Should you cross your legs on a plane?

And he says his patients often ask whether it's safe to cross their legs on a long flight. So, what advice does he give them? If you're comfortable crossing your legs, shift from one to the other every now and again, he says.



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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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Women, like individuals of all genders, may choose to stand with their legs crossed for various reasons. Some possible reasons include personal comfort, cultural norms, or situational factors. Crossing the legs while standing can provide a relaxed posture for some individuals and may be a habit or personal preference.

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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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After the flight If you have travelled by air you should be alert for the symptoms of DVT for up to one month after flying, and should seek medical help if any symptoms such as a swollen or painful leg, especially the calf, and/or breathing difficulties occur.

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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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Exercises to improve blood circulation in your legs on a plane
  1. Regular walks. Get up and take a stroll down the aisle whenever you can during the flight once the seat belt sign is off — especially on long-haul flights. ...
  2. Ankle rotations. ...
  3. Fast feet. ...
  4. Calf raises. ...
  5. Leg extensions. ...
  6. Knee hugs. ...
  7. Glute clenches. ...
  8. Hip circles.


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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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