Inflight health and safety

Putting your safety first

Health and safety are of utmost importance while in the air and Air Macau abide by the rules of the Civil Aviation Authority of Macau (CAAM), which ensures strict compliance with the provisions of the International Health Regulations published by the World Health Organisation. For reasons of safety, health, security and trade control, all passengers are forbidden to take the following articles on to an aircraft:

• Drugs, chemical and pharmaceutical products (except those prescribed by a doctor);
• Gunpowder and explosives, pyrotechnic articles and flammable materials;
• Pointed or bladed items made or adapted to cause injury;
• Firearms and ammunition;
• Endangered species of animals and plants;
• Gas containers and aerosols with a capacity of more than 500 millilitres and/or total net quantity exceeding two litres, carbon dioxide cartridges, fire extinguishers, oxygen tanks (except those approved for medical purposes);
• Corrosive, toxic and infectious substances, caustic materials, insecticides, paint, tear gas;
• Magnetised materials.

Onboard safety measures

BEFORE TAKE-OFF:

Please study the safety card in front of you. Your life jacket is under your seat. Check where your nearest two exits are, in front and behind you. Before take-off, count the seat rows to your nearest two exits.

CABIN BAGGAGE:

Place loose items such as hand luggage or handbags under your seat or in the overhead locker during take-off and landing. In addition, passengers in bulkhead seats should keep the floor areas in front of them clear during take-off and landing.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES:

The use of Bluetooth or remote-controlled devices is prohibited as such devices may interfere with the aircraft’s navigation and communication systems. Laptops, PDA’s audio/video equipment can be used 15 minutes after take-off but must be switched off once the fasten seatbelt sign has been illuminated.

NO SMOKING:

All Air Macau flights are non smoking and it is an offence to smoke in any part of the aircraft at any time.

Inflight health tips

To ensure your comfort in the air and help you feel relaxed and refreshed on arrival at your destination, Air Macau offers the following advice to passengers:

EATING AND DRINKING:

Try to eat a light meal before and during your flight and avoid heavy foods which prove difficult to digest when inactive. Avoid excessive intake of alcohol and caffeine to prevent headaches and bloating; alcohol and caffeine act as diuretics, which increase the body’s dehydration.

CABIN PRESSURE:

The aircraft is pressurised to maintain a healthy environment, but if you have a cold or sinus infection, the cabin pressure may cause discomfort. You can combat this by swallowing, sucking on a sweet or yawning. If you’re suffering from nasal congestion or allergies, use nasal sprays, decongestants and antihistamines 30 minutes prior to descent to help open up ear and sinus passages.

LOW HUMIDITY:

To beat the low humidity in the cabin, which may leave you feeling dehydrated, drink plenty of water or fruit juice both before you board the plane and during your flight. Apply moisturiser and lip balm to prevent your skin from drying out and wear glasses instead of contact lenses to avoid eye irritation.

Inflight exercises:

Sitting upright in a chair for a sustained period of time can affect blood circulation, which can cause muscle tension as well as fluid retention. To boost circulation during the flight, don’t forget to do some simple stretching exercises, such as flexing your toes up and down and raising your knees gently towards your chest. Another good exercise involves lifting your thighs toward your chest then rotating your ankles individually in a circular motion; neck rolls and shoulder shrugs are also good. It’s recommended that you do this for three to four minutes for every hour that you’re in the air. Walking around the plane every hour is also a good idea. Breathing exercises are also recommended in order to increase bloodflow and aid relaxation.

JET-LAG BUSTER:

Get plenty of sleep before your trip.
Don’t drink alcohol.
Eat small, well-balanced meals. Don’t overeat! Exercise as much as you can on your trip.
Use sleeping tablets for only a few days.
If possible, give yourself a day or two to adjust to the new time zone after arrival.
Eat and sleep at the same times the locals do.