Is it ok to wear compression stockings on the plane?

Do you recommend wearing compression stockings on long flights? I have two flights: one 8 hours with a break of 12 hours and continuing another 12 hours after. I have store bought knee highs and thigh highs. Any disadvantages?

Answers from doctors (11)


Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Published on May 16, 2019

You are absolutely correct to wear compression stockings while traveling. Over-the-counter compression may work fine for you, but the recommend medical-grade compression is 20-30 mmHg. Check with a medical supply store in your area or online. Also, check with your primary care physician for their recommendations.

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Answered by Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

You are absolutely correct to wear compression stockings while traveling. Over-the-counter compression may work fine for you, but the recommend medical-grade compression is 20-30 mmHg. Check with a medical supply store in your area or online. Also, check with your primary care physician for their recommendations.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Dec 31, 2018

Yes, compression stockings are recommended for long flights and may prevent DVT/blood clots. If the stocking doesn't fit properly or gets bunched up, they can create a tourniquet and cause swelling.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Yes, compression stockings are recommended for long flights and may prevent DVT/blood clots. If the stocking doesn't fit properly or gets bunched up, they can create a tourniquet and cause swelling.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Yes, Yes, Yes, I encourage our patients to wear stockings on flights.
Michael D. Ingegno, MD

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Yes, Yes, Yes, I encourage our patients to wear stockings on flights.
Michael D. Ingegno, MD

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Nu Vela Vein Center

Published on Jan 10, 2012

No problems at all. Probably good for most passengers. You get less swelling
of the feet and ankles and faster circulation of blood in the legs. Thigh
high graduated compression (10-15mmHG or 15-20 mmHg) stockings would be
preferable

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Answered by Nu Vela Vein Center

No problems at all. Probably good for most passengers. You get less swelling
of the feet and ankles and faster circulation of blood in the legs. Thigh
high graduated compression (10-15mmHG or 15-20 mmHg) stockings would be
preferable

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Wear the hose.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

Wear the hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Yes.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Yes.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Yes I do.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

Yes I do.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jan 10, 2012

You will definitively benefit by using compresion stockings during such long trips.Both sizes would be beneficial. The knee highs will be definitively more comfortable.

Remember to also do some stretching exercises and exercise your legs on the seat by contracting and relaxing the calf muscles (alternating legs) at least 10 repetitions every couple of hours.

Good luck and... enjoy the flight.

Dr. Farhy

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

You will definitively benefit by using compresion stockings during such long trips.Both sizes would be beneficial. The knee highs will be definitively more comfortable.

Remember to also do some stretching exercises and exercise your legs on the seat by contracting and relaxing the calf muscles (alternating legs) at least 10 repetitions every couple of hours.

Good luck and... enjoy the flight.

Dr. Farhy

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Absolutely the best thing you could do is to wear compression for travel.
Travel compression should be 15-20 mmHg and best to be fitted after you are measured.
Anyone who travels long distances whether by car or plane should wear them.
Knees hi hose are appropriate for most people. If you have any saphenous or deep vein issues, we recommend thigh length.

Along with compression, exercises to contract and stretch the calf and thigh muscles, getting up and walking often, drinking plenty of non-alcoholic/non-caffeinated fluids.

The only disadvantage I can think of is if the hose are not fitted to you and have a tight constricting band at the top. You are best getting these from a medical professional or a medical supply store.

Norman N. Bein MD FACS RVT

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Absolutely the best thing you could do is to wear compression for travel.
Travel compression should be 15-20 mmHg and best to be fitted after you are measured.
Anyone who travels long distances whether by car or plane should wear them.
Knees hi hose are appropriate for most people. If you have any saphenous or deep vein issues, we recommend thigh length.

Along with compression, exercises to contract and stretch the calf and thigh muscles, getting up and walking often, drinking plenty of non-alcoholic/non-caffeinated fluids.

The only disadvantage I can think of is if the hose are not fitted to you and have a tight constricting band at the top. You are best getting these from a medical professional or a medical supply store.

Norman N. Bein MD FACS RVT

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center at University Medicine and Cardiology

Published on Sep 06, 2011

Compression stockings are a good idea if traveling for more than a 3 hour flight. Store bought stockings are adequate as long as they are at least 12-18 mmHg compression grade. Knee high should be adequate to help prevent deep vein thrombosis. As per usual, you should discuss this with your physician prior to traveling.

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Answered by Vein Center at University Medicine and Cardiology

Compression stockings are a good idea if traveling for more than a 3 hour flight. Store bought stockings are adequate as long as they are at least 12-18 mmHg compression grade. Knee high should be adequate to help prevent deep vein thrombosis. As per usual, you should discuss this with your physician prior to traveling.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jul 26, 2011

It is fine to wear compression stockings on the plane, and, in fact, I encourage it. Knee highs are adequate.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

It is fine to wear compression stockings on the plane, and, in fact, I encourage it. Knee highs are adequate.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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