Personal Health

Our customers sometimes ask us about medical conditions and air travel. American appreciates its customers' interest in health topics and encourages passengers to consult with their doctors prior to travel.

Peanut Allergy

American recognizes that some passengers are allergic to peanuts. Although we do not serve peanuts, we do serve other nut products and there may be trace elements of unspecified peanut ingredients, including peanut oils, in meals and snacks. We make no provisions to be peanut-free. Additionally, other customers may bring peanuts on board. Therefore, we cannot guarantee customers will not be exposed to peanuts during flight and strongly encourage customers to take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

What is DVT

A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein, usually in a leg. This is a serious condition. Sometimes these clots can break away and travel through the bloodstream to vital organs of the body and can cause severe injury or death.

Possible Risk Factors of DVT

Prolonged physical immobility, such as sitting for an extended period, is considered in the medical community to be a risk factor associated with DVT. People with certain medical conditions or who are taking some medications may also be at higher risk of developing a DVT, including conditions or medications that affect blood flow, alter normal blood-clotting mechanisms, or cause blood-vessel damage. Some of these are:

Possible Symptoms of DVT

Many DVTs do not produce any symptoms. If symptoms occur, they may include pain, swelling, or redness in the affected area. Severe chest pain or problems breathing may indicate that a clot has traveled to the lungs. Any concern should be evaluated by a physician immediately.

Possible Ways to Reduce the Risk of DVT

American encourages all passengers to consult with their doctors about DVT and other personal health issues before flying. Because the cause of a DVT is often not known, the best methods of preventing DVTs are still uncertain. To try to reduce the risk of DVT, many passengers may be advised by their doctors to take the following measures in flight:

• Regularly change leg position, and periodically move and stretch your legs and feet while seated. Your doctor may suggest leg exercises — such as those described in the box below — at regular intervals (at least every hour or so).
• If conditions allow and the aisles are clear, you may want to occasionally get up and walk around. But remember that you must remain seated when the seat belt light is on and should remain in your seat with your seat belt fastened whenever possible, because of the possibility of turbulence. And all passengers are required to comply with crew-member and/or FAA instructions — especially those relating to remaining seated.
• Avoid crossing the legs at the ankles or knees.
• Stay hydrated; drink adequate nondiuretic fluids — such as water, juice, and milk — and minimize alcohol and caffeine intake.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing.
• Wear graduated-compression stockings.

It is possible that no measure intended to prevent DVT will be effective. It is also possible that some of the measures listed above may not be recommended for some passengers, depending on their health situations as assessed by their doctors.

There are many sources of general information about air travel and health, including Internet sites like the Aerospace Medical Association, at www.asma.org*, and the World Health Organization, at www.who.int*, which provide information for passengers and their doctors. (Views expressed or implied by such sources, are not necessarily shared by American Airlines, Inc. or any of its affiliates).

These exercises should not be performed if they cause pain or discomfort, or if they are not recommended by your doctor.

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