In-Flight Health Care

Although modern commercial aircrafts offer rapid, convenient, and safe transportation, some passengers with illnesses may be affected by the cabin environment. The cabin environment is limited by the aircraft design and is quite different from land transportation. These differences include low pressure at high altitudes (low oxygen level and cabin pressurization effect due to the low pressure in the cabin), cabin environment characteristics (poor air quality and low humidity in the cabin), jet lag, airsickness, and a long stay in a confined space. Please pay attention and take proper preventive measures.

• While descending, if you feel discomfort in your ears or sinuses, try to swallow, chew, or open your mouth wide to promote better airflow.  If your child has these problems, try giving him or her a drink or a pacifier to promote better airflow and relieve discomfort.
• Avoid flying within 24 hours of scuba diving.
• If you are prone to airsickness, reserve seats near the aircraft wings.
• Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks while on board. Drink more water and juice.
• Standing up suddenly after waking may cause dizziness. This can be the result of alcohol consumption, low oxygen, low activity, and sleepiness. We suggest that you stretch and do exercises in your seat before standing up.
• Although cabin air quality is better than that of a home or office, an aircraft cabin is a public area where cross-contamination is possible. We suggest that you do not fly if you have a contagious disease.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses during your flight.
• We suggest that you use a skin moisturizer.

• Drink water and juice frequently. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks during your trip. 
• Wear loose clothing.
• Do some exercises in your seat, especially leg exercises. 
• If you think you are at high risk, get advice from your physician before traveling.

China Airlines is dedicated to providing safe and healthy in-flight services for passengers.  To meet passengers’ special meal requirements (including air crew members) due to their religious beliefs, health conditions, ages, or other special reasons, we generally divide meals into 20 types according to IATA regulations and passenger requirements. China Airlines recognizes that some passengers may have allergic reactions to peanuts/nuts which can be life threatening. However, we cannot guarantee an environment which is free of allergy causing elements, including peanut or nut products, peanut dust, and peanut residue.

Because peanut products such as peanut/nut-based ingredients and peanut oil are widely used in Asian food, we cannot guarantee the absence of peanut/nut products.  Other passengers taking the same flight as you may bring peanut products into the aircraft cabin or the VIP lounge. Therefore, public areas including the cabin and VIP lounge may have peanut residue.

Due to the actual situations, we cannot provide an environment free of elements that may aggravate peanut allergy. Therefore, we strongly advise passengers with peanut allergies to consider the risk of exposure to allergens and check with their own physicians or allergy specialists to see whether they are fit to fly. We suggest that you contact our local service staff 72 hours before departure and provide a Medical Clearance Form signed by a physician or allergy specialist for our reference. Due to aviation safety regulations, you should also provide a letter from your physician during check-in to certify that you will carry necessary medicine or medical equipment in your carry-on baggage for this medical reason.

Passengers with peanut allergies should reduce the chance of coming into contact with peanuts and take every possible preventive measure. These include preparing your own food, carrying necessary medicine, or using medical treatment that you can perform by yourself. The patients or their guardians or companions should be familiar with the treatment for allergic reactions if they occur.  If possible and with prior notice, China Airlines will try its best to make arrangements for you to reduce the risk and ensure your safety during the flight.

Flying should be a safe and enjoyable experience. You can enjoy your trip if you understand the characteristics of the cabin environment, consult your doctor, and make necessary medical care arrangements before departing. Here is some advice for in-flight health care. Before departure:

• Make sure that you do not have an immune system disease.
• Do not ride an aircraft if you feel any discomfort.
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
• Consult physicians on any health issue and tell the airline about your problems while making a reservation.
• Carry necessary medicine with you.
• Avoid sitting still for a long period of time. Do exercises in your seat to move your leg muscles and joints.
• While the aircraft is descending, stay awake and relieve discomfort in your ears and sinuses as early as possible.