Qantas Introduces Exercise Video Encouraging Travelers to Stretch on Long Flights

Qantas is the first airline to address threats of deep vein thrombosis with an instructional video on all international flights.

Addressing the problems flyers may face with stiffness and concerns of deep vein thrombosis (or DVT), Qantas has launched an in-flight exercise video to help passengers on long flights, encouraging travelers to stretch on international flights.

The program was created by the airline in conjunction with instructors at the University of Melbourne and mobile healthcare provider Physitrack Limited. The four-minute video demonstrates a number of stretches and exercises flyers can complete within their seating space.
“These inflight exercises are designed to provide a safe way to stretch and enjoy movement in certain muscle groups that can become stiff as a result of long periods of sitting,” Kim Bennell, a professor in the University of Melbourne Department of Physiotherapy and consultant on the video, said in a statement. “They may be effective at increasing the body’s blood circulation and massaging the muscles.”

The airline says theirs is the first in-flight exercise video to be shown by a major air carrier. The video has earned the endorsement of Sports Medicine Australia, with experts expressing their hopes that the exercise routine will become standard viewing on international flights across carriers.

“Whilst the risk of DVT is extremely low, it is always important to take preventive measures as the threat is always there,” Nello Marino, chief executive of Sports Medicine Australia, said in a statement. “Through simple, regular stretching, mobility exercises, and walking around the cabin mid-flight your risk of DVT is dramatically reduced.”

“It came as a bit of a surprise international airlines hadn’t already introduced these exercise videos given what we know about DVT and long-haul travel,” Bennell said in a statement. “Hopefully, access to these videos will become standard on all international flights.”

The video launched on Qanatas’ flights in June and is currently available for viewing on the ground via the airline’s YouTube channel.

[Photo: Qantas]