Stresses of Flight
Modern commercial aircraft are very safe and, in most cases, reasonably
comfortable. However, all flights, short and long haul, impose stresses on all
passengers. Preflight, these include airport tumult (e.g., carrying baggage,
walking long distances, and flight delays). Inflight stresses include lowered
barometric and oxygen pressure, noise and vibration (including turbulence),
cigarette smoking (banned on most airlines today), erratic temperatures, low
humidity, jet lag, and cramped seating. Nevertheless, healthy passengers endure
these stresses which, for the most part, are quickly forgotten once the destination
is reached. In general, passengers with stable medical conditions usually
arrive at the destination airport none the worse. However, there is always the
potential that some passengers, particularly those with unstable illness, may
become ill during or postflight due to these stresses.