The Ultimate Guide to Compression Socks for Flying

Medically reviewed by Adam H. Kaplan, DPM

Compression socks (also called compression stockings) are a type of foot and leg covering that squeezes (compresses) the legs and increases blood flow. Compression socks can be helpful while flying as they can lower your risk for blood clots, especially if you have circulation issues.

This article discusses how compression socks work, their benefits, how to choose the most effective pair for your needs, and the potential side effects.

How Compression Socks Work for Air Travel

If you're at a higher risk for blood clots based on your health history, a healthcare provider may recommend compression socks when flying. Compression socks are tighter than regular socks and boost blood circulation by squeezing the legs. This can help lower the chance of leg swelling, pain, and blood clots.

During air travel, you usually have to sit in one place for an extended period—typically longer than you would otherwise sit throughout the day. This prolonged sitting can affect blood flow throughout the body, raising the risk of blood clots. The risk of a blood clot while flying is a more significant concern during long-distance flights, considered four hours or longer.

Compression socks offer varying compression levels, depending on your needs.

Graduated Compression Socks

Graduated compression socks, also called medical compression socks or stockings, place the most pressure around the ankles and less pressure as the socks go up the legs. This encourages better blood flow toward the heart.

Nonmedical Support Hosiery

Nonmedical support hosiery provides a uniform amount of pressure around the full stocking. Nonmedical support hosiery is inexpensive and usually easy to find at pharmacies. You can buy them without a prescription. They may be helpful if you commonly have tired, achy legs.

Anti-Embolism Stockings

Anti-embolism stockings provide uniform pressure throughout the stocking. They also provide less pressure than graduated compression stockings. They are geared toward someone who is not moving a lot and may be recovering from surgery.

Benefits of Compression Socks for Flying

Wearing compression socks while flying offers several potential benefits, such as:

• Encouraging better circulation, which helps lower the risk of blood clots

• Reducing or preventing leg swelling

• Preventing dull, achy legs

• Lowering your risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

A healthcare provider may recommend that you wear compression socks while flying if you:

• Are pregnant

• Had recent surgery

• Have a clotting disorder

• Have varicose veins, which can impede your blood flow
  

• Often get a heavy, achy feeling in your legs or swelling

A healthcare provider may also recommend using compression socks while flying, even if you have none of these issues. The socks can help anyone by encouraging better circulation, particularly when you're not moving around as much as usual, such as during a flight.

Choosing the Right Compression Socks for Flying

If you want to choose the right compression socks for flying, consider the following factors:

Compression Levels

You'll want to choose socks that are the right compression level for you. The level of compression in these stockings is measured by millimeters of mercury, or mmHg (the same measurement used for blood pressure). A higher number indicates more compression. Information on the different levels of compression is as follows:

You can check with a healthcare provider to determine which compression level is best for your health needs while flying. Some compression socks are available over the counter (OTC) at drugstores, while prescription stockings mush be ordered by a healthcare provider. Which type you use depends on your health needs and whether your health insurance covers them.

How to Stay Comfortable During a Long Flight

In addition to wearing compression socks, try the following to stay comfortable and encourage blood circulation during a long flight:

• Ask for an aisle seat so it's easier for you to get up and walk around regularly.

• Do in-seat exercises to improve circulation, such as ankle circles, leg extensions, lifting your knee toward your chest, and holding it there for 15 seconds.

• Know the symptoms of a blood clot in the leg, including pain, warmth, and redness.

• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol, which dehydrates you.

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
  

If you have a heart condition, check with a healthcare provider to ensure it's OK to fly.

Other Considerations When Choosing Compression Socks

Compression socks come in a variety of sizes and materials. Some are knee-high (usually the most comfortable), some go up to the thighs, and some are full-length (like pantyhose). They're also made with different materials. Sock length will  be determined by your health requirements as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Tips to keep in mind when choosing compression socks are:

• Aim for compression socks with a firm fit that aren't too tight. They shouldn't hurt.

• Medical equipment stores often carry prescription socks and staff are able to assign you an accurate fit.

• If you can, buy two pairs to have some available while washing and drying the other pair.

If you wear compression socks regularly—not just while flying—replace them every six months. They lose elasticity over time and become less effective.

Related: We Tested 26 Pairs of Compression Socks. These Are the Most Comfortable and Effective

How to Wear Compression Socks While Flying

If you've settled on a pair of compression socks that suit you, the next thing you'll want to consider is how to wear them when flying.

When to Put Them On

Try on the compression stockings before flying to be sure they fit properly. Don't wait until directly before your flight to try them on for the first time. If you can, do a test run at the time of day that you have the least amount of swelling, such as in the morning. On the day of the flight, put them on before you board.

How Long to Wear Compression Socks

It's usually OK to wear compression socks all day but always check the label first. Most of the time, you can wear them comfortably during the duration of your flight. While some brands suggest nighttime wear as well, compression socks typically are designed to be worn during the day and taken off before bedtime.

Potential Side Effects of Wearing Compression Socks While Flying

It's important to wear compression socks that fit you properly. You may experience side effects such as the following if the socks aren't a perfect fit:

• Chafing and bruising (the risk for this increases if you have dry skin on your legs or if you're more prone to cuts)

• Cutting off your circulation

• Itching
  

• Redness around the skin

Always follow the recommendation of your healthcare provider on whether compression socks may benefit you the next time you fly.

Who Should Avoid Compression Socks for Flying?

Compression socks are safe for most people. However, check with a healthcare provider first if you have peripheral artery disease (PAD) or diabetes.

You should avoid compression socks if you're allergic to the material that they're made from. You can ask your healthcare provider about alternatives to compression socks for flying.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Let a healthcare provider know if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• A rash on your legs or feet

• Discomfort in your legs or feet while wearing your socks compared to the last time you wore them

• New pain or swelling

• Numbness in your legs or feet/toes
  

• Redness or warmth in your legs or feet

Summary

Compression socks help encourage blood flow toward the heart. They can reduce the risk of blood clots, leg swelling, and aching. Compression socks have different compression levels, ranging from a low level if you want extra support to a firm level if you have severe leg pain or previous blood clot problems.

Wear well-fitting compression socks while flying to avoid side effects such as redness, chafing, or cutting off circulation.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.