Dehydration

Many of us suffer from dehydration on flights. This is hardly surprising when you consider that the cabin air on long-distance, high-altitude flights is often at a surprisingly low humidity of just 10%, and in many cases approaching 1%. In fact, the humidity of an aircraft cabin is less than that of the Sahara desert (25%) and much drier than the optimum humidity comfort level of 50%.

Not only will this low humidity make you feel thirsty, give you dry and wrinkled skin and itchy and bloodshot eyes; but the drying of the mucus in your mouth and nose (which normally acts as a protective barrier to viruses and bacteria) will make you more susceptible to coughs, colds and other illnesses.

Prevention Tips

To prevent dehydration:

• Drink water as regularly as possible throughout the flight. It is a good idea to bring your own large bottle of water - don't rely on getting enough water on the flight.
• Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee - they act diuretics and will make you even more dehydrated.
• If the air feels very dry to breathe, cover your nose with a water-saturated cotton handkerchief.
• Apply a little almond, olive or jojoba on the inside of your nostrils to help minimise the risk of catching germs.
• Spritz your face with water and apply moisturiser regularly to reinvigorate your skin.
• On arrival at your destination, go for a swim or take a bath - anything that will submerge you completely in water. Not only will this help to relax you, but you will be able to replenish moisture right through your pores.
• Make sure that you drink plenty of water for several days after landing.