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Your health on-board
We want you to enjoy a relaxed and comfortable flight, and suggest that you follow these tips when flying with us:
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing
- Drink plenty of water. Moderate your intake of tea, coffee, cola drinks, and alcoholic beverages as alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate
- Stretch your arms and legs regularly
- If you wear contact lenses, you may find it more comfortable to remove them before the flight, as the air in the cabin can be drying
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
This condition is linked to prolonged periods of inactivity, and so it generally affects people flying long-haul. DVT is sometimes known as "economy class syndrome", but this is misleading as passengers travelling by car or train may also be at risk. It could even occur in an armchair at home!
As immobility poses the greatest risk in developing clotting disorders, move about, change position often and avoid crossing your legs.
There are some medical conditions that make people more prone to DVT and the following are examples:
| Those at minor risk | Those at moderate risk | Those at substantial risk |
| Aged over 40 | Recent heart disease | Previous or current DVT |
| Very tall, very short, or obese | Pregnant or one any hormone medication, particularly the contraceptive pill and HRT | Known clotting tendency |
| Previous or current leg swelling from any cause | Recent major leg injury or leg surgery (less than 6 weeks) | Recent major surgery or stroke (within 6 weeks) |
| Recent minor leg injury or minor body surgery | Family history of DVT | Current malignant disease or chemotherapy |
| Minor varicose veins | Extensive varicose veins | Paralysed lower limb |
| Polycythaemia | Depletion of body fluids causing increased blood thickening |
.
| Those at minor risk | Those at moderate risk | Those at substantial risk |
| A | B | C |
| Drink plenty of water before, during and after flight | Recommendation A plus | Recommendation A+B plus |
| Keep mobilised – walk around the cabin whenever you can | Consult with GP prior to flight | Low molecular weight, heparin or warfarin |
| Wear support tights | Wear graduated compression stockings |
Seek medical advice if you are concerned.
