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Health concerns when flying

Spread of disease in the aircraft cabin

There is no scientific evidence to link aircraft air conditioning systems with the spread of disease. Infectious diseases like common colds are likely to be spread simply by sitting or standing near an infected person before, during or after a flight. Most aircraft are fitted with air filters and cabin air within them is changed every three to seven minutes.

Cabin air quality

Air in the cabin environment is fine for most passengers. However, if you have severe lung disease you should get advice from your GP or the airline's medical service, especially before a long-distance flight.

• Find your local doctor Opens new window

• Department for Transport frequently asked questions on cabin air quality Opens new window

Deep vein thrombosis

There has been interest in the possible link between deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and air travel. Sitting still is the most common risk factor for DVT. This can be linked with any form of long-distance travel whether by air, car, coach or train. Check the Aviation Health Unit section on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website for more information.

• Aviation Health Unit on the CAA website Opens new window

• Advice from NHS Choices on preventing DVT when you travel Opens new window

Using electronic equipment

Research suggests the onboard use of mobile phones, and other portable electronic equipment like computer games, may interfere with aircraft communication and navigation systems. For safety reasons please switch off mobile phones during the entire flight and don't use other portable electronic equipment during take-off or landing.

Items you can't take on board

There are a number of items that cannot be carried in hand luggage, like knives or large scissors. You can find detailed information on 'Dangerous and restricted items'.

For general information on hand baggage see 'Air travel hand baggage rules'.

• Dangerous and restricted items: what you cannot take on board an aircraft

• Air travel hand baggage rules

Getting safety advice

Under its ATOL protection scheme, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has produced a leaflet called 'Travelling safely'. The leaflet gives advice on matters related to flying - such as drinking alcohol on an aircraft, how to behave and aircraft procedures. You can download a copy from the CAA website.

• Download 'Travelling safely' (PDF, 37K) Opens new window

• Help with PDF files

Useful contacts

• ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) Opens new window

• AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Branch) Opens new window

• ATOL (Air Travel Organisers' Licensing) Opens new window

• BAA (formerly British Airports Authority) Opens new window

• IATA (International Air Transport Association) Opens new window