Japan Airlines tries to lessen concerns about airplane syndrome
Japan Airlines is studying ways to ensure passenger safety amid heightened concern about "economy class syndrome".
Some doctors have linked the cramped seating for long periods aboard airplanes to a potentially fatal condition known as deep vein thrombosis.
The condition falls under the catch-all term "economy class syndrome," which refers to various ailments - from heart attacks to dry skin - that may result from long periods of time aboard airplanes.
"We're making a fresh appraisal of what we need to do," JAL spokesman Geoffrey Tudor said. "If people are concerned ... we should do what we can to alleviate their concern."
He added that JAL tried to encourage healthy habits among passengers. The airline, for instance, requires attendants to hand out water or soft drinks every 30 minutes on long flights. It also shows a video of exercises passengers can do in their seats.
Recently, the airline's service review team, which includes doctors, began studying the syndrome.
It has yet to come up with recommendations, but the company decided to make health-related information on its website more prominent.
Economy class syndrome has received much press in Japan, since residents of this nation of islands primarily use airplanes - often for very long distances - to get to other countries.
Toshiro Makino, a doctor at Nippon Medical School's Narita airport clinic, believes that 25 of 46 deaths in eight years of the clinic's operation were the result of thrombosis.
The elderly and weak are thought to be the most susceptible. Dr Makino, however, said the stress of flying can cause pain and discomfort, not necessarily fatal, for people of all ages.
