When the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) met at the Seventh ACCP Conference on Antithrombotic and Thrombolytic Therapy, one result was a new guideline for air travelers. The ACCP specifically recommends that aspirin not be used for the prevention of venous thromboembolism during air travel but does recommend that those traveling on flights lasting longer than six hours wear clothing that is loose at the waist and below, keep well hydrated, and stretch their calf muscles often. On the basis of inconsistent results from randomized, controlled trials, the ACCP recommends that people at increased risk for venous thromboembolism follow the general guidelines and suggests that those desiring to take extra prophylactic measures wear below-the-knee graduated compression stockings providing 15 to 30 mmHg of pressure at the ankle during the flight, or receive a single injected dose of low-molecular-weight heparin before boarding the plane. -Fran Mennick, BSN, RN

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