Approximately 1 billion people travel each year by air on the many
domestic and international
airlines. On U.S. air carriers alone, it has been
predicted that
in the coming
two decades, the number of passengers will double.
A global increase in air travel, as
well as a growing aged population in many
countries, makes it reasonable to assume that there will be a significant increase
in older passengers and passengers with illness.
Because of a growing interest by the public of health issues associated
with
commercial flying, the Aerospace Medical Association prepared this
monograph for interested air travelers. It is informational only and should not be
interpreted by the
reader as prescriptive. If the traveler has any questions about
fitness to fly, it is
recommended that he or she consult a physician. The authors
sincerely hope that this publication will educate the traveler and contribute to safe
and comfortable flight for passengers