Is it safe to fly with poor leg circulation?

For people with vein disease (venous insufficiency), traveling short distances isn't usually problematic. But on a plane or car trip lasting several hours, the risk of blood clots, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) increases.



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According to the American Heart Association, patients can fly with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) as long as their symptoms are managed. However, this may not be the case for everyone, so always check with your doctor. While air travel is relatively safe for PAD patients, it doesn't come without risk.

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Wear compression socks Compression socks work wonders on the plane! These socks apply a gentle squeeze to your legs, and according to the NHS, they help maintain blood flow and stop it pooling in the lower legs. They do a fantastic job of preventing swelling and reducing discomfort during long flights.

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“If you experience leg pain or cramps—especially in your calves—during flight, don't ignore that ache. The most dangerous type of ache in the body during a flight can be a blood clot, warns Summit internist Dr.

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Tips for improving blood circulation on a plane
  1. Wear compression socks. Compression socks work wonders on the plane! ...
  2. Keep hydrated. Staying hydrated is essential for keeping your blood circulation in top shape, especially during a flight. ...
  3. Wear loose clothing. ...
  4. Choose a seat with additional legroom. ...
  5. Improve your fitness.


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First, air pressure changes in the cabin lower the oxygenation of your blood which can trigger a coagulation cascade, the body's natural clotting response. “That's one of the things we think makes people prone to getting DVT's,” says Dr.

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Sitting on a plane for many hours not only allows blood to pool, but it also puts your knees at an angle that makes the veins inside them kink up. Just as water doesn't flow easily through a kinked-up garden hose, blood can't flow as well through a vein that has a kink.

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angina or chest pain at rest. an infectious disease (e.g. chickenpox, flu), including COVID-19. decompression sickness after diving (sometimes called 'the bends') increased pressure in the brain (due to bleeding, injury or infection)

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Yes, really. Your grandmother and marathon runners are on to something. These stockings help increase circulation and reduce the risk of swelling or worse deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and clotting on a long flight.

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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.

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Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which contribute to dehydration during long flights. Drink plenty of other fluids. Walk up and down the aisle periodically. Massage feet, ankles, lower legs, and knees to move blood out of the legs and toward the heart.

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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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With long flights, you are open to the risk of developing blood clots and other issues, such as swelling, which may lead to circulation issues. Because of these issues, it's essential to look for a solution that doesn't require a lot of movement; this solution is compression socks.

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If your blood pressure is higher than 120 over 80, seek medical advice before you travel.

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Low air pressure during air travel also decreases the amount of oxygen in the air. This effect is modest and generally not noticeable for healthy travelers. For patients with significant lung disease, a small decrease in available oxygen can cause significant symptoms, especially with exercise.

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The truth is that travel can affect your vein health; people with varicose veins are generally advised to favour shorter journeys where possible, and keep long-haul flights to a minimum. When travelling long distances, veins can become irritated and more swollen.

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