When planning a big trip—especially a long-haul flight—it’s easy to get caught up in booking tours, building the perfect itinerary, and figuring out what to pack. But while you’re organizing the fun stuff, there’s one important thing travelers often overlook: your leg health on the flight.
You might not think it’s a big deal—but did you know that a long-haul flight can make venous thromboembolism (VTE) up to four times more likely? That’s according to a 2021 review in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and it’s something all travelers—especially frequent flyers—should take seriously.
If you’re planning a long summer vacation or spend a lot of time in the air, this is one health risk you’ll want to think about before you board.
Long Flights = Higher Risk for DVT
Sitting still for hours doesn’t just make your legs feel stiff and tired—it can also put you at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT happens when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. It becomes dangerous when part of the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
DVT isn’t always subtle—it can come with symptoms like swelling, warmth, and discomfort in one leg, typically in the calf or thigh (NHS, 2023).
Compression socks are one of the easiest and most effective ways to help prevent early-onset DVT, especially during long-haul travel or prolonged sitting. By improving blood flow and reducing the chance of blood pooling in your legs, they significantly lower your risk of clot formation.
For individuals who have already been diagnosed with DVT, compression socks can also help manage symptoms like swelling and pain (WebMD, Yale Medicine). However, it’s important to note that while they provide relief, they are not a cure and should always be used as part of a broader treatment plan under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
* VTE (venous thromboembolism) includes both DVT and pulmonary embolism. DVT is the most common starting point.
How Compression Socks Help
Compression socks apply gentle pressure to the legs—especially around the ankle—boosting circulation and helping blood return to the heart. That pressure, combined with even small movements like wiggling your feet or walking the aisle, encourages blood in the surface veins to move into the deep veins and upward.
Better circulation means less swelling, less fatigue, and a much lower risk of clotting in your legs during and after the flight.
Should You Be Wearing Them?
If you're taking a flight longer than 4 hours, compression socks are a smart travel essential—especially if any of the following sound familiar:
- You’re over 50
- You’ve noticed leg or foot swelling after travel
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You fly often for work or vacation
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You’ve had varicose veins, DVT, or other circulation issues
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You regularly sit for long periods—even outside of flights
In any of these cases, wearing compression socks with the right level of support can make a real difference. The key is finding the right fit and compression level for your needs.
The Best Part? They're Covered.
One of the great things about compression socks—particularly medical-grade levels (20 mmHg and above)—is that they’re often covered under most insurance plans when prescribed by a healthcare provider.