british airways logo and site links

Login details and information
Login help
Home

Thailand

Change country

Traveller’s thrombosis (DVT)

Clotting of blood, usually occurring in the lower legs - is known as deep venous thrombosis (DVT). DVT can occur in anyone at any time, although some individuals are more at risk than others. Recent research has confirmed that anyone seated in an aircraft; car, bus or train for more than four hours may also be at increased risk.


Factors increasing the risk of DVT include:
  • age over 40, (risk continues to increase with age)
  • previous DVT or pulmonary embolism
  • history of DVT or pulmonary embolism in a close family member
  • use of oestrogen therapy-oral contraceptives (“the Pill”) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
  • pregnancy
  • recent surgery or trauma, particularly to the abdomen, pelvic region or legs
  • cancer
  • some inherited blood-clotting abnormalities and other blood disorders

Following our advice to reduce the risk of DVT:
  • drink adequate fluids
  • avoid smoking
  • avoid beverages which contain alcohol and/or caffeine both before and during the flight
  • avoid crossing legs when seated
  • walk around the cabin whenever you can
  • stand up in your seat area and stretch your arms and legs
  • carry out the foot and leg exercises advised in the Well Being section of the Highlife in-flight magazine, on the in-flight entertainment system and the Well Being section on ba.com
  • wear loose fitting comfortable clothes when travelling


If you have any of the additional risk factors listed, you should seek medical advice before travelling. In particular, you should discuss whether compression stockings would be appropriate and whether anti-coagulant medication is necessary.