Wayne Herbert, 45 and from Crouch End, “saw stars” and was left with “searing pain” as he suffered alleged whiplash injuries after a rucksack containing a lap top hit his head.

The Evening Standard reports he was immediately taken off the flight and assessed by a paramedic, but was not taken to hospital.

He then flew to the US, where he was planning on working on a novel, the next day.

However, ever since the “traumatic” incident Herbert has claimed he is still feeling anxiety and has instructed solicitors after “derisory” compensation offers of first air miles then £500.

He added: “Passengers sitting in the row behind were trying to load too much luggage into the overhead and dropped a bag on my head. It bashed me on the top of my head, and has given me a whiplash injury. 

“I was offloaded, based on BA’s telephone medical advice, and flew the following day. But they have been awful in sorting this out for me, and I’m now taking legal action. They also did little to help me get home comfortably.”

A BA spokesman said: “Our cabin crew gave every possible help to our customer and we are still in contact with him to resolve this issue.”