Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a major vein, usually in the legs and/or pelvis, and often associated with too much time spent in one position, is no newcomer to the travel industry. Medical journals began reporting the possible connection between long-distance travel of any sort – plane, train, automobile – and DVT as early as the 1950s. But recently, both DVT, casually known as “economy class disease” or “economy class syndrome,” and general issues of airline passenger comfort, have been getting a lot of press.

Take the recent Virgin Atlantic Airlines incident, where a passenger received a settlement worth more than $20,000 (13,000 pounds) for injuries sustained from a London to Los Angeles flight spent crammed into her seat next to another passenger who was too large for just one seat. Or this summer’s $800 award to a passenger aboard JMC Airlines who sued because of the plane’s “intolerable” 29-inch seat pitch. Add that to Southwest Airlines’ announcement that it would begin vigorously enforcing its 20-year-old company policy of charging obese passengers for two seats, coupled with the ensuing public relations nightmare, and the airlines seem like the innocent victim in the whole debate.

However, in 2001, a study by the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA), the United Kingdom (UK) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) found that minimum spacing and design standards for transport-category aircraft allowed for too-tight seating, and called for new standards regarding minimum seat width and a minimum area for feet. Specifically the study stated that the CAA's minimum dimensions needed to be expanded by at least three inches in terms of seat pitch, or the space between rows of seats, and by as much as 10 inches to more adequately accommodate taller passengers. However, overall passenger comfort was not looked at in the study.

While some groups holler obese discrimination, no one will deny that the problems that can ensue from sitting in one position for too long or from sitting in cramped quarters are real. Reports in Australia and Japan have blamed numerous deaths on DVT following long flights, including the highly publicized airport death of a 28-year-old woman returning to London following a long flight from Australia. The girl’s parents have subsequently set up the Victims of Air Related Deep Vein Thrombosis Association to increase awareness of the problem.

Settlement or not, Virgin Atlantic Airlines is sticking by its guns – according to the airline, no obese passenger policy change will result even from the recent settlement.

In a statement reported on CNN.com, a Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said that the company’s policy would remain the same – obese passengers would be merely advised to purchase an extra seat or upgrade to a larger seat. However, on the London to Los Angeles flight that left the recently-compensated passenger with a blood clot, torn leg muscles and sciatica, no extra seats were available.

The Virgin Atlantic representative noted that most passengers who required larger seats specified this concern up front and purchased seats accordingly. Most airlines, including U.S. carriers Southwest, American, Continental and Northwest, have policies that require too-large-for-one-seat passengers to purchase additional seats. United Airlines and Delta, however, do not.

Some airlines, including Emirates Air, are offering devices like the Airogym, a small pillow designed by a former British Airways pilot that allows the airline passenger to exercise in his or her seat, but most airlines merely warn their passengers of the risks of not moving around during long flights.

While Virgin Atlantic’s policy remains unchanged, it does offer its customers the following suggestions to increase passenger comfort during flights:

• Move about. Change position often and avoid crossing your legs. Immobility poses the greatest risk in developing clotting disorders such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) whether you're on a plane, train or bus.

• Walk around. Get out of your seat and walk around the cabin regularly to improve circulation.

• Stretch out. Do the exercises and follow the advice in the Virgin Touch programme on the Virgin channel - this will help you feel more refreshed when you arrive at your destination.

• No pills! Unless expressly recommended by your doctor who is aware of your intention to fly, do not take sleeping tablets on the flight - this will reduce your mobility and make you feel sluggish.

• Mind your ears. Avoid flying with a heavy cold, sinusitis or ear problems as cabin pressure changes during the flight may cause discomfort. If you experience problems during the flight, suck a sweet, chew or hold your nostrils and gently blow through your nose, this should equalise the pressure in most healthy people. If you are still experiencing problems, speak to a member of cabin crew.

• Drink plenty! Ask a member of cabin crew if you're thirsty and look out for the regular water and fruit juice services. Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee or carbonated drinks, as they will dehydrate you.

• Eat light. Avoid heavy meals and foods - air expands at altitude and heavy meals will result in that bloated feeling.

• Moisturise. Your skin, especially your lips and nostrils, may feel dry so moisturising creams may help. If you wear contact lenses, always carry your glasses with you, as your eyes may feel dryer than usual.

• Stay loose. Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes and shoes.

• Pretend you're already there! To minimise the effects of jet lag, set your watch to your destination time as soon as you board the aircraft and try to adjust your eating/sleeping pattern accordingly.

Above guidelines from www.virgin-atlantic.com

Sources: CNN.com, Virgin Atlantic Airlines, BBC, National Health Service (UK)