A more comfortable trip

Environmental factors inside the aircraft

Atmospheric pressure and changes in oxygen levels, noise, temperature, vibrations, the possibility of turbulence, humidity and available space inside an aircraft are slightly different to what we are used to, although they are perfectly tolerable for travellers.

Pressure changes

For pressure purposes, the altitude we reach during the flight is equivalent to between 1500 and 2000 metres from the ground. This generates a small reduction in pressure that causes intestinal gas to expand, so you may experience a little discomfort. To counteract this effect, we advise against eating heavy food or food that causes flatulence the day before you fly. Our on-board menus are specially designed to make your experience as pleasant as possible by avoiding non-recommended ingredients.

Pressure adjustments occur during take-off and landing, which is why your ears might feel plugged. To avoid this unpleasant sensation, you need to equalise the pressure in your ear to the pressure in the cabin. You can do this by pinching your nostrils with your fingers and blowing gently without expelling the air, chewing gum or, even easier, blowing your nose into a handkerchief.>

Humidity

Humidity inside the aircraft is lower than normal, oscillating between 10% and 20%. You might therefore feel a slight sensation of dryness on your skin and in your airways and eyes. To reduce this discomfort, we advise against drinking alcohol and coffee the day before your flight because they have a dehydrating effect. During the flight it's a good idea to drink plenty of water or juices, and even to use a moisturising cream on your skin.

Adjusting to jet lag

Small time differences can cause jet lag (fatigue and sleepiness during the day), and the greater the difference, the more you will notice it. Unfortunately there is little you can do to counteract the effects of moving from one time zone to another.

When you reach your destination, try to adjust to the local timetable as soon as possible if you have to keep awake for a long period of time. If the difference is less than 4 hours, try to keep to your regular timetable.

Turbulence

Sharp movements and turbulence can sometimes harm people. Turbulence is produced for different reasons but the crew will usually detect it in advance and inform passengers over the PA system. If that occurs, you should sit down and fasten your seatbelt as quickly as possible to avoid injury.

There is also something called "clear air turbulence". This occurs abruptly, without warning, so it can't be detected in advance. For this reason, we recommend that you keep your belt fastened throughout the flight when you are in your seat and not standing.

Smoking

All Iberia flights are "non-smoking". The use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes and all similar devices is not permitted on board our planes. If you are a regular smoker and think you may experience discomfort, we advise you to ask your doctor about nicotine substitutes such as chewing gum or patches.

The volume of air in the cabin is renewed completely every three minutes.

Space and movement

Many people can tolerate sitting for a long time without any side effects, while others may find that their feet or ankles swell or that certain circulatory problems are aggravated. This is the case of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), although it occurs very rarely and in people who are especially predisposed to it when they are forced to spend long periods without moving.

The available space and the possibility of movement are very limited while flying. We therefore advise you to place your hand luggage in a way that allows you to move your legs freely, and to wear loose, comfortable clothing.

If you are taking a flight, choose loose clothing, preferably made of natural fibre, as it will exert less pressure on your skin and allow for better ventilation.

Move your lower limbs around in the same place where you are sitting (flexing your toes and ankles and bending and straightening your legs).

We also recommend standing up, flexing your arms and legs, and evening taking a short walk through the cabin now and again, making sure you don't affect the service provided to other passengers. Only do this when flight conditions allow it and pay particular attention to the seatbelt sign and the crew's instructions.

Exercises you can do in your seat:

Gently cock your head to one side. Hold the position for three seconds, expelling all the air from your lungs. Return to the upright position and repeat the same movement on the other side. Repeat three times.

Stretch your arms upwards and breathe air into your lungs. Hold the position for three seconds. Put your arms behind your head and breathe out the air. Repeat three times.

Stand on your toes and lift your heels from the ground; remain in this position for three seconds. Then put your heels on the ground, stretch your toes and raise them. Repeat three times.