For First Time Customers

Atmospheric pressure

During flights, cabin pressure is adjusted by air-conditioning but remains about 0.2-0.3 hPa lower than at sea level about equal to being on a mountain 2,000-2,500 meters high. It is said that the large pressure change that occurs 15-30 minutes after takeoff, and again before landing, may cause ear problems for some passengers who are not in good physical condition.

Temperature and humidity

Cabin temperature is set to 22-26 C. During long flights, cabin humidity tends to drop below 20% as the humidity of the air brought in from the outside is extremely low. Due to the dryness in the cabin, the body may dehydrate, causing nasal or throat pain as well as discomfort to contact lenses wearers.

Oxygen dilution

Along with the decrease in atmospheric pressure, the concentration of oxygen in the cabin decreases 20-30% (compared to sea level). While this is not a problem for most passengers, those suffering from respiratory diseases, cerebro-vascular disorders or serious anemia may be affected under certain, rare circumstances.

Motion

Airliners produce minimal vibration, but passengers who tend to feel nauseous in motor vehicles may suffer ill effects if the flight encounters turbulence. Because not all turbulence is foreseeable, we recommend that you keep your seatbelt fastened whenever you are in your seat.

Seating

When you remain seated in the same position for a prolonged period, veins in the feet and legs can become constricted. This in turn can lead to the formation of blood clots in the leg, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is not necessarily accompanied by any overt signs, and an expert opinion is needed to confirm the condition, but the following symptoms may occur: pain, swelling and discoloration of the leg, congestion of the superficial veins of the leg, or the leg feeling warm to the touch.

If a clot does build up, there is a risk that it may detach itself and travel to other parts of the body, such as the lung, where it can cause chest pain, shortness of breath and even sudden death. This may occur hours or even days after the clot's formation.

DVT is not related to class of air travel. It has wrongly been called 'Economy Class Syndrome', whereas in fact it can affect passengers in any cabin. Nor is it limited to air travel, as people sitting immobile in cars, trains or buses may also be at risk.

Some passengers are more prone to DVT than others, and if you have any health concerns, or if any of the following apply to you, you are advised to seek medical advice before flying:

To reduce the risk of DVT, we recommend that all passengers follow the steps outlined in this leaflet,paying particular attention to the sections on exercise and drinking adequate fluids/ water.

Consult your physician

If you are receiving medical care, be sure to consult your doctor when planning your flight. If you are not confident about your health due to a previous illness or chronic disease, we recommend that you take a medical check before your trip. We also recommend passengers in the late stages of pregnancy or those accompanying infants to consult their doctors. Furthermore, if you fall into any of the DVT risk categories , please ask your doctor whether you are fit to travel and how DVT can be avoided.

Carry your necessities with you

Please check that your carry-on baggage contains any health-related items you may need such as medications, over-the-counter drugs, nasal spray, glasses, etc.

Clothing

Wear loose fitting comfortable clothes. To maintain your body temperature, it is a good idea to bring a jacket or other warm items of clothing.

Beverage

Drink adequate fluids, especially water. If you choose to drink beverages containing alcohol and/or caffeine or soda beverages please do so in moderation.

The pressure inside the cabin will be between 0.7 and 0.8 psi during flight (equivalent to being on a mountain with an altitude of 2,000-2,500 meters). The effect of alcohol grows as the pressure decreases, leaving you more than twice as likely to become intoxicated than on the ground.

Furthermore, alcohol is a diuretic and will therefore make you want to use the lavatory more frequently, reduce your blood water content, and increase the likelihood of developing blood clots.

Please take care not to drink too much alcohol.

Exercise

During long flights, move your feet and legs every 2-3 hours, and avoid crossing your legs when seated. We present an inflight video of stretch exercises that can be performed while seated,and which are believed by experts to be effective in minimizing the risk of developing DVT.

Clothing, beverage and exercise are considered to be effective in preventing DVT.

Eyewear

Remove contact lenses during long flights and use eye drops as needed.

Medication

Bring any medication you regularly take into the cabin. Moreover, be sure to observe any instructions or precautions from your doctor.

Ears

If your ears are blocked or aching, try the following :

Coping Techniques

Valsalva maneuver can also be tried if above methods do not relieve the ears.

Ear Clearing (Valsalva Maneuver)

After blowing your nose, pinch it and blow again with your mouth closed. (Be sure to blow air gently. Stop the maneuver if it does not relieve the ears after trying two or three times, or if one of the ears is aching.)

Use of a baby bottle or pacifer may be effective for babies.

Nose and throat

Wearing a surgical mask can help ease throat or nasal discomfort.

Reservations for airline tickets can be made through the ANA WEB site or by calling the Reservation Information Center. Customers who wish to receive assistance can register their support information on the ANA website. If your symptoms, situation, or desired support does not apply to you, please contact the Disabled Customers Advisory Desk to register your information by phone.

At some airports, dedicated counters are available for passengers who need assistance due to illness, injury, or disability.
Please come to the information counter (or boarding counter) with plenty of time to spare.
In addition, free wheelchairs and communication tools are available.

For safety, all customers must undergo the security inspection. If you have any concern about the possible effects of the metal detector and x-ray on your body or carry-on baggage, please notify the information counter (check-in counter).

Pre-boarding service is available for passengers who need assistance.
If you wish to use the pre-boarding service, please inform the staff at the boarding gate. Once the aircraft preparations have been completed, you will be allowed to board first. Please note that depending on the flight status, this service may not be apply.

Wheelchairs for in-flight use and assistive seats and support belts to help with sitting position are available for free. In addition, we provide audio/subtitle guides for in-flight video broadcasts.

Upon request, we can take you to the meeting point in the arrival lobby or airport. Please inform us in advance at the time of reservation or at the ANA Disability Desk.