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I battle to sleep so move around quite a lot, but imagine if all passengers did this and several hundred people were trying to walk around.
The 'in seat' excercises also help.
I think they put on seatbelt signs at night to try to keep us in our seats to avoid disturbing others in the limited space.

We all have to visit the loo on a long haul flight, so after I've finished, I always make that an opportunity to take a long wander via the next compartment before going back to my seat!

When travelling long haul we travel Premier Economy.
This equates to the cost of three economy seats.
Being somewhat large the extra room is hugely beneficial.
Also being in a separate area is far more relaxing.
It is quiet, relaxing and easy to move around.
The queues for the toilets are shorter and you are not on the route to the toilets in economy class. This is an issue particularly at night.
It is particularly good when flying overnight, the ability to relax, sleep and to arrive at your holiday destination ready to enjoy it.
Whilst I appreciate not everyone can afford or indeed wants to travel premier economy it suits us, both of which are nearing old age pensioner status!!
Wearing lose fitting clothing and socks is highly recommended as is removing or at least untieing shoe laces.
Regards
JDW

You hit the nail on the head for me, DB. I try to walk around, do leg stretches, etc - but I never really thought it could happen to me.

I can speak from experience about compression socks. (though mine are via a prescription) They really are fantastic. Even after I don't have to wear them, they will now be a permanent addition to my carry-on luggage.

People with Factor V Leiden have an increased chance of clotting in long flights. It is in about 5% of the Caucasian population. It is silent and it is serious, causing complications with pregnancy and birth control.

The condition was only really picked up in 1994, hence the relative silence. It is a blood condition that predisposes people to clotting.

If you have a mother/grandmother/aunt who developed clots at a young age, be cautious. It is even worth having tests done to determine your risk. As many as 30% of people with deep vein thrombosis carry the Leiden V factor.

Also certain medications have a predispostion to DVTs.
Some contraceptive pills definitely do.
I worked a night shift once with a young nurse who had develped a DVT which she had been told was a complication of taking her pill.
She had come on duty against medical advice and unfortunatley developed a Pulmonary Embolus during the night...........she died in my arms while I was waiting for the doctors to arrive. What more can I say.

My 2cents worth:

Alcohol thins the blood, and for exercise there is the Walking up and down the isles cause the beer makes you need the loo a lot

I remember when working with British Airways seat allocation team we used to allocate aisle seats for DVT patients closer to the toilets.
Longhaul travellers must request for aisle seats closer to the toilets for comfort and avoid long queues for toilets and exits.

Wow,Val that is a sad story
Stark- did you end up needing an IVC filter?

The only thing i might add as a medical professional is the importance of keeping well hydrated.and not with booze I always have my own water bottle and I keep it filled up and in my seat back so that I can drink when I want and not have to wait for the flight attendants to come round