Are long haul flights at risk for DVT?

Blood clots can sometimes form in your legs during air travel because you are immobile for long periods of time, often sitting in cramped spaces with little leg room. The clinical term for this type of blood clot is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The longer the flight, the more at risk you are for developing a clot.



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We conclude that there is currently no definitive evidence that air travel increases the risk of DVT. However, there is some evidence to suggest that flights of eight hours or more increase the risk of DVT if additional risk factors exist.

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Blood clots can sometimes form in your legs during air travel because you are immobile for long periods of time, often sitting in cramped spaces with little leg room. The clinical term for this type of blood clot is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The longer the flight, the more at risk you are for developing a clot.

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The links between travel and blood clots: Traveling longer than 8 hours, whether by plane, car, bus, or train, can increase risks for life-threatening blood clot. The risk of a blood clot is about 3-times higher for people traveling on long-distance flights.

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?Preventive Measures
  1. Move around as much as possible.
  2. Choose an aisle seat where feasible as this is known to encourage moving around during the journey .
  3. Carry out calf muscle exercises: ...
  4. Try to avoid placing cabin baggage where it can restrict your leg movement.


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DVT or PE may manifest during or shortly after the flight, but often not for several weeks. Prevention includes choosing aisle seating, maintaining hydration, walking frequently, wearing loose clothing, exercising the lower extremities, using a foot rest, and avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills.

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DVT or PE may manifest during or shortly after the flight, but often not for several weeks. Prevention includes choosing aisle seating, maintaining hydration, walking frequently, wearing loose clothing, exercising the lower extremities, using a foot rest, and avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills.

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Prevent Blood Clots During Travel Select an aisle seat when possible so you can walk around every 2-3 hours.

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If you are about to book your summer holiday abroad and are thinking of upgrading your airplane seat to business class for health reasons -- forget it.

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DVT or PE may manifest during or shortly after the flight, but often not for several weeks.

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While doctors and orthopedic specialists agree that they aren't absolutely vital for people with no prior medical conditions, compression socks are still considered to be a valuable travel tool for anyone hoping to make long flights a more comfortable experience.

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The following are the most common symptoms of DVT that occur in the affected part of the body (usually the leg or arm): Swelling of your leg or arm. Pain or tenderness that you can't explain. Skin that is warm to the touch.

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Taking aspirin to prevent blood clots when traveling is not recommended. If you take aspirin for other reasons, check with your doctor.

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The most likely culprit is inactivity during a flight. Sitting with your feet on the floor for a long period causes blood to pool in your leg veins. The position of your legs when you are seated also increases pressure in your leg veins.

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