I am interested in wearing compression stockings for my upcoming long plane trips. Should I buy knee highs?

I am a young female adult who is not overweight. I am on hormonal birth control, which is why I am particularly interested in buying them. I may not have an opportunity to talk to my doctor before I fly. Would you suggest I buy the stockings?

Answers from doctors (7)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jan 25, 2019

Absolutely. We recommend at least 15-20 mmHg knee-length hose. Ensure they are correctly measured (ankle, calf and calf length) with no binding. A better quality hose will provide more comfort. There are many styles (cotton, light wool, microfiber) and patterns/colors

Compression is very important as is hydration, walking, and flexing muscles on a long trip. This will reduce the risk of deep vein blood clots. Additionally, we often recommend taking an 81 mg aspirin the day before and day of the flight. The magazine in the seat pocket has easy-to-do exercises.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Absolutely. We recommend at least 15-20 mmHg knee-length hose. Ensure they are correctly measured (ankle, calf and calf length) with no binding. A better quality hose will provide more comfort. There are many styles (cotton, light wool, microfiber) and patterns/colors

Compression is very important as is hydration, walking, and flexing muscles on a long trip. This will reduce the risk of deep vein blood clots. Additionally, we often recommend taking an 81 mg aspirin the day before and day of the flight. The magazine in the seat pocket has easy-to-do exercises.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Vein Clinic

Published on Aug 05, 2015

Yes I strongly suggest medical support knee socks to wear with any flight or car ride longer than 4 hours.

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Answered by The Vein Clinic

Yes I strongly suggest medical support knee socks to wear with any flight or car ride longer than 4 hours.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Aug 05, 2015

I do recommend compression stocking wear during long flights because they help to decrease blood clot risks from the prolonged sitting. Knee high stockings are fine in people with no vein issues. I recommend thigh high stockings in those with vein disease.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

I do recommend compression stocking wear during long flights because they help to decrease blood clot risks from the prolonged sitting. Knee high stockings are fine in people with no vein issues. I recommend thigh high stockings in those with vein disease.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Beach Cities Vein and Laser Center

Published on Aug 05, 2015

It wouldn't hurt to wear compression stockings on a long plane ride (although this is probably more important for older individuals). Should you choose to buy them, I would suggest either thigh-high stockings or pantyhose (either of which would give compression on the more important larger deep veins behind the knees and in the thighs)...

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Answered by Beach Cities Vein and Laser Center

It wouldn't hurt to wear compression stockings on a long plane ride (although this is probably more important for older individuals). Should you choose to buy them, I would suggest either thigh-high stockings or pantyhose (either of which would give compression on the more important larger deep veins behind the knees and in the thighs)...

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Published on Aug 05, 2015

Knee high compression stockings, walking before boarding, and toe raises during the flight will reduce the risk of a deep vein thrombosis.

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Answered by Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Knee high compression stockings, walking before boarding, and toe raises during the flight will reduce the risk of a deep vein thrombosis.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Aug 05, 2015

Anyone flying for more that 2 hours should wear knee length support hose. 85% of the pumping muscle action of the legs is in the calf so knee length support hose is the recommended length. I would also taking a baby aspirin the night before the flight.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Anyone flying for more that 2 hours should wear knee length support hose. 85% of the pumping muscle action of the legs is in the calf so knee length support hose is the recommended length. I would also taking a baby aspirin the night before the flight.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

Published on Aug 05, 2015

If you are concerned with blood clots on a flight: drink plenty of fluid (non-alcoholic), do calf exercises on the flight like pointing and flexing your feet or calf raises at your seat, walk around when you are able, wear compression hose. The compression hose also helps with swelling that is common on long flights. Knee highs should be fine .

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Answered by Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

If you are concerned with blood clots on a flight: drink plenty of fluid (non-alcoholic), do calf exercises on the flight like pointing and flexing your feet or calf raises at your seat, walk around when you are able, wear compression hose. The compression hose also helps with swelling that is common on long flights. Knee highs should be fine .

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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