Cabin environment
Aircraft usually fly at an altitude of 9,000 to 12,000 meters (30,000 to 40,000 feet) through the stratosphere at close to the speed of sound, or 900 km per hour. At high altitude, the air pressure is considerably lower than at ground level. Therefore, the aircraft cabin is pressurized during the flight. Even taking this into account, the pressure is equal to that of up in mountains, 2,000 to 2,500 meters above sea level (about 2/3 up Mt. Fuji). Although traveling by air has its advantages in that there is relatively little problem of vibration and turbulence and allows for restful travel, especially useful for those such as ill passengers, passengers may not be allowed on board depending on the state of the illness since the passenger's health may deteriorate due to flight time, high altitudes (pressurized state in the cabin) or weather conditions.
- We recommend wearing loose clothing on flights.
- We recommend carrying your own personal medication on board with you.
- Please do not eat or drink excessively, especially carbonated or alcoholic beverages.
- Placing carry-on baggage at your feet may impede your movement.
Cabin air pressure
The cabin air pressure during cruising decreases to about 80% to 70% compared to at ground level and it changes significantly during 15 to 30 minutes before landing. The rapid change in air pressure may cause aerotitis or intestinal pains.
Decrease in the level of oxygen
Decrease in the level of oxygen may have an adverse effect on passengers with breathing problems, cardiac problems, cerebrovascular problems, serious anemia, etc. Also lack of oxygen may adversely affect women in the later stages of pregnancy and newborn babies.
Temperature
The air temperature in passenger cabins is kept constant at about 24℃.
Humidity
Cabin humidity falls between 0% to 20%.
Vibration
Vibrations occur when an aircraft travels through unstable air currents. It may cause severe shaking.
Sitting for long periods of time
Passengers with varicose veins in their legs, or who have recently had an operation , may experience blood clots in their inner legs due to the buildup of blood.