Should I wear flight socks?


Should I wear flight socks? Even people with no physical risk factors can benefit from wearing compression socks on lengthy flights.


Do flight socks need to be tight?

Most people generally find that compression socks should feel snug but not too tight. You should be able to slip a finger under the fabric at the widest part of your calf without much resistance. If you can't do this, the socks are probably too tight and could cut off your circulation.


What can I use instead of flight socks?

Alternatives to Wearing Compression Socks and Stockings
  • CircAid Juxtalite Lower Leg System. ...
  • FarrowWrap 4000 Legpiece. ...
  • Sigvaris CompreFLEX Transition Calf Wrap. ...
  • CircAid Juxta Lite Ankle-Foot Wrap. ...
  • L&R USA Solaris ReadyWrap Thigh Unit RW-LE-EG. ...
  • Juzo Knee Compression Wrap.


Do you wear flight socks over normal socks?

You should not wear a normal pair of socks over your compression stockings. The compression stocking in itself will function as a normal sock too. Don't double up, there is no reason to.


Who wears flight socks?

Airplane passengers or crew on long or frequent air flights may want to wear compression socks to help increase circulation and reduce their risk of developing deep vein thrombosis or blood clots.


What happens if I dont wear flight socks?

If you've ever taken a long flight, you've probably noticed that your legs and feet begin to get puffy. That swelling can be dangerous. In extreme cases, you might develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where a potentially fatal blood clot forms in a vein deep in the body. Most deep vein clots occur in the legs.


Should I take aspirin before flying?

Talk to your doctor about wearing compression stockings or taking medicine before departure if you have additional risk factors for blood clots. Taking aspirin to prevent blood clots when traveling is not recommended. If you take aspirin for other reasons, check with your doctor.


How tight should flight socks feel?

The simplest answer to this question is that they should feel snug, but not painfully tight. However, compression socks come in various levels of pressure, so it can be difficult to judge whether or not they fit you solely on how they feel and it is often beneficial to look at the way they sit on your leg too.


When should you start wearing flight socks?

It's recommended to start wearing compression socks before you board your flight or hop in the car for a long trip. Since it's safe to wear your travel compression socks for 16+ hours, don't worry about putting them on early in the day. I bought compression socks for the whole family for a 9-hour air flight.


How many hours can you wear flight socks for?

Yes, compression socks are safe to wear all day. In fact, you'll get the most benefits if you wear them all day. For the best results, put them on first thing in the morning before your feet have a chance to swell. Take the socks off at night before you shower or go to bed.


Do flight socks make a difference?

Flight socks are compression socks which are designed to offer moderate pressure to the calves and legs. They help to encourage blood to flow back up your veins and towards your heart. Therefore, your blood is less likely to pool in your legs and feet, thus preventing clots from forming.


Is it safe to wear flight socks every day?

You can wear your compression socks all day by putting them on when getting dressed in the morning, and take them off before bed (unless your doctor advises otherwise).