DUTY FREE ALLOWANCES
Although these have been stopped for UK travellers arriving from EEC countries, the previous duty free allowances still apply to UK travellers returning from USA.
Please check out the UK Customs website at: www.hmce.gov.uk/public/travel/index.htm
OR you can telephone them on 0207 202 4227
for the exact allowances so that you don't get caught out on your return.
PRE-FLIGHT PREPARATION
There has been considerable media attention relating to the risk of passengers developing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) whilst on long flights.
Our doctor tells us that these measures may provide some protection on long flights but YOUR doctor may have different ideas. If you are in any doubt or have any worries about this subject, please consult your own doctor.
MOVE AROUND
Make a nuisance of yourself if necessary but regularly try to take a walk around the aircraft cabin. I know that this may be difficult to do as the cabin staff have trolleys to move around the aircraft, but exercise is important too.
EXERCISE
When you are not moving around the aircraft, exercise your legs, feet and ankles - try lifting your legs and feet up and down and rotating your ankles. Do this regularly - at least every hour but more often if possible.
FLUIDS
Try and leave the duty free alcohol alone as well as tea and coffee as the alcoholic and caffeine effect of these can be enhanced by cabin pressure and cause dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids (preferably water, not fizzy drinks) throughout the flight to ensure that you do not become dehydrated.
If you don't want to bother the cabin staff with numerous requests for water, take your own large bottle with you.
ASPIRIN
IMPORTANT This does not apply to children! Take ONE 75 mg soluble aspirin (this is much less than the normal 'headache' dose) the day before your flight and another one on the day of your flight - remember to take them with you so that you can do this again for your return flight.
Aspirin affects the platelets - a component of your blood - and makes them less likely to 'clump' together and cause a blood clot.
WARNING
Do not take aspirin if you suffer from stomach ulcers or are taking any medication which precludes this, ie 'blood thinning' medicine (Warfarin) and some other medications. Make sure that you read the aspirin packet instructions thoroughly first. Check if there are warning notes relating to aspirin on the instructions of any other medication you are taking.
Asthmatics should never take aspirin unless it has been specifically prescribed.
If you are in any doubt whether you or your family should take aspirin, please check with your own doctor first.
SMOKING
All airlines (and some airports) are non-smoking.
If not having a cigarette/cigar/pipe for some hours is likely to be a problem for you, you could try nicotine replacement patches or gum etc for your flight but remember not to use these as well as smoking when you've arrived or you could start your vacation being sick! Ask your Pharmacist for advice...
If you are arriving at Orlando International Airport, you can smoke outside the building only - there are doors to the outside near baggage reclaim.