Air Travel FAQ's

4) Can we use any electronic equipment on-board?
Because of possible interference with the aircraft's electronic system, no cordless radio or TV transmitters/receivers and laptops may be used onboard. The same applies to computer printers. You can, of course, use cassette recorders, pocket calculators and electric razors. Should any technical problems arise though - please follow the advice of the cabin crew.

5) How to carry a pet?
For your domestic pets, travels in the temperature controlled and well-lit aircraft hold. But one must ensure that secure crates or pet boxes are used before booking them into the aircraft. If you think your pet should travel with you in the cabin, it may be possible under certain conditions: Your pet must be well-trained and'healthy, and not too large. Please do not forget to mention your 'fellow-traveller' when you book your flight.

6) Which is the best place to store your hand luggage, overcoats, blankets, cushions etc.?
Overcoats, blankets, cushions, etc., are best kept in the overhead storage bins above your seat. These also provide safe storage for handbags and other small pieces of luggage. Please ensure though, that these items are placed securely in the storage bins so they do not fall and hurt someone in the event of turbulence. Small cases or other hand luggage, even larger or heavier, you may need during the flight will fit under the seat in front. But please keep the aisles and emergency exits clear for the convenience and safety of other passengers and cabin staff. For security reasons, please note that you must limit yourself to one item of hand luggage and articles you require for personal use—for example, camera or umbrella.

7) What goes on outside the aircraft?
When you take a look around the aircraft, you may notice a variety of service vehicles, such as container and pallet loaders, tankers, catering vehicles, cleaning vehicles and trollies for loose freight and baggage. As every aircraft has cargo holds beneath, and sometimes at the rear of the passenger cabin, freight and mail go out with every flight.

In winter, you may notice the aircraft's wings, hull ahd tail section being sprayed with a liquid. This is a 'de-icer', an environment friendly mixture of hot water and glycol. The hot water removes any snow, frost and ice clinging to the outside of the aircraft, and the glycol forms a thin protective film to prevent re-freezing so that all moving parts stay mobile and surfaces remain aerodynamically 'clean', guaranteeing maximum aerodynamic efficiency during take off and further flight.

Before the plane is taken 'off-blocks' - i.e., before the chocks are removed from the wheels - mechanics run a series of final technical checks and the cockpit crew makes an inspection tour around the aircraft.

What looks like a confusing flurry of activity is in fact a systemized operation - supervised and coordinated by specially trained aircraft handling personnel.

8) Can one use the aircraft toilet before take off?
Yes, there are no restrictions as long as the plane is at its parking position. As a passenger, however, you are not always able to estimate when the plane will set off to taxi to the runway. So, to avoid injuries by tumbling, if possible, try not to use the aircraft toilet on-board before take off.

9) Is smoking allowed on-board?
When and where smoking is not allowed is indicated by illuminated signs bearing the 'No Smoking^ symbol. For safety reasons, smoking is not permitted anywhere on-board during take-off or landing. Because of the possible smoke and fire hazard from fallen ash, smoking is 'also not permitted at any time in the toilet areas and aisles. Alt the aircraft are divided into non-smoking and smoking sections. Your se^t can be reserved in the section you prefer either at the time of booking or when you check in for your flight. Please smoke only in the seats reserved for this purpose. Your fellow passengers will appreciate your refraining entirely from smoking cigars or pipes during the flight.

10) Is it important to fasten seat belts before take off?
As the aircraft taxies out to the runway, it may have to stop and start several times, causing sharp jolts in the passenger cabin. Then, on actual take off, the aircraft accelerates to very high speed in a matter of seconds. Only a properly fastened and tightened seat belt will hold you securely in your seat-in an emergency braking situation or an aborted take off.

Before take off, please fold up the table in front and, raise your backrest into a vertical position for your own safety.

During take off, avoid standing up. The G-forces generated on take off and the aircraft's angle of ascent would throw you off balance, with almost inevitable injury. In fact, we are obliged by international regulations to ensure that all passengers remain seated during take off.

11) When does the pilot start up the engines?
The aircraft at standstill gets its energy from power plants (GPU) located on the ground or in the plane. Its engines are not ignited until it is about to leave its parking position. The idling turbines then generate power to supply the plane with electricity, hydraulic pressure and fresh air. All in all, the switchover takes a little more than a minute. The aircraft then taxies out to the runway under its own power. To make optimum use of existing runway and airspace capacity, ground control normally positions several aircraft at a time on the taxiway, awaiting instructions for take off. When clearance is given by the air traffic controllers, the pilot must take off immediately; otherwise, the clearance is withdrawn. So, when the aircraft reaches the runway-even if it has to wait a while-all the engines have to be primed ready for instant take off.

12) Why do the flaps and rudder move just before take off?
While taxiing, the cockpit crew runs a final check to ensure that rudder and flaps are in perfect working condition. You see the flaps moving on the wings. The flaps at the back and the slats at the front of the wings work to increase lift on take off and landing. How far the flaps and slats are extended on take off depends on the length of runway, the aircraft weight and actual weather conditions.

13) Why are flights delayed?
As the volume of flights increases, both the airport and air traffic control are struggling to keep pace. Additionally, congestion in the sky is worsened by military flights and overflights by air traffic from other countries. These are the major reasons for delays in take off and landing. Flight delays also sometimes result from bad weather, unscheduled repairs or unpunctuality of previous flights that may have been operated by your aircraft.

14) Why do the engines become noisy just before take off?
Modern jet engines attain maximum power in about eight seconds flat- you can hear it as the turbines develop their familiar whine. To reach take off speed over the shortest possible distance, the pilot pulls out the throttle, allowing each of the four engines, of a Boeing 747, for example, to develop a take off thrust of around 245 kilonewtons, which is equal to some 25 tonnes. With this volume of power at hand, even a fully loaded airliner can take off and land safely, even if one of the engines malfunctions. Although engine failure is highly improbable, pilots are trained to handle such contingencies anyway, and know exactly how to master them.

15) How fast is the plane when it takes off?
Depending on aircraft type, take off weight, length of runway, wind conditions and the position of the wing flaps, the take off speed of a jet aircraft ranges from 230 to 330 kilometres per hour.

Before actual take off, there are two key velocity markers: 'V^', the maximum speed at which take off can be aborted in cases of sudden abnormalities. 'V^ -marginally higher than 'V^'—is the point when the pilot pulls back the steering column, the aircraft's nose lifts off the ground and moments later, the lift generated at the wings raises the plane into the air.

16) What are those noises shortly after take off?
A few seconds after take off, the undercarriage is drawn up into the fuselage with a thud, like the sound of heavy doors closing. In the cockpit, the undercarriage control lamps go out and the pilot knows the landing gear is retracted, and the gear doors are properly closed. At an altitude of about 1500 ft, i.e., at about 500 metres, the pilot reduces the angle of climb while accelerating and retracting the wing flaps. The humming noise you hear during that process comes from the drive motors

17) How does a plane actually fly?
A fully loaded jumbo jet—the Boeing 747-400—weighs more than 385 tonnes. Lifting this mass off the ground to allow the plane to fly depends on a physical phenomenon known as aerodynamic lift. This stems from a pressure difference when the plane accelerates. The air flows over the cambered top surface of the wing faster than over the flat underside, resulting in underpressure (negative) over the top of the wing and overpressure (positive) beneath it. The two work together to generate the upward force called aerodynamic lift.

Once the lift is greater than the plane's weight, it can take off from the ground and fly. However, the airflow-and wheels-grip onto the ground as the plane rolls down the runway prior to take off causing resistance or drag. This has to be overcome by thrust from the engines. If the thrust is greater than the resistance, the plane accelerates. In cruise flight, the forces are in equilibrium with lift equalling weight and thrust equalling resistance; cruising height and cruising speed remain constant. The degree of lift can be influenced in various ways: By adjusting the engine thrust to raise or lower the aircraft's speed, or by adjusting the elevator or wing flaps to alter the angle of the airflow.

18) Why does the plane usually bank a number of times shortly after take off?
On take off and landing, the pilot must stick to routes and speeds that are preset or individually designated by air traffic control in order to merge safely into flight traffic, and minimize noise pollution over residential areas.

19) How long must the plane climb to reach cruising altitude?
Climbing to cruising altitude takes between 10 and 30 minutes. The actual time will depend on air traffic density at take off. Sometimes, the ascent is accomplished in stages, at other times the pilot can put the plane into a steep, steady climb. The climb rate is also influenced by the aircraft type, weight, route length and projected cruising altitude.

20) What is cruising altitude?
Your captain will have his sights set on an optimum cruising altitude based on flight reference data. This will be between 20,000 and 33,000 feet. On long-haul intercontinental flights, it could be as high as 42,000 feet. The basic idea is: The higher the better. As altitude increases, the air becomes thinner and offers less resistance, allowing the aircraft to fly faster while consuming less fuel. The cruising altitude at which the plane actually flies is stipulated by local air traffic controllers (ATC), who are responsible for coordinating the routes of all aircraft in their zone, and seeing that the regulations on horizontal and vertical spacing are observed. When mapping out an airway or runway approach, air traffic controllers will also take account of the pilot's wishes, characteristics of the aircraft type, and the prevailing weather conditions.

21) What would the temperature be outside?
The outside temperature depends on the actual altitude the plane flies at. It will normally be six to seven degrees colder every 1000 metres up. At an altitude of 12,000 metres—depending on the weather, season and degree of latitude—the outside temperature will be around minus 50 to 60 degree celsius.

22) How fast does a plane fly?
Jet aircraft normally have a cruising speed of 700 to 950 km per hour. Turboprop aircraft, which are generally used on short-haul routes today, reach a top speed of 400 to 550 km per hour.

Actually, flying speed dependson prevailing wind conditions. That's why flight times on the same route can vary from day to day.

23) How much does a plane weigh?
The Boeing 737-200 weighs around 27 tonnes when empty, and can take on another 21 tonnes in payload and fuel. The maximum take off weight of a Boeing 747-400 can be as much as 385 tonnes.

On a long-haul jumbo flight, five tonnes of load are carried for your comfort and entertainment: Glassware, cutlery, sauna towels, toys, newspapers, blankets, headphones ... all in all around 400 different items. Each single item from beer to the in-flight video cassette is carefully weighed and stored in a specific location on-board.

24) How much fuel does a plane consume?
That naturally depends on the type of aircraft, its weight and prevailing weather conditions. A four-engined passenger version Boeing 747, for example, cruising at 900 kilometres per hour, consumes around 15,500 litres of fuel an hour. On a flight from Bombay to London (4,469 miles), this adds up to around 95 tonnes or 1,20,000 litres of fuel. Nevertheless, planes are a very fuel-efficient means of transport. Fuel consumption on some routes work out at 1600 litres for every 100 kilometres. Divided among 330 passengers, that gives a per head consumption of just 4 litres per 100 kilometres. And that's not counting the 20 tonnes or more of baggage and freight equivalent to a full truckload carried in the hold.

In addition to the fuel requirement calculated for a specific flight, an extra ten to fifteen per cent is always taken on in reserve for unscheduled diversion or similar contingencies. Aside from increasing fuel efficiency, aircraft engineers are constantly seeking further improvements to help protect the environment. The average specific fuel consumption of engines built today is around 50 per cent lower than it was 20 years ago. Emission levels have been reduced as well. New Boeing 737-300s emit about 46 per cent less carbon monoxide and 85 per cent fewer unburnt hydrocarbons than their Boeing 737-200 predecessors.

Noise levels have come down sharply too. The new Airbus A320 meets the toughest noise standards in the industry. The noise point is almost 90 per cent lesser than the predecessor models.

25) What is an airway?
Aircrafts are not free to roam the skies. In fact, the airspace is strictly controlled by a network of 'invisible' airways. Each airway has a name, e.g., 'Red Four', always made up of a colour and a number, and is subdivided into different 'levels' to permit oncoming and cross-traffic control.

26) Are 'air-pockets' dangerous?
Air-pocket' is a misleading term used to describe strong vertical air currents or turbulences. This can mean a bumpy ride for the passenger who may notice the wings and power units vibrating. But this, and even a rapid loss of height, present no danger. The aircraft is specially designed to withstand such stresses and is rigorously strength tested by the manufacturers.

27) What does 'clear air turbulence' mean?
Turbulence is not only encountered in cloud-bands and stormy weather; it occasionally occurs in perfectly clear air. Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) builds up at altitudes of ten to fifteen km at the edge of 'jetstreams\ One can find these long narrow air-streams gusting at 100 to 500 km per hour over the Atlantic. CAT is often unpredictable, it occurs without warning and generally lasts only a few seconds or minutes. The jolts can be quite violent, however. So to prevent injury it is advisable to keep your seat-belt fastened even when cruising, and especially if you intend to take a nap.

28) Can a wing break off in turbulence?
No. The wingtips of a Boeing 747, for example, can be bent around eight metres above and four metres below their normal position before there is even the faintest theoretical danger of rupture. Even the worst turbulence encountered could not cause that kind of deformation. The engine vibrations seen during turbulence are also well within design tolerances: Stress and strain ratings in aircraft constructions are based on extensive air turbulence studies at all atmospheric levels. Furthermore, regular inspections are made to check that even in the unlikely event of a critical load, neither the airframe nor the wings have sustained any damage.

29) How dangerous is a thunderstorm?
If the weather radar screen shows a storm brewing ahead, your pilot will consult air traffic control and steer a course around it to spare the passengers the discomfort of turbulence. Lightning presents no threat to the aircraft since the cabin is made of metal and forms a so-called Taraday cage' affording perfect protection for everyone on-board. This acts as a protective screen shielding the cabin's occupants from the external electric field generated by lightning. The positively or negatively charged particles disperse over the plane's outer skin. Even in the unlikely event one of the on-board electronic systems developing a fault, there is always a back-up. All the systems needed for flight operations are installed with back-ups, so an identical alternative system is instantly available at all times.

30) What happens if an engine fails?
All the 'vital systems' of an aircraft are at the very least duplicated. That is why there are no single engine airlines. If one of the engines of twin-jet airliner fails, the other one can still provide enough power to continue the flight safely. If, however, a twin-engined plane does sustain engine damage, it has to head for the nearest airport because it no longer has its original safety backup.Statistically speaking, engine failure occurs only once every 60,000 flying hours. Even in the extremely unlikely event of all the aircraft's engines failing, the plane would not simply drop out of the sky like a stone—an Airbus descending from an altitude of 10,000 metres can glide for about 300 kilometres.

31) Can a plane fly by itself?
No. All modern airliners are equipped with a sophisticated control computer known as auto pilot which frees the flight crew from much of their manual routine. The autopilot ensures that the plane stays on its preset course and maintains a specific altitude. However, the flight crew still has to programme it with data before and during the flight. By taking care of routine jobs, it allows the captain, co-pilot and flight engineer to concentrate more on other cockpit duties.

32) How do pilots navigate?
Basically there are two methods of determining an aircraft's position above the clouds. The first relies on ground-based radio beacons known as VORs, which act as airway route markers. A receiver in the cockpit shows the pilot the direction of the beacon's VHF signals and their exact distance. These high precision beacons are found only in densely populated areas, however, and their range is not very large.
Long-range aircraft are also equipped with an inertial navigation system (in fact, three of them—for safety). Each of these systems consists of a computer, three accelerometers and three gyroscopes mounted on a platform. This platform can turn about all three axes so that—depending on the plane's posture in the air—it always remains horizontal to the earth's surface. Each gyroscope rotates around its axis at more than ten thousand revolutions per minute. The axes of these three gyroscopes are aligned vertically to one another. Each of the gyroscopes acquires a stable position through its high rotational speed.
When the aircraft moves, the acceleration forces acting on the plane are picked up by the accelerometers, compared with the axial position of the gyroscopes and calculated together with the distance travelled in the on-board computer. By comparing this incoming data with the coordinates programmed into the system before the flight, the computer works out the plane's actual position at any given time, and charts the course it must take to reach its destination.

33) Does the captain know when other planes are approaching?
Unlike military planes, civil airliners have no radar on-board to detect approaching aircraft. A unit named Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) is in development and will be shortly ready for use. Today, the radar screen in the cockpit only provides information about the | weather. However, the pilot hears the position reports from other aircraft and keeps the airspace under observation. On the ground, air traffic controllers monitor the position, speed, altitude and course of all aircraft in their zone. This way they coordinate air traffic to prevent any close contact.

34) How safe is flying?
Flying is one of the safest ways of travelling. That safety is ensured by the very high standards set both for aviation equipment and personnel. All staff involved in technical and flight operations are selected based on tough criteria. They have to go through ongoing training to keep abreast of the latest developments. Aircraft are designed to withstand far greater stresses than they might actually encounter. Before a new type of aircraft receives an operating licence from a national aviation authority, it is exposed to a series of rigorous tests. All major systems on-board are backed up by identical systems as emergency standbys. Vital systems are meticulously monitored, so that any fault can automatically be detected and remedied in-flight.
To guard against possible failure due to wear and tear or long hours of operation, many components are regularly replaced in preventive maintenance before they show any signs of wear. Every aircraft is serviced and overhauled at regular intervals. We perform so-called T-, S-, A-, B-, C-, IL- and D-checks. The intensity and frequency of these inspections depend both on the number of flying hours the aircraft logs, and the number of take offs and landings.
Before every flight, a routine trip check is run on the aircraft's electronic and major mechanical components. In the most detailed and thorough inspection—the D-check—technicians and engineers at maintenance base virtually take the entire aircraft apart, using the latest testing techniques to check every single component for material fatigue and damage. The success of these safety standards in civil aviation is borne out by statistics.
Despite the immense increase in air traffic, the number of airliner accidents recorded by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has long remained constant at 12 a year. For the passenger, the chances of being involved in a fatal air crash are minimal. Statistics show that only one fatal accident occurs in commercial air traffic for every two billion kilometers flown, which is equivalent to 50,000 flights around the world or seven round trips to the sun. So, the most dangerous part of your journey is still the trip to the airport!

35) Why should you return to your seats and fasten your seat belts as soon as the plane starts its descent?
During descent, the plane flies at an angle while losing altitude. Orders from ground control may instruct the pilot to circle the airport in a chain of other aircraft waiting to land. The plane may sometimes suddenly change its flying position. It can also fly into turbulence as it descends through clouds. So, to prevent accidents and injuries, please remain seated with your seat belts fastened, as on take off and ascent. It is for your own safety.

36) Why does a plane have to circle before landing?
The pilot has not yet received permission to land from the air traffic controllers. While he waits, he circles the airport in what is known as a holding pattern.
This can happen if peak traffic has overstretched the airport's capacity, or if the plane is delayed and has missed its landing slot—the short time schedule allocation of each flight number for landing and take off. For these holding patterns the aircraft has ample reserve fuel on-board.

37) What are all the different noises before landing?
At some point, you notice that the steady background noise present throughout the flight has decreased. This means the pilot has throttled back the engines to start his landing approach. On an ideal descent, the aircraft will go into a glide with its turbines idling. About fifteen kilometres from the airport, you will hear the high-pitched sound of the drive motors gradually extending the landing flaps on the wings. Air resistance increases and the aircraft slows down. Simultaneously, there is an increase in lift because the wings, with flaps extended, are wider than before. The slower the aircraft's speed, the more flaps and slats the pilot has to extend. About three minutes before touchdown, you will hear a loud rumbling noise as the landing gear is lowered. From now on, the captain regulates the aircraft's speed by throttle control alone, giving the engines the occasional little boost until the aircraft reaches the runway.

38) Can a plane land automatically?
Modern airliners are indeed, capable of landing under automatic pilot control with 'a helping hand' from the flight crew. In such cases, the pilot obtains explicit, advance permission from ground control and with the help of the instrument landing system, the automatic pilot brings the plane to touchdown by following an electromagnetic guidepath beam transmitted by the airport localizer. The tasks of programming the automatic pilot, lowering the landing gear and extending the landing flaps in accordance with traffic and weather conditions are, however, still performed by the cockpit crew. In the vast majority of cases, the pilot switches back to manual control for the final stage of the landing approach.

39) Is landing safe even in bad weather conditions?
Yes, the right kind of equipment helps bring the plane down safely, as bad as the weather may be—even in thick fog. To operate in bad weather, of course, planes and airports need to be equipped with the necessary technology, and the pilots need to be highly trained. Depending on their equipment, aircraft and airports are classified into different categories for bad-weather operation—I, II, Ilia, IIIb and IIIc. Besides technical requirements, these categories specify the operating limits for the pilot, such as the minimum altitude from which he must be able to sight the end of the runway, and the degree of visibility ahead. In the industry jargon, these are known as the 'decision height' and 'horizontal runway visibility'. The lowest category—Category I—requires a minimum decision height of 60 metres and visibility down the runway of at least 550 metres. With such limits a Category I airport, for example, would have to close in thick fog.

40) What is important while landing?
A 'soft^' landing always impresses passengers. The pilot, though, is more concerned with other factors such as the length and condition of the runway and wind conditions on the ground. In wet weather or unfavourable side-winds, our pilots prefer a firmer touch-down for safety reasons as it gives them better control over the aircraft and helps avoid dangerous lift on the wings.

41) How does the plane stop?
After touching down at 250 to 280 km per hour, the pilot extends the spoilers on the wings to interrupt lift and hold the aircraft on the ground. In the engines, hydraulically operated vanes are introduced into the jet flow to produce reverse thrust (you can notice it when the engine noise increases) and decelerate the aircraft. Additionally, mechanically operated disc brakes are applied on the wheels. When a jumbo jet lands, for example, about 280 tonnes need to be retarded quickly and safely. Therefore, regular checks on the wheels, tyres and undercarriage are important in maintenance schedules. In a walk-around inspection before each flight, mechanics scrutinize the undercarriage, and the cockpit crew, the tyres.

42) How long should you remain seated after landing?
Please remain seated until the plane has reached its final parking position and the pilot has switched off the engines and the seatbelt sign is extinguished. After landing, the pilot still has to taxi the aircraft to its parking position on the apron, or to the telescopic finger for disembarkation. Enroute, he may have to negotiate several bends, and stop and start. By remaining seated with your seatbelt fastened, you avoid possible injury. Remember, it's for your own safety just as on take off.

43) Through which exit do we disembark?
If the plane parks at a telescopic finger with direct access to the terminal, passengers disembark through one of the front exits. If the plane halts on the apron, you can usually use any of several exits and get to the terminal on foot or by bus. Please follow the flight attendants' instructions. On flights with one or several stopovers, passengers may stay on board for different reasons. However, these are exceptional cases.
Passengers may be barred from leaving the plane by official regulations. Occasionally, there may be no suitable transit lounge at the airport or no or too few buses. During night, we prefer to leave the passengers resting in their seats rather than disturb them. For such cases, there are special safety regulations while the plane is being refuelled. No smoking is allowed and you should remain seated. Unfasten your seat belt and please ensure that none of your luggage is blocking the aisles or exists.

44) Where do you collect your baggage?
It differs from airport to airport. Luggage belts are usually positioned near the passenger gates, but sometimes at other locations in the terminal as well. Flight attendants will advise you after landing. Inside the terminal, please follow the 'baggage claim' signs. The conveyor belt with your luggage is marked with the number of your flight and the airport you departed from.

45) Whom should you notify if baggage is lost or damaged?
All airlines do their utmost to prevent luggage loss or damage. However, we have no influence over the transport of baggage inside the terminal, and to and from the plane; this is the responsibility of the airport authority. If your luggage fails to turn up, or is damaged, please go to the 'Lost and Found' office at the airport as soon as possible. At most major terminals, an airline has its own lost property office. Airline staff at terminal counters and town offices will also give you every assistance. Our computer runs a 'search programme' to trace every piece of luggage worldwide from the moment it is handed over at the Airline check-in at the terminal.

46) Going through customs?
Entry and import regulations differ from country to country. Please keep your passport and visa ready to show at the desk to ensure a smooth passage through customs and passport control. You should declare any dutiable goods you may carry with you. Some airports have two (red and green) channels in the customs area. Proceed through the green channel, if you have nothing to declare, and red, if you have goods to declare or if you are unsure of your duty-free allowances.

47) All those questions on arrival?
Where to hire a car? Visa and vaccination regulations? Local public holidays? Public transportation into the city? Taxi fares? Telephone numbers of local airline offices and consulates, and their opening hours? What shops are located inside the terminal? Current exchange rates? All this information, and more, can be obtained from staff at all airports.

48) How come ear pressure?
As the plane gains altitude, the air pressure drops. At 5,500 metres, it is only half of the pressure at sea level, at 11,000 metres—only a quarter. In the cabin interior, the pressure is always equivalent to that at a height of 2,500 metres. During ascent or descent when the plane is below that height, the cabin pressure varies according to the air outside, and the pressure in your middle ear adapts accordingly (often noticeable by a crackling noise). These pressurization changes may cause discomfort in your ears during climb or descent. You can relieve this discomfort by yawning, swallowing hard or chewing gum. You can also pinch your nose and force air into it with your mouth shut. This will re-open the passage linking the middle ear with the pharynx and relieve the pressure. If you are travelling with a bad cold, nose drops in both nostrils during take off and landing will ease the swelling of the mucous membrane and allow the pressure in the middle ear to adapt more easily. If you want to ease your mind before the flight, you might like to consult your doctor.

49) What about smoking and alcohol?
You may enjoy a good glass of wine or beer with your lunch or dinner. You may be a smoker. But please don't forget that different rules apply inf light for smoking and drinking. Alcohol and nicotine usually have quicker and more intensive effect in the aircraft than on the ground. Thafs because the air in the cabin is 'thin' and quite dry as well on a longer flight. You will understand that flight attendants are instructed to bar carry-on alcohol from being drunk on-board, and to refuse drinks to drunken passengers or adolescents under 18.

50) Adjusting your 'internal clock'
Crossing several time zones on an intercontinental flight will naturally disrupt your normal life rhythm. Your 'internal clock' adapts slowly to local time. You can reckon with 24 hours for each two hour time shift. Meanwhile you will suffer from jet lag, feeling fatigued and irritable until you have readjusted.
Our advice: Get into the rhythm of local life immediately after arrival. A disciplined sleeping habit is very helpful. Get as much sleep as possible on the first night. You can naturally speed up adjustment by changing your sleeping habits at home, prior to your flight.

51) What about medication when flying through time zones?
Passengers requiring medication should consult their doctor before embarking on a long-haul flight through several time zones. Before boarding the plane, please make sure you have your medication handy in your hand luggage.

52) Advice to diabetics
On long-haul intercontinental flights you have to take into account the time difference and climate changes. You should obtain medical advice on any medicines you need, and when to take them.
As a special service, the airline will prepare a special diabetic menu, provided you contact us well in advance of your planned departure.

53) Special meals
In addition to diabetic foods, we serve a variety of inf light meals prepared to meet a variety of tastes. But we do ask you to book your special meal on reservation, or at least 24 hours before your departure. Our offerings range from vegetarian and kosher meals to Moslem and Hindu meals, and salt-free diets.

54) Is it dangerous to fly during pregnancy?
No. You can safely undertake even longer flights up to the thirty-second week of pregnancy. According to medical opinion, flying is one of the less arduous ways of travelling. So there is no increased risk for mother and child, provided it is a normal pregnancy. In the final month of pregnancy, however, you are no longer fit to fly, since your baby could be born prematurely. Sitting for longer periods also causes discomfort. If you are expecting twins, you should consult your doctor before flying.

55) Do you wear contact lenses?
If you do, it's a good idea to take eyedrops with you. The humidity in the cabin can drop below 15 per cent. On long flights, especially, soft contact lenses tend to dry and irritate the cornea. Eyedrops with saline contents facilitate the formation to tear-fluid and help ease any discomfort.

56) Is first-aid available on-board?
We are equipped for every emergency on-board. Our cabin crews receive ongoing training in first-aid to update their skills. Most pharmaceutical items for common ailments are carried on-board. For more serious cases we have a ^Doctor's Kit' containing modern technical equipment and medicine. This contains all a doctor requires for initial treatment in most major emergencies. It is then up to the pilot to decide whether to re-direct the plane to the nearest available airport. Incidents warranting this type of action happen between 12 and 15 times a year.
On arrival, we pass patients on to airport doctors for any further treatment they may require. These doctors are highly qualified experts specially selected, who are available at airports around the world. Never hesitate to consult them if you feel unwell during a stopover.

57) What provisions are made in-flight for incapacitated passengers?
We reserve special seats, easily accessible for passengers confined to a wheelchair. Should any problem arise, the cabin crew will naturally lend a helping hand. At all airports, we offer special services to incapacitated passengers on departure and arrival. Airport staff helps them through immigration control and customs, and collects their luggage from the baggage carousel. This service is free of charge and available round-the-clock. Should you require these services, please let us know while booking your flight so that we have time to make the necessary arrangements.

58) Can a baby fly with you?
Of course. Babies are welcome on-board. But consult your doctor beforehand if your baby suffers from an acute cold or ear trouble. These sometimes get worse in unfamiliar surroundings. Otherwise, babies under a year old take flying in their stride. Unlike adults, they scarcely notice pressure difference in the cabin, since their sinuses (frontal and paranasal have not yet fully developed.

59) Changing diapers
In special toilets on-board in most aircraft, we have nursery tables fo' changing diapers. You can also have a carrycot free of charge to keep your baby comfortable during the flight, but please request this in advance Emergency supplies of diapers, baby food or babycare articles an available on-board. Should you need them, just ask the cabin crew.

60) Is special baby food also available on-board?
We provide special meals for babies and small children on long distance flights. Naturally, you can prepare your own baby milk and pap in the galley on-board, or have them made for you by a flight attendant.

61) What should you do with your baby on take off and landing?
The safest place is in the babycot provided free of charge. Ask if they are available on your flight and reserve one well in advance. If there is no babycot or your baby is already too large, please hold it safely in your lap during take-off and landing, or during any turbulence. The baby will feel better there anyway. On no account should you hold your child beneath your fastened seat belt. A child under two years of age has no claim to a seat of its own. But airlines always try to keep your neighbouring seats free to provide more space for you and your baby. Children over two years of age occupy their own seat, with fastened seat belt, just like an adult.

62) Can children play in the aisle?
We know: Children rarely sit still for long periods of time. But while we appreciate their need to move about and satisfy their curiosity, they can easily fall and hurt themselves if the plane suddenly hits a pocket of air turbulence. For the sake of safety, please ensure that your child remains seated. You can read to them to keep them occupied, or ask the cabin crew for any of the games or toys available in the flight. On long-distance flights, you will find that they enjoy the children's hour offered as in-flight entertainment

63) Can your grandchild travel alone?
Extra care is taken of unaccompanied minors ('UMs'), aged five to sixteen from departure to arrival. Airline staff meet them at the airport, take them through check-in, and escort them to the plane to hand them into the care of flight attendants for the duration of the flight. On arrival, the young high-fliers are handed over to a designated adult, who must prove his identity with ID card or passport. Unaccompanied minors are also well cared for during transit—we never leave them alone. At most airports, there is a special children's lounge manned by dedicated staff to look after children, and keep them occupied with games and entertainment until their flight.

64) Empty seats
Do not be surprised if you find some seats empty on a flight which were earlier listed fully booked and on which you might have had difficulty in securing a reservation.
Operational limitations such as the length of runway, temperature, altitude, duration of flight, weather conditions, and so forth, can all restrict the number of passengers that can be carried on a flight. Vacant seats may also be caused by air speeding of cargo consignments of vital life-saving drugs. And of course, last minute cancellations and 'no shows' can also leave seats empty.