Budget flights ‘need health warning’
BUDGET airlines should carry a health warning due to their cramped conditions, doctors said last night.
The lack of legroom on some flights is problematic for patients with arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, bladder problems, joint pain and age-related frailty.
Sitting in restricted surroundings for hours at a time can also cause deadly deep vein thrombosis, which can strike up to eight weeks after a flight.
Dr Taher Mahmud, a consultant rheumatologist at the London Osteoporosis Clinic, said while there is not a set amount of legroom needed by people with arthritis, they should be able to stretch and move their joints.
Dr Mahmud said: “To be honest, these airlines should carry some sort of health warning. Air travel was undoubtedly much simpler decades ago, but has become more challenging over the years.
“Busier airports, fewer seats, long queues and cramped seating – the list goes on and on.
“On their own, each part is manageable but, when you put them together, it can be a perfect storm for frequent short-haul with joint health issues.”
Professor Tahir Masud, president of the British Geriatrics Society, has called on low-cost airlines to warn prospective passengers that lack of legroom puts their health at risk.
Professor Masud said: “Airlines should be making passengers aware travellers of the difficulties cramped conditions might cause.”
The call for a health warning follows research that found more than a quarter of over-50s have vowed never to fly on a low-cost airline again, or only to use one when they have no other option.
The survey of 500 Britons was conducted by Onepoll for painrelieving gadget Arc4health, which helps sufferers by emitting tiny, soothing currents to ease patients’ pain when flying.
Airlines UK, which represents carriers including budget airlines easyjet, Ryanair and Jet2, said: “Travellers aged over 55 are more satisfied with their journey than the average traveller.
“Airlines are committed to consistently improving their customer service, and customers travelling with special assistance requirements will be assessed on a case by case basis.”