How long does it take to get a blood clot on a plane?

Anything out of the ordinary within a week or two after a long flight—leg pain, achiness, heaviness in your leg, swelling—could be a blood clot.



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Even if you travel a long distance, the risk of developing a blood clot is generally very small. Your level of risk depends on the duration of travel as well as whether you have any other risks for blood clots.

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Prevent Blood Clots During Travel
  1. Stand up or walk occasionally. ...
  2. Exercise your calf muscles and stretch your legs while you're sitting. ...
  3. Talk to your doctor about wearing compression stockings or taking medicine before departure if you have additional risk factors for blood clots.


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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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Summary. Pilots should be aware of the potential increased risk of DVT associated with air travel. Several easy to follow guidelines should minimize any increased risk.

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For Air Travel – Take one 325 mg Aspirin one hour prior to flight and then once a day for 5 days. If on an airplane for more than 3 hours, either walk frequently or do ankle pump exercises (flex your foot up and down repeatedly) in your seat every hour.

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