Airlines and airplane manufacturers are working on several innovations and changes that are designed to keep cabins and passengers healthier. These include:
More leg room. Several larger airlines are introducing premium economy seating that provides travelers with more leg room, seat width and shoulder room.
Better cabin pressurization. Several new aircraft that airlines will introduce this year, including the Airbus A350, are made of composite materials that allow for pressurization to begin at 6,000 feet instead of 8,000 feet. For travelers, this means less ear discomfort and higher in-cabin humidity, which can help with the dry mouth, dry skin and headaches that many travelers experience on longer flights.
Cleaner cabins. The quick turnaround from a plane’s arrival to its next departure leaves little time for cabin cleaning. With some people using their tray tables for more than eating, the trays’ surfaces can harbor a surprising variety of bacteria if they aren’t regularly cleaned. To help address this issue, Airbus is experimenting with antimicrobial surfaces and technology that could be injected into seat cushions and tray tables. Its competitor Boeing is working to design a bathroom that self-sanitizes using ultraviolet light.
Sleeper seats. Several airlines have redesigned economy seats to promote better sleep, including adding headrests that are more comfortable and more adjustable.
Anti-jetlag lighting. Manufacturers Airbus and Boeing are introducing new cabin lighting that mimics the night sky and other natural light patterns. This lighting is designed to encourage better sleep by helping travelers maintain their normal circadian rhythms.
When Emergency Medical Air Transport Is Needed
Medical transport can be a necessity for people who suffer a serious injury or illness while far from home, are traveling as “medical tourists,” or need assistance when traveling to visit loved ones. In many cases, working with a professional medical transport service can ensure that such travelers can travel long distances in safety and comfort.
SentinelMED offers a range of emergency medical air transport services, including domestic and international medical transport, medical escort, medical repatriation and air medical escort on commercial airlines
Our team works closely with hospital case managers to coordinate door-to-door care for patients that begins the minute they are discharged from a health care until they arrive at a receiving facility or to the home of a family member. In addition, our trained medical escorts provide necessary medical care during travel and can help patients navigate airport security and customs.
The SentinelMED team understands the complexity of delivering exceptional care to patients who need assistance during travel. Please contact us to learn more about the services that SentinelMED offers or its staff.
