Is it normal to swell after flying?

Summary. It is very common for a person's ankles to swell during or after flying. This is often due to a buildup of fluid known as edema. Swollen ankles due to edema are often harmless and the swelling usually goes away on its own.



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If your feet and ankles swell during a flight but the swelling subsides shortly afterward, it's not a serious concern. But if the swelling continues for hours after the flight and if the leg is red or warm to the touch or you have symptoms in only one leg, you need to seek medical care.

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Swelling from Flying. Swelling is most common for travelers when they are flying. Those long hours spent sitting in your cabin chair causes blood to pool into your feet and ankles, also known as gravitational edema.

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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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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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If symptoms do occur they can include:
  • pain, swelling and tenderness in one of your legs (usually your calf or thigh)
  • a heavy ache in the affected area.
  • warm skin in the area of the clot.
  • red skin, particularly at the back of your leg below the knee.


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It is not uncommon during air travel to experience foot problems since you are sitting in the same position for an extended amount of time. Being in a seated position can restrict circulation, cause blood to accumulate in the veins of your legs, and put pressure on the legs and feet.

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Remember that anything over 6 hours flying time is considered long haul, but flights of longer than 10 hours are not uncommon either. One important thing to remember is to keep your seat belt fastened at all times in case of unexpected turbulence.

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Compression socks prevent swelling
Being able to stand up and walk around or stretching is limited on a plane; therefore, promoting blood circulation is necessary. “Compression socks help to increase circulation, thus preventing swelling in your lower legs and feet,” he explains.

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