Flight Tips

See your GP before embarking on long-distance travel if you’re at risk of getting a DVT, or if you’ve had a DVT in the past.

When taking a long-distance journey by plane, train or car, you should take steps to avoid getting DVT. Drink plenty of water, perform simple leg exercises and take regular, short walking breaks.

For those flying, here are some flight tips.

Preventive Measures

General advice

  • Move around as much as possible.
  • Choose an aisle seat where feasible as this is known to encourage moving around during the journey.
  • Carry out calf muscle exercises: flex and extend your ankles to encourage blood flow.
  • Try to avoid placing cabin baggage where it can restrict your leg movement.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and the use of tranquilisers or sleeping tablets as this may discourage you from moving.
  • Keep well hydrated as this this can encourage walking to toilet.

Why Flight Socks Matter

Professional flight socks – Optimal compression made with the highest cotton content lets your feet breathe.
Studies have concluded that airline passengers who wear high quality flight socks during flights of four hours or more can significantly reduce their risk of DVT as well as leg swelling.
It’s important that compression socks are measured and worn correctly.
Flight socks are available from pharmacies, airports and many retail outlets, however they are mostly made from synthetics. We all know when the wearer of ‘boil-in- the-bag’ flight socks slip their shoes off – NHS England suggest cotton is best.

Flight Tips While you're travelling

If you are planning a long-distance plane, train or car journey, ensure that you:

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothes.
  • Consider buying Professional flight socks with the highest cotton content.
  • Do anti-DVT exercises. Raise your heels, keeping your toes on the floor, then bring them down. Do this 10 times. Now raise and lower your toes 10 times. Do it at least every half an hour (you can do it more often if you like).
  • Walk around whenever you can.
  • Again, drink plenty of water.