Table 1.

Summary of risk factors for VTE during air travel

Risk status	Risk factors	Advice
All passengers	Low	Avoid excess alcohol and caffeine-containing drinks Remain mobile/exercise legs
Moderate risk	Examples include: Aged over 60 Extensive varicose veins Recent minor surgery Pregnancy	Above plus consider: Take short periods of sleep Support hosiery/graduated compression stockings
High risk	Examples include: Previous VTE (and not on current anticoagulation) Thrombophilia Within 6 weeks of major surgery Current malignancy	If travel is essential, consider: low-molecular-weight heparin or formal anticoagulation (including return journey) This requires careful clinical assessment

VTE, venous thromboembolism.