- When checking in, ask if you can have an aisle seat or one at the emergency exits. These seats have more legroom than the others. Of course, it is even better to reserve these seats directly on booking your flight. If you are at risk of thrombosis, you should mention it straight away. False modesty or inhibitions will not help anybody.

- Dress as casually as possible for the flight. Tight clothing can interfere with your circulation and thus promote thrombosis. Tracksuits are ideal, or at least jogging trousers without a belt. Every experienced frequent flier or long-haul passenger knows how important loose-fitting clothes are.

- If you are at an increased risk of thrombosis, you should buy compression hose or ask your doctor to prescribe you some. These stockings help to keep veins in their original shape. Even if you find this tiresome, especially in warm summer temperatures, it is worth it for the sake of your health.

- Because of the low atmospheric pressure in the cabin, you lose a lot of fluid and your blood thickens, increasing the risk of thrombosis. You should therefore drink as much water as possible - even before the flight. Because airlines do not provide that much water, you should take at least one or two litre bottles with you.

- Avoid drinking alcohol before the flight. Alcohol causes dehydration, with the consequences mentioned above. If you need something to combat your fear of flying, try effective medication instead of alcohol or, even better, relaxation exercises such as autogenous training.

- Several experts recommend to start taking two to three days before flying one low-dose Aspirin® tablet (approx. 100 milligrams acetylsalicylic acid) daily, on condition of course that you are not allergic to acetylsalicylic acid or suffer from stomach problems or any other contraindication that would contraindicate its use. Flight expert Farrol Kahn says,
"This measure can reduce your risk of suffering traveller's thrombosis by a good one third."
You should consult your doctor before taking medication in any case. Those suffering from a high risk of thrombosis may be prescribed a different antithrombotic drug by their doctor, such as heparin.
The drawback is that heparin has to be injected by a doctor or the user - not something that is to everyone's taste.