There are several reasons why frequent flyers might consider wearing compression socks on long-haul flights. When it comes to discussing the benefits of compression socks for flying, they range from basic comfort to reducing the risk of swelling and blood clots as a result of DVT. In this blog post, we’re going to look at why compression socks are good for flying. What’s more, although we’re discussing sitting in a cramped aeroplane here, these are all applicable to other situations when you’re sitting down a lot, such as long car journeys, recovering from an injury or even at your desk. So, let’s get started.
Why are compression socks good for flying?
Compression socks for flying can have a wide range of benefits whether you’re a frequent traveller or are just on your summer holiday abroad. These include:
Reduced Risk of Blood Clots (DVT)
Sitting for extended periods, especially in cramped aeroplane seats, can increase your risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a condition where blood clots form in the legs. Compression socks apply gentle pressure, which helps improve blood circulation and decrease the likelihood of clots forming. Unless you’re lucky enough to splash out for First or Business Class for the extra leg room, compression socks can be a helpful preventative measure.
Reduced Swelling
Sitting for long periods can lead to swelling, aches, and fatigue in the legs which can become uncomfortable at best and painful at worse. Wearing compression socks during your flight can help counteract these issues by gently squeezing the legs and supporting the calf muscle to pump blood and lymph fluid back to the body’s core, where it should be.
Muscle Recovery and Reduced Soreness
Frequent flyers who are active or stand for long periods during their travels may find that compression socks aid in muscle recovery and reduce post-flight soreness. Much like after a workout, your muscles can build up lactic acid from prolonged inactivity. The improved circulation that compression socks provide can help clear lactic acid buildup and promote muscle repair by delivering more nutrients and oxygenated blood around the body, leading to fewer aches and allowing you to enjoy the first days of your trip.
Improved Comfort
Many frequent flyers report that wearing compression socks during their flight helps improve their levels of comfort. We’ve already discussed how they can help reduce swelling, aches and pains, but the soft material and tighter feel of compression socks for flying can help people relax. In much the same way that putting on a thick pair of socks on a winter’s evening can help, flight socks can provide warmth and comfort for a long flight.
Additional Benefits of Compression Socks for Flying
There are potential additional benefits of wearing flight socks, and although these are largely anecdotal, they provide more reasons why you should make sure compression socks are top of the shopping list for your next flight.
- Reducing tiredness: Improved circulation may help you to feel more alert on arrival.
- Minimising travel-related edema: Swelling can occur in the feet and ankles due to changes in cabin pressure of the plane, and wearing flight socks may help mitigate this.
- Improving athletic performance and recovery: While not conclusive, some studies have shown that athletes using compression socks during flights demonstrated improved post-travel recovery and performance.
What to Consider for Flight Socks
- Compression socks come in different strengths (mmHg). The higher the number, the more compression they offer. Generally, between 14-20 mmHg will be about right. The FITLEGS Life Compression range will be perfect for your next flight.
- If you have any pre-existing circulatory issues, diabetes, or other health concerns, we recommend talking to your doctor before using compression socks.
- Although we do everything we can, not everyone finds compression socks comfortable. We recommend trying them on and wearing them for a few hours before your flight to ensure a good fit and level of compression.
Overall, while not essential for every frequent flyer, compression socks can offer several potential health and comfort benefits, especially for those at higher risk of DVT or experiencing travel-related issues like swelling and fatigue. Explore the full range of FITLEGS compression socks for flying and make your net flight as comfortable as possible.