Comfort, comfort, and comfort

Jeans paired with a basic tee-shirt and over-shirt or sweater make for a great, casual, chic travel ensemble. ST file photo

There are three elements on how to dress appropriately for a flight. They are comfort, comfort, and comfort. The more comfortable you are, the better you look. You can easily combine comfort with style. A pair of loose fitting jeans (if possible with an elasticated waistband and hence, no belt) will get you through most flights and most security checks.

Avoid wearing sweat pants, tight-fitting polyester pants, or supertight skinny jeans that don't give much breathing room. Jeans paired with a basic tee-shirt and over-shirt or sweater make for a great, casual, chic travel ensemble. Your tee-shirt should be cotton and loose fitting. Temperatures can change during your journey from the port of departure, throughout the flight and on arrival. Dress with the idea of layering up and layering down in mind to adapt to these temperature changes.

Wear slip-on soft shoes for comfort and convenience. It helps with getting through security. Alternatively, a good pair of walking shoes or cross trainers will do as well. You may need to walk between 50 to 400 meters to change gates or terminals during your stopover in certain airports. If you remove your shoes during a flight, please keep your socks on in consideration to your fellow passengers.

Remember, leisure-wear that says 'expensive' and 'appropriate' tells a lot about your taste and judgement. It is the same for women: jeans and that elegant tee shirt. High-heeled shoes and stilettos are obviously a no-no. I still see many a wannabe model in heels traipsing precariously to the toilet during a flight. It reminds me of the woman putting on lipstick, make-up, and perfume before going for a Hash cross-country run or a bout in the gym.

If you are not comfortable during a long flight, you are likely to come down with one or more of the following stress-related ailments: pharyngitis (sore throat), aphthous ulcers (painful, yellowish mouth ulcers), herpes simplex labialis, rhinitis (running nose), constipation, diarrhoea, gastritis, flatulence, vaginal itch (due to overgrowth of bacteria and fungus), and cystitis (urinary tract infection).

The most serious condition related to the prolonged immobility of a long haul flight is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is the formation of a blood clot, or thrombus, in the deep veins, usually in the leg. DVT has been known to occur following long haul air travel and was dubbed 'economy class syndrome'. The preferred term is now travel-related DVT or traveler's thrombosis.

The most severe complication of DVT is embolism, i.e. the blood clot has traveled from the leg vein to the lung. The victim becomes breathless and may die of acute lung failure.

Who do you think is a more likely victim of travel-related DVT and its complications? My doctor friend in a constrictive badly fitting suit with a tightly knotted necktie or the smartly dressed traveler in soft, sensible, stylish clothes?

I asked my son, who is in the corporate world, if there were instances of him or his colleagues making a dash from the airport arrival hall to the boardroom all dressed in a suit without a minute to space? He told me it is the exception and it is usually the unfortunate junior guy who has to keep to such an impossibly tight schedule.

When I next travel with my doctor friend, I shall bring along compressive stockings, heparin, and aspirin. The oxygen I can get on the aircraft. I may yet save his life.

Dr Albert Lim Kok Hooi is a consultant oncologist. For further information, e-mail starhealth@thestar.com.my. The views expressed are those of the writer and readers are advised to always consult expert advice before undertaking any changes to their lifestyles. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.