Passengers double their risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - the so-called 'economy class syndrome' - if their journey lasts more than four hours, new research reveals.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) released the figures as part of their Research into Global Hazards of Travel project. Passengers taking multiple short journeys also stand an increased risk of DVT.
DVT occurs when blood clots form in the lower limbs, caused by the limb being inactive or immobile for a long time - a state which can occur during long-haul plane journeys.
WHO spokesperson Dr Catherine Le Galès-Camus said: "It is important to remember that the risk of developing VTE [the collective name for DVTs and pulmonary embolisms] when travelling remains relatively low".
The absolute risk of infection by a DVT is 1 in 6,000. The clots can prove fatal, although this in turn is extremely rare. Doctors recommend that passengers periodically get up and move around the cabin to prevent limbs being immobile for too long.
The report was commissioned in 2001, after the condition hit the headlines after the death of a previously fit 28-year-old Englishwoman on a long-haul flight to Australia.
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