Swollen legs and feet after a lengthy flight are unpleasant, but not rare. Spending long periods in a confined space with limited mobility makes it harder for the veins in your legs to send blood back up to your heart. This can create pressure and puffiness in the lower portion of your legs.
Wearing compression socks during air travel has grown in popularity as a way to reduce post-flight swelling.
Although compression socks offer advantages to flyers, there are a few things to understand before you try them. This article explains what you need to know about wearing compression socks on planes, including the various types and who should — and shouldn’t — use them.
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What are compression socks?
Compression socks and stockings are garments that compress and boost circulation in your calves and feet. These items fit snugly against the skin and contain some elastic in their weave so they retain their shape while applying pressure.
There are three main categories of compression hosiery.
Graduated compression stockings
Graduated compression stockings promote blood flow by exerting more pressure at the ankle, gradually easing as they ascend the leg. These stockings typically require a prescription and a professional fitting. They are usually made to meet specific medical standards for stretch, strength, and length.
Nonmedical support hosiery
Nonmedical support hosiery are made to be more flexible than graduated medical stockings. They do not need a prescription and are widely available in stores and online. These are commonly used to relieve tired legs and to support circulation during daily activities or travel.
Anti-embolism stockings
Anti-embolism stockings are intended to help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The compression level can vary across products. Generally, anti-embolism stockings are designed for people with limited mobility. Like graduated medical stockings, they usually require a prescription.
Why wear compression socks when flying?
On a long flight (about 5 hours or more), you’re likely to have limited opportunities to move. When confined and sedentary, circulation between your heart and lower legs slows down.
Your calf muscles act as a pump, moving blood from the lower body back up to the heart. When those muscles aren’t contracting regularly, circulation is less efficient, which may lead to swelling, tingling, and discomfort. Reduced circulation also increases the risk of blood clots and pulmonary embolisms.
If you don’t have a prescription, nonmedical support hosiery are the type generally suggested for travel. These over-the-counter compression socks are easy to buy at pharmacies or online, and you can pick a compression level that feels right for you.
To buy a pair of nonmedical compression socks online, click this link.
When to put them on
You may want to practice pulling compression socks on a few times before your trip, as getting them over your feet can take some practice, especially in the tight quarters of an airplane. A good time to don them is just before boarding, while waiting at the gate.
How long to wear them
Compression socks can be worn for extended stretches, so you could put them on at home before leaving for the airport. However, extended continuous use may cause discomfort or other side effects after several hours. See the next section for potential adverse effects.
Possible side effects of wearing compression socks while flying
Compression socks can cause side effects. Even if you normally wear them at home, the dry air, cramped seating, and unpredictable conditions of flight can increase the likelihood of problems.
Possible side effects from wearing compression socks during flights include:
itching
- reduced circulation
- burning or chafing
- bruising and broken skin
Remember that properly fitted compression socks are less likely to cause side effects. Misuse or overuse of compression hosiery can raise the chance of uncomfortable symptoms.
Who should — and shouldn’t — use compression socks?
Your physician may suggest compression socks for travel if you have:
- chronic venous insufficiency
- a prior history of blood clots
- recent surgery for varicose veins
- a medical condition that raises DVT risk, such as cancer
Even without these>Swollen legs and feet after a lengthy flight are unpleasant, but not rare. Spending long periods in a confined space with limited mobility makes it harder for the veins in your legs to send blood back up to your heart. This can create pressure and puffiness in the lower portion of your legs.
Wearing compression socks during air travel has grown in popularity as a way to reduce post-flight swelling.
Although compression socks offer advantages to flyers, there are a few things to understand before you try them. This article explains what you need to know about wearing compression socks on planes, including the various types and who should — and shouldn’t — use them.
What are compression socks?
Compression socks and stockings are garments that compress and boost circulation in your calves and feet. These items fit snugly against the skin and contain some elastic in their weave so they retain their shape while applying pressure.
There are three main categories of compression hosiery.
Graduated compression stockings
Graduated compression stockings promote blood flow by exerting more pressure at the ankle, gradually easing as they ascend the leg. These stockings typically require a prescription and a professional fitting. They are usually made to meet specific medical standards for stretch, strength, and length.
Nonmedical support hosiery
Nonmedical support hosiery are made to be more flexible than graduated medical stockings. They do not need a prescription and are widely available in stores and online. These are commonly used to relieve tired legs and to support circulation during daily activities or travel.
Anti-embolism stockings
Anti-embolism stockings are intended to help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The compression level can vary across products. Generally, anti-embolism stockings are designed for people with limited mobility. Like graduated medical stockings, they usually require a prescription.
Why wear compression socks when flying?
On a long flight (about 5 hours or more), you’re likely to have limited opportunities to move. When confined and sedentary, circulation between your heart and lower legs slows down.
Your calf muscles act as a pump, moving blood from the lower body back up to the heart. When those muscles aren’t contracting regularly, circulation is less efficient, which may lead to swelling, tingling, and discomfort. Reduced circulation also increases the risk of blood clots and pulmonary embolisms.
If you don’t have a prescription, nonmedical support hosiery are the type generally suggested for travel. These over-the-counter compression socks are easy to buy at pharmacies or online, and you can pick a compression level that feels right for you.
To buy a pair of nonmedical compression socks online, click this link.
When to put them on
You may want to practice pulling compression socks on a few times before your trip, as getting them over your feet can take some practice, especially in the tight quarters of an airplane. A good time to don them is just before boarding, while waiting at the gate.
How long to wear them
Compression socks can be worn for extended stretches, so you could put them on at home before leaving for the airport. However, extended continuous use may cause discomfort or other side effects after several hours. See the next section for potential adverse effects.
Possible side effects of wearing compression socks while flying
Compression socks can cause side effects. Even if you normally wear them at home, the dry air, cramped seating, and unpredictable conditions of flight can increase the likelihood of problems.
Possible side effects from wearing compression socks during flights include:
itching
- reduced circulation
- burning or chafing
- bruising and broken skin
Remember that properly fitted compression socks are less likely to cause side effects. Misuse or overuse of compression hosiery can raise the chance of uncomfortable symptoms.
Who should — and shouldn’t — use compression socks?
Your physician may suggest compression socks for travel if you have:
- chronic venous insufficiency
- a prior history of blood clots
- recent surgery for varicose veins
- a medical condition that raises DVT risk, such as cancer
Even without these conditions, compression socks can make flying more pleasant if you commonly experience swelling or impaired circulation during air travel.
Who should avoid compression socks
If your skin bruises easily or you have fragile skin that scrapes or tears, compression socks are generally not advisable. They can damage the skin, and chafing or sores from the hosiery may lead to infection if not properly managed.
If you’re uncertain whether compression socks are appropriate for you, consult your doctor before using them for a long journey.
Are compression socks useful for long car trips?
Compression socks can also be beneficial for long drives. Extended time in a car can restrict leg movement, impede circulation, and produce the same pooling and swelling seen on long flights.
This is particularly relevant when you’re the passenger, since driving itself involves some calf movement. If you often travel long distances by car, consider bringing compression socks for your next road trip.
When to seek medical attention
If you think you might have a blood clot or DVT, contact a doctor right away, regardless of travel plans.
Symptoms that require immediate medical evaluation include:
- swelling in one or both legs
- persistent leg cramps that don’t resolve
- veins in your legs that are visibly red or tender to touch
- sudden redness or discoloration of the skin on your leg
Key takeaways
Compression socks are a straightforward measure that can make lengthy flights and drives more comfortable. If you have a history of blood clots or venous insufficiency, they can help support healthy circulation and provide reassurance while traveling.
If you already wear over-the-counter compression hosiery frequently, you may want to discuss switching to prescription-grade stockings with your doctor.
Never ignore or try to self-manage signs of DVT. The condition can be life-threatening and must be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
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