I had a conversation with a very well respected hematologist this morning and, as a joke, asked him to prescribe a pill that will put me asleep for at least 10 hours of an upcoming 13 hour flight.

He got very serious and told me that would be the worst thing possible. He said I should avoid FC where I am liable to go to sleep, not drink any alcohol, drink a lot of water during the flight, and get out of my seat at least once every two hours and walk around.

Anyone over 60 facing a flight of 8 or more hours should do this, he said, to reduce the risk of thrombosis.

Personally, I never drink while flying and very rarely can afford Biz or FC across the pond but would never dream of turning down an upgrade if it were offered. I also enjoy sleeping away as much of the flight as I can.

Do any of you (especially hematologists) have any input on this?