Well-being programme
Over the years we have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience about the effects of air travel on the body. Our well-being programme is designed to help you feel your best when you fly with us.
In-flight meals
To help you feel better when you fly, we have developed a balanced, lighter meal option on board, which is indicated by our well-being symbol (*). The menus offer fresh seasonal food with high fibre ingredients and low salt, sugar and fat content.
Tips for travellers
| Before the flight | During the flight | After landing |
|---|---|---|
| After checking in, take a stroll around the terminal. | Eat a light meal and drink plenty of water. | Take a gentle stroll, then put your feet up and relax. |
| Avoid eating heavy meals. | Moderate your intake of alcohol, tea and coffee. | First and Club World passengers, as well as Gold Executive Club members travelling longhaul, can revitalise at the Elemis Spa in Arrivals at London Heathrow. |
| Apply a good moisturiser to keep skin feeling fresh. | Watch the well-being video shown after take-off and tune into the well-being audio channel for a soothing soundtrack on your journey. | |
| Moderate your intake of alcohol, tea and coffee the day before you are due to travel. | Remove contact lenses before sleeping. | |
| Wear loose, comfortable clothing. | Every few hours, stretch your arms and legs and carry out the exercises suggested in the on-board High Life magazine. |
A quick guide to stress-free holidays
Have the holiday you deserve, avoid the stress and fully relax. Here are the top tips to avoid holiday stresses according to The Stress Management Society.
- Get enough sleep - essential for the body to function, try to sleep during longhaul flights.
- Manage your time - plan ahead to add contingency time for unforeseen events.
- Use technology wisely - try using online check-in to avoid airport queues and leaving your mobile phone at home.
- Keep active - look for opportunities for exercise on holiday, even if it is only a brisk walk to the restaurant.
- Keep hydrated - essential for the body to function, ensure you keep topping up your water and try to avoid stimulants such as nicotine, caffeine and alcohol.
- Remain calm - when stressed, problems can become overwhelming; instead, take a deep breath and look for other diversions such as playing games with the children.
- Tackle signs of tension early - stress can affect your neck, shoulders and back.
These techniques may help:
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Sit with your feet on the ground, back supported against your chair and hands and arms open and relaxed. Take a deep breath, raise your shoulders towards your ears and hold them for a few seconds. Then slowly breathe out and drop the shoulders. Repeat several times.
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Place your left hand on your right shoulder and squeeze gently. Repeat down the right arm to the elbow. Repeat several times. Place your right hand on your left shoulder and repeat the exercise.
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Place the fingers of both hands at the base of your skull. Apply slow circular pressures down from there to the base of the neck.
The Stress Management Society has a free 10-step guide to stress management, plus a free monthly newsletter with tips about keeping relaxed.
Or you can call the Society on 08701 999 235 (in the UK).