A group of people in Australia who developed blood clots during long-distance economy-class flights is planning to sue a variety of international airlines over their failure to issue warnings about the potentially fatal condition, “economy class syndrome”.

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The condition, also known as deep vein thrombosis, is caused by sitting for long distances in cramped conditions and can be fatal if blood clots which sometimes form in the lower legs during a flight travel through the blood stream to vital organs such as the brain, heart and lungs.

Economy class syndrome gained international notoriety in October when a 28-year-old British woman died from the condition shortly after arriving in Sydney on a flight from London.

The condition is frequently misdiagnosed as symptoms can develop two to three weeks after flying, and the onnection between blood clots and air travel is not always made.

Airlines should properly inform passengers of the dangers of sitting in cramped conditions for long periods of time. Passengers should be advised about the importance of regular leg-stretching and drinking fluids.

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