Champagne and dark chocolate reduce flight stress

Champagne and dark chocolate are among the products being promoted by Malta International Airport to help passengers reduce the physical and mental stress associated with travelling.

A healthy flying campaign was launched to members of the press at the airport, following a presentation by Farrol Kahn, the founder and director of Aviation Health, an international non-profit organisation that helped develop the campaign in Malta.

The airport will be providing a number of products including moisturisers, flight socks, pillows, eye masks, ear plugs and oxygen supplements, as well as energy-boosting foods, stress-busting snacks, red wine, champagne and dark chocolate, among others.

The products are meant to make the flying experience healthier and more enjoyable. Information about their availability and effects will be provided at the airport.

Mr Kahn explained that champagne creates a euphoric effect caused by the bubbles inside and this helps reduce stress. Red wine contains antioxidants and dark chocolate reduces blood pressure and provides instant energy.

Mr Kahn described the MIA as "one of the most progressive airports in Europe as it cares for its passengers by offering information and ensuring these products are available".

He also spoke about similar campaigns that have already been launched in Dublin and Copenhagen.

The campaign was launched by the Airport Value Marketing Association AVMA, which represents all the retail outlets in the departures lounge.

Mr Kahn, an author and academic who specialised in aviation health and medicine, gave a presentation on how passengers can take better care of themselves in order to feel good on board and arrive at their destinations in better shape.

Mario Psaila Savona, head of the Non-Aviation Services Department, presented a booklet produced by the airport and which lists a number of products that can be bought from the retail outlets in the departures area. The booklet details the advantages of each product and their effect on passengers.

Most of the products have always been available at the airport but an oxygen supplement and a digestive drink are among the new products being introduced for this campaign.

The healthy flying concept is not intended for airlines but Mr Kahn said he hoped this would inspire future changes in airline menus.

He spoke about a number of factors that induce stress, discomfort and physical problems related to airplanes.

These include prolonged sitting, lack of humidity and oxygen, high air pressure and the fact that almost 50 per cent of the air on the plane is recycled. Stress is also caused by fear of flying and terrorism.

Mr Kahn warned that flight and airport stress can be as severe as that related to losing one's job.

Members of staff at the airport have therefore been specially trained by Mr Kahn as part of the campaign to be more understanding towards stressed passengers and know which are the products that help.

Top 10 health tips for flying

1) Avoid food that is difficult to digest before flying. Instead fill up with stress-busting snacks like sandwiches, wraps and salads.

2) To avoid jetlag for long-haul flights, wait till you arrive to your destination to eat and adjust to the meal time as soon as you land.

3) Use flight socks to reduce swelling and the risk of developing blood clots or Deep Vein Thrombosis. Do not keep your legs crossed and be as active as possible.

4) Try to sleep to make up for reduction of oxygen levels by using a neck pillow, a sleeping mask and noise-cancelling headphones.

5) Use ear plugs to avoid discomfort caused by changes in air pressure.

6) Use an oxygen supplement to compensate for the lack of oxygen on board and prevent breathing problems.

7) Listen to relaxing music to fight boredom and calm down.

8) If you are a frequent traveller stock up on vitamin C to protect your immune system from viruses incubated due to recycled air in the plane.

9) Remember that one drink in the air is equivalent to two on the ground. Medication should also be reduced when flying (consult your doctor).

10) Read books, magazines, newspapers or complete crosswords to kill the time.

www.aviation-health.com