Limits of time and height for flight

[HeartStrings63]

I had ablation a year and 4 months ago. Since then I had short flights in Europe. Now planing holiday to Indonesia with require 12 hours flight. Is it safe to have such a long trip or it’s it better to split to short flights? What precautions should follow for long flight? Is there any suggestion how many stops and what maximum time should be each flight?

[BobD Volunteer]

Never even considered it. Main thing is stay well hydrated at all times, leave extra time at airports to avoid stress and enjoy yourself. Additional advice would be make sure you have sufficient of your medication with you (along with precriptions to avoid nasty experiences in airport security) in case of any delays.

[HeartStrings63 in reply to BobD]

Thank you a lot for advice. I was searching and found information that with AF better have flight s not more that 4 hours.

[jeanjeannie50]

I remember another volunteer like Bob on this forum many years ago, his name was Beancounter. Despite his AF he would always go off on exotic holidays. If his heart kicked off he'd just do his best to ignore it. Go and enjoy your holiday and heed Bob's excellent advice.Jean

[Frances123 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Oh gosh. I wonder how beancounter is doing these days?

[ForensicFairy]

Living in Australia means every flight we take is long haul. My husband and I travel overseas very regularly - usually 2 times a year. To get to Europe, we endure two flights in succession of between 10-14 hours each! Indonesia is a short one for us - roughly 5-6 hrs I think to Bali as an example.

My husband had an ablation for AF just over 2 years ago and I have a genetic conduction disorder with multiple arrhythmias including AF. The flight is fine - I’m not a fan of sitting in tight spaces for hours on end and I find it impossible to sleep sitting up so I do a lot of walking and marching on the spot in the galley.

As others have said - it’s important to stay hydrated. Airplane aircon is very dry will dehydrate you quickly. If you can sleep, that will also help. Avoid alcohol, and don’t stress. You’ll be fine.

[HeartStrings63 in reply to ForensicFairy]

Thanks a lot for encouraging 😊

[Frances123]

All good advice from others. I always put enough medication in luggage as well as in hand luggage so that if either goes missing I still have enough medication on me. Make sure medication is still in original packaging and take your receipt prescription they give you when collecting medication with you. Have a great time.

[HeartStrings63 in reply to Frances123]

Thank you for good advice, because I today I threw away the packaging. After I read your message went to pick them up🤣🤣🤣

[OzJames]

I’ve not had ablation but have had cardioversion and taken 30 hr flight with transit a week after CV and no problems. As others have said just stay well hydrated, no alcohol and don’t try eating anything too different to your normal diet until you’re settled in at your destination. Relax and breath mindfully through your nose if you get a bit edgy

[HeartStrings63 in reply to OzJames]

My GP suggested to get higher dose of my medication ( carvedilol). Do you need to increase medication during flight?

[OzJames in reply to HeartStrings63]

I was at that stage only on medication post CV for 30 days to help settle sinus get used to its rhythm as I was in AF for 2 months. Best to follow doctors orders in terms of dosage. I know my triggers so when travelling I am aware and take things easy. Just act as if your home and stick to same routines as much as possible whilst travelling. Relax and enjoy and remember the nasal breathing!

[ForensicFairy in reply to HeartStrings63]

I’m on Carvedilol and I’ve never increased my dose. Husband is on a 3 in 1 drug and has never increased his either. Re your comment of nothing longer than 4 hours - if Australians took that advice, we’d never fly anywhere!

The cabin is pressurised. The height of the flight doesn’t impact except for when taking off and landing and even then, it’s not a lot. If the pressure was to change too much we’d all end up with burst ear drums and be unable to breathe.

The worst thing for most people flying is the same as when they’re not flying - anxiety. Maybe have a talk to your doctor about taking something to stop any anxiety.

[30912]

Never had an issue with flying. Longest flight was New Zealand to UK via Dubai plus many other long haul. Neither have I heard of any limitations, recommendations or precautions apart from staying hydrated, movement and reducing stress by leaving yourself plenty of time. Flying hasn't triggered my AF either.

Book your holiday and enjoy it.

[ibuputih]

I’m another that doesn’t even think about it.

Follow all the ‘healthy flying’ suggestions and enjoy!

I’m really envious of your trip. We lived in Indonesia many years ago (hence username) it’s a wonderful place and the people are great. Have talked about going back but I quite like keeping my old memories intact.

Great advice already given here - especially re medication and prescription info.

Biggest advice is don’t drink ANY tap water or even use it for cleaning your teeth. Check that water bottles are sealed and obvs be careful re salad/ice etc

[HeartStrings63 in reply to ibuputih]

Hi. Good to know. Thank you for warm words. Since I got AF I’m become more sensitive. I’ll try to keep calm😊

[iris1205]

No issues!

I flew in Afib, often and long haul flights Europe to USA to the west coast, with no issues other than arriving tired.

As others say,

Take your anti coagulation meds and have your other meds with you

stay well hydrated,

Get up and walk often (drinking a lot of water helps that!) 😂

While sitting draw circles with your feet to increase circulation , for some flights I wore compression socks… hated the fabric so not always

Don’t eat a big meal

ENJOY your trip !

[HeartStrings63 in reply to iris1205]

We’re helpful advises. Thank you.