BA accused of ‘diverting attention’ in DVT case
British Airways has been accused of underhand tactics after it offered to waive its costs if it wins a case being brought over deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The House of Lords is today due to decide whether DVT caused by air travel can be considered an accident and, therefore, whether the carrier can be held liable. Some victims of the condition, and their relatives, said they could not afford to pursue the case until BA agreed to waive its costs – but while some have welcomed the move, the chairman of an all-party parliamentary group on DVT has accused the carrier of “diverting attention from the caseâ€. Labour MP John Smith reportedly told the BBC Today programme: “They are very confident they are going to win the case and don’t want to seem like the bad guys up against the victims who have suffered so much. Be very careful of strangers bearing gifts.†He reportedly added that the carrier was trying to divert attention from the fact that air passengers have “no legal protection whatsoever if their health or psychological well-being is damaged as a result of flying.†A BA spokesman reportedly told the programme that the move was in “good faithâ€, adding: “We recognise it is of major importance to people and do not want the threat of a big legal bill from BA standing in the way of their right to take it to the highest court in the country.†Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad
Abercrombie & Kent hails $500 million funding boost
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Gatwick braces for strike
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’