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Airline announces 'economy class syndrome' warning plan

British Airways is to stamp cigarette-packet-style health warnings on airline tickets in response to concerns about so-called "economy class syndrome" on long haul flights.

The warnings will advise passengers to wear loose clothing, eat light meals and avoid drinking too much alcohol.

The aim is to lessen the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or potentially fatal blood clots.

The move came as a Melbourne law firm announced a planned class action on behalf of 800 passengers it says have been affected by the condition.

Paul Henderson from Slater and Gordon says he expects the claims to succeed, despite the lack of a definitive study linking air travel and DVT.

"It is basic medicine that immobilization with dehydration and crimping of the knees is a risk of DVT," he said.

"So in fact medical knowledge that is known both generally to the medical profession, but we believe we'll also establish, is known to the airlines."

Mr Henderson says it will be the airlines' responsibility if the claims become a class action suit in the courts.

"It may be that we proceed via individual actions by way of test cases. We will first be approaching the airlines to see if they're prepared to discuss informal resolution of the cases, but if necessary proceedings will be issued," he said.

Meanwhile, Victoria Police has confirmed a senior member of its force is recovering from 'economy class syndrome'.

Superintendent Peter Halloran suffered a blood clot while returning from a recent study trip in Taiwan and Europe.

He is due back at work on Monday. 

SOURCE: ABC News Online Australian Broadcasting Corporation

DATE: Wednesday, January 10, 2001

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