Passengers on long haul flights should receive health warnings with their tickets and a pre-take-off health briefing, says a new report.
The warnings should include information on how to minimise the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This potentially fatal blood clotting condition has been linked with long periods in cramped conditions.
“The health risks seem slight for the great majority but we recommend urgent research and the development of user-friendly information for passengers to reduce risk any risks further,” says Baroness Wilcox, who chaired the nine-month inquiry conducted by the UK House of Lords Science and Technology committee.
Passengers should be told to drink plenty of water and exercise as much as possible during the flight to minimise the risk of DVT, says the report, Air Travel and Health.
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However, evidence for a link between DVT and flying has been conflicting. Some studies have found that long-distance air passengers do not have an increased risk of developing the condition.
The report was criticised for being a national approach to an international question. But Wilcox says the report is the first of its kind and has provoked great interest internationally.
The report can be read here.
