a chance to see how the dog is going to react. You can also do this a few times to see if the dog will get over his fear safely for both of you. If your dog is not crate trained then do not attempt to adjust the dog to the crate and flying all at once. You will not be able to determine which is upsetting the dog. In addition, it is too stressful on the dog.
Noise control is going to be another issue you are going to have to consider. You know yourself what the engine noise does to your ears. A dogs hearing is much more sensitive than ours is. You will need to protect the dog by finding some protective hearing. Once again, do not introduce these to the dog a few minutes before your flight. Dogs don’t like surprises especially when it comes to their ears. Practice putting the ear protectors on your dog a little each day and for longer periods until he becomes comfortable with them.
Collars and harnesses can be a good safety feature as well. You can use these to keep your dog in his seat without the restraints of a crate. Once again, be sure your dog doesn’t mind being confined before flying. You don?t want to be dealing with dog problems when your flying requires all of your attention.
You know your dog better than anybody does. Assess the dog fairly and determine honestly if you think the dog would enjoy flying with you. Don?t put your dog through a nerve-wracking ordeal if he is the nervous type just because you want him with you.
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Can Holiday Or Vacation Air Flights Cause DVT Health Problems?
December 1, 2009 by Dorothy Yamich
Filed under Flights
People who take flights when they travel on their holidays and vacations can be at risk of developing a severe medical problem. It is called deep vein thrombosis which can be life threatening. The following information will cover travel tips on how to prevent this problem from turning into a severe medical condition when you travel on airline flights.
Commercial air flights tend to cause airline passengers’ blood to get thicker and slow down which can increase the possibility of blood clots, particularly in the lower extremities. And, the longer the flight, the greater the risk. Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is caused by a blood clot forming in one of the legs. This is a medical emergency. If this dangerous clot breaks away, it may move to the lungs which then could be fatal.
A common misconception is that younger, stronger, and physically fit athletes are less likely to develop deep vein thrombosis. Recent research shows that many people with a slower at rest blood flow, such as athletes, are in reality more at risk than the general population. People that have a history of swollen legs can also be at risk. Other people who are at risk are those that have, or have had, a serious health condition such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. Women that are pregnant, or on birth control pills or on hormone replacement therapy, tend to be more prone to deep vein thrombosis. Obesity may also be a factor.
There are two sets of symptoms relating to deep vein thrombosis that you must be aware of. The first set of milder symptoms may start during your flight or in the following couple of days. These symptoms are swelling, redness, tenderness, or cramps in one of your lower legs. There also can be some swelling or bruising behind one of your knees. The more severe second set of symptoms usually appear two or more days after the blood clot has formed. They are shortness of breath, rapid or painful breathing, fainting, a fever, chest pain which may be accompanied by pain in a shoulder, and coughing up blood.
What can contribute to these serious symptoms?
Deep vein thrombosis can occur in your lower legs anytime you are sitting in one position for a long time without moving your legs and feet. Some research shows that you are at three times the risk of developing this very serious medical condition when you fly. Driving, traveling by bus or train, or even sitting in your favorite easy chair at home can also cause it.
How can you, as an airline passenger, lessen or prevent this life-threatening condition from happening?
You can help prevent deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, from developing by increasing circulation in your legs. If you are predisposed to any of the above risks you may want to book an aisle seat to give you more room to move and allow you to get up and walk around anytime without disturbing the other passengers.
A number of experts suggest that when flying you should wear loose clothing and avoid wearing tight fitting slacks and elastic support socks or stockings; moving and exercising your legs frequently when sitting; changing your sitting position often; not sitting with your legs crossed; walking up and down the aisle every half-hour or so, and drinking a sports drink like Gatorade so you don’t become dehydrated.
It’s very common for deep vein thrombosis to be misdiagnosed which could then be fatal. If you develop any of the above symptoms you must seek medical help as soon as possible. Inform the physician who is treating you that you have recently flown and you think that it may be a blood clot. If the doctor doesn’t believe it is deep vein thrombosis, ask him to order an ultrasound of your leg to be sure. If you are experiencing chest problems insist that a simple and painless blood oxygen measurement on your finger be done. It only takes a couple of minutes and will help to prevent a serious misdiagnosis of your condition.
AirHealth is an excellent, non-profit organization that is dedicated to your health when you travel on commercial airline flights. There’s a lot of valuable up to date information and research on their website concerning deep vein thrombosis that could save your life. They also have a free wallet-sized flyer that you can print off and take with you when you fly. The flyer is available in English, French, and Spanish.
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Find Out About Pilot License Pre Solo Flight Requirements
November 28, 2009 by Bruce Hogan
Filed under Flights
If you have begun your research into becoming a licensed private pilot then you have discovered that there are two major training segments that you must complete. First the pre solo segment then the post solo segment.
Of course, it stands to reason that there are many things you must learn and become proficient in before you attempt your first solo. After all, once you reach this stage there is no room for error. Safety no matter what segment of training you are at must be the priority.
Qualified flight instructors are very adept at judging whether an individual is ready to move onto solo. If they are not at that stage yet but have completed the pre solo segment then that particular student can be moved onto the post solo requirements. Although this is nothing something many schools will do, it is a very feasible possibility. The solo hours can be concluded after this part. Quite often, the biggest stumbling block to not flying solo is the insecurities experiences with the landings. In cases such as this, extra flights are a good solution. This is where an added expense may occur if you did not count on extra flights.
So you are faced with the two segments as we mentioned which is the aeronautical knowledge and then once that has been successfully completed you move on to aeronautical experience. It makes common sense that a thorough knowledge of flying requirements be well absorbed before a would be pilot takes to the air.
It does not matter how much an individual loves to fly when they become the one behind the controls there is bound to be a certain amount of insecurity seep in to begin with. It is up to the instructors to know exactly what level of knowledge and confidence their students are at. The Pilot in training logbook becomes the most important record of knowledge and experience when it comes to their completion of qualifications and training. Everything they learn and do must be recorded here. Every requirement of training must be noted and signed by the training instructor. Without the logbook, being properly completed there is no point in even attempting to qualify for your license. There is no overlooking any of the requirements. The examiners are strict and rigid on their demands.
Do not try to cut yourself short on your studies for pre solo requirements. If you take this segment of your course lightly then there is a good chance you are not going to progress past this point. That means you will never acquire your private pilots license and you have wasted your money. Flying is a very serious responsibility and priviledge. Therefore, all aspects of training including both theory and practical must be approached in that manner. It is natural to want to get up in that plane totally on your own as quickly as possible. It can only be done with safety being the priority. It is worth taking the time to complete your studies as efficiently as possible.
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