Why is flying bad for circulation?

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. On top of that, changes in air pressure inside the airplane cabin cut down the amount of oxygen you breathe in. Low oxygen in your blood can also make blood clots more likely to form.



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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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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. On top of that, changes in air pressure inside the airplane cabin cut down the amount of oxygen you breathe in. Low oxygen in your blood can also make blood clots more likely to form.

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Numbness can be the result of poor circulation. Circulation is restricted when seated so once you can move around, the numbness should subside. Swelling. Swelling can occur due to sitting for a long period of time and in itself, is not serious.

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A recommendation from a frequent traveler with peripheral neuropathy is to book a seat where you can stretch and move if you can. Long flights without moving can make the symptoms worse.

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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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It's suggested that high-risk travelers wear properly fitted, below-knee compression stockings while in flight. Preventive blood thinners or aspirin are not recommended for long-distance travelers.

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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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While doctors and orthopedic specialists agree that they aren't absolutely vital for people with no prior medical conditions, compression socks are still considered to be a valuable travel tool for anyone hoping to make long flights a more comfortable experience.

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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. The clinical term for this type of blood clot is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The longer the flight, the more at risk you are for developing a clot.

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It's not just your imagination – flying in an airplane can zap your energy, dry your skin and make various body parts feel different or weird. How come? “The pressure, temperature and oxygen levels in the cabin fluctuate, and the humidity level is lower than it is at sea level,” says Matthew Goldman, MD.

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The main aspect of in-flight health that most of us will encounter is tiredness and changes to circadian rhythms. Flying often involves getting up at unsociable hours, inadequate sleep and messing up the body clock — all of which leave us more susceptible to being hit nastily by any bugs that may be floating about.

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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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The following are the most common symptoms of DVT that occur in the affected part of the body (usually the leg or arm): Swelling of your leg or arm. Pain or tenderness that you can't explain. Skin that is warm to the touch.

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If you can't move around, elevating your legs after traveling can also help, says Taylor. Use gravity to your advantage and prop your feet up to help your circulation move that blood around.

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