How long does it take for swollen ankles to go down after flying?

The effect should only last for a short time, and dissipates shortly after you walk off the plane. It's easy to alleviate or avoid foot and ankle swelling during a flight, too. Wear loose clothes (like these insanely stylish sweatpants), drink plenty of water, and make an effort to walk around the cabin every hour.



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Swollen ankles are a common side effect of long-haul flights. They most often occur due to the buildup of fluid in the legs, known as edema. Studies show that edema is present in around 97 in 100 people who fly for more than 7 hours. In some other cases, a person's ankles may swell due to DVT.

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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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Post-flight recovery
  1. Elevate your feet. If you're uncomfortable, grab a seat at the arrival gate where you can elevate your feet. ...
  2. Soak your feet or take a bath when you arrive at your accommodations. Just as a hot tub or jacuzzi increases blood flow, a hot bath can have the same effect. ...
  3. Take a walk or exercise.


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While swollen ankles and feet after flying can feel quite alarming, it's generally temporary and starts to subside once you resume normal activities. Most individuals will notice a significant reduction in swelling within 24 hours of landing. For others, it might take around 2 days for the swelling to fully recede.

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Leg and foot swelling during air travel is common and typically harmless. 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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Travel: For some people, sitting for a long time in a car or airplane can cause fluid retention. The lack of circulation allows fluid to build up; however, the swelling usually goes away in a day or two.

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Leg and foot swelling during air travel is common and typically harmless. 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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As annoying (and uncomfortabe) as it can be, Trotman reminds us that “some degree of bloating after a plane trip is normal, and it should typically resolve itself within a couple of days.

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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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Should you shower after getting off a plane? If you do happen to pick up bacteria or fungi that's not your own, this may lead to itchiness and bumps on the skin and scalp. Showering after flights is probably a good thing—regardless of the length! —if only to have that clean feel after being cooped up in a cabin.

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Four or more hours on a plane can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances, leading to a small increase in your weight, says Jampolis. If you do plan on weighing yourself after a flight (for some odd reason), drink lots of water while you're in the air and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you further.

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