Soon we will enter the month of Ramadan and many of our relatives, friends or colleagues fast during that month. However, as is known, Ramadan fasting does not limit your activities. One of them is carrying out travel activities (either to work, returning home, etc.) especially by airplane. But is it permissible and most importantly is it safe to fly while fasting?
In contrast to workers in the aviation sector (pilots, flight attendants , etc.) who have restrictions and regulations regarding their flying duties while fasting, passengers can fly freely. However, as is known, in an airplane there are differences in environmental conditions compared to on land, such as air pressure, temperature, humidity, and others which can cause conditions such as fatigue, dehydration, jet lag, and others. So it is important for prospective passengers to know tips for keeping their bodies healthy and fit both during and after flying.
Here are some general tips that you can do if you need to fly while fasting:
- Make sure your body is fit. If you have a chronic disease, make sure it is under control and that you take regular medication.
- Don't miss sahur time.
- Choose foods that contain complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, buckwheat, quinoa, apples, sweet potatoes, corn, and others at dawn so that they can provide a feeling of fullness and energy for longer, as well as keeping glucose levels more stable.
- Bring food supplies in preparation if the plane is delayed or for other emergencies.
- For short flights ( short haul ), choose a flight with a departure time after breaking the fast and arriving before dawn. If this is not possible, make sure the flight does not coincide with breaking the fast or dawn.
- For long haul flights, make sure to inform the airline about the fasting conditions.
- To avoid dehydration, make sure to consume more mineral water when eating dawn and breaking the fast, and avoid drinking tea or coffee.
- If it is felt, the body gives rise to complaints such as dizziness, cold sweats, palpitations, anxiety, or other symptoms. Break your fast immediately and don't force yourself (especially for those with certain medical conditions or the elderly).
Those are some general tips for dealing with traveling by airplane while fasting to stay safe, healthy and fit. If there are special health conditions related to the flight or flight destination, do not hesitate to consult with a specialist in aviation medicine. Hopefully EMC friends are always healthy.
Article written by dr. Andyka Banyu Sutrisno, Sp.KP (Aviation Medicine Specialist at EMC Cibitung Hospital).