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Looking after your health

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.

Air in the cabin environment is fine for most passengers. But 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.

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 and can be linked with any form of long-distance travel whether by air, car, coach or train. Check the Air Users Council (AUC) website for more information.

• Find your local doctor Opens new window

• Air passenger health advice from the AUC 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, such as knives, nail scissors and nail files. 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.

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

Investigating air accidents

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) investigates civil accidents and serious incidents. The AAIB does not decide blame or liability but works to prevent similar accidents happening again.

The Government Actuary's Department (GAD) can give advice on compensation and there are a number of support groups that provide practical help and emotional support, for example, for those who are bereaved.

• GAD - compensation for injury or death Opens new window

• AAIB - investigating air accidents Opens new window

• Cruse Bereavement Care Opens new window