A group of UK airline passengers representing 56 claims
relating to passenger DVT-related deaths and injuries are starting a landmark
legal case against 28 airlines for failing to warn them about the risk of deep
vein thrombosis.

Their lawyers will argue a combination of cramped flying
conditions and long hours in the air can give rise to the condition DVT, also
known as economy class syndrome.

The airlines have denied liability, arguing that they are
protected under the 70-year-old Warsaw Convention from paying compensation for
medical problems classed as a passenger reaction to the normal operation of an
aircraft.

The group legal action is aimed at persuading the high court
in London that DVT should be classed as an 'accident' under the
convention. If successful, this could lead to airlines having to pay out
significant damages to victims or their families.

Tips to lower the risk of developing DVT include walking
around the aircraft during a flight and wearing tight stockings.