In-Flight Blood Clots Provoke Lawsuits

The debate about whether blood clots on cramped, long-haul flights are common occurrences continues, but one thing is clear: The so-called economy-class syndrome is becoming fodder for lawsuits.

Two Britons are suing British Airways, Europe’s biggest airline, and Airtours, Britain’s No. 2 travel company, after suffering blood clots on flights, the Evening Standard newspaper reported last week. In Australia, more than 900 people are claiming compensation from at least 20 international airlines making long-haul flights there.

Cramped aircraft seats and inactivity during flights are believed to increase the risk of clots forming in passengers’ legs.

British Airways now puts warnings on tickets, advising passengers of the dangers of thrombosis.