Compression Socks for Flying - Comfort, Health & Where To Buy

Flying can take a toll on your legs and circulation. When you sit for hours on a plane, blood can pool in your lower legs, causing swelling, fatigue, and discomfort. Worse, long-haul flights can raise the risk of blood clots (DVT) in the legs by 1.5 to 4 times. This happens because calf muscles aren’t being used to pump blood back to the heart. Compression socks for flying counteract this effect. They squeeze your feet and calves to boost blood flow, which reduces swelling, prevents fatigue, and helps ward off clotting. Many travelers find that wearing compression socks during long flights makes their journey much more comfortable.

Different Touch offers a full range of travel-ready compression socks (ankle, crew, knee-high) designed to improve circulation and leg comfort during flights. This guide will explain why and how to wear compression socks on planes, how tight they should be, and what styles and compression levels are best. We’ll also cover special situations (like pregnancy or long international flights) and suggest some of our top compression sock picks. Read on to learn all about flying in comfort and health with compression socks.

Why Wear Compression Socks When Flying?

• Improved Circulation: Compression socks apply gentle pressure to your ankles and calves. This encourages blood to flow upward toward the heart, preventing it from pooling in the feet and legs. Better circulation means your lower limbs are less likely to swell or feel heavy during a flight.

• Reduces Swelling and Fatigue: Sitting still for hours often leads to fluid building up in the legs and feet. Graduated compression (tighter at the ankle, looser toward the knee) helps push that fluid back into the bloodstream. Many users report that their ankles and feet remain noticeably less swollen by the end of the flight when they wear compression socks.

• Helps Prevent Blood Clots (DVT): Long flights are a known risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a dangerous clot in leg veins. High-quality studies (Cochrane reviews) show that wearing compression stockings significantly lowers the risk of asymptomatic DVT on flights longer than 4–5 hours. For example, one analysis found that on long flights, compression stockings cut the incidence of hidden clots from about 1% to 0.1% in low-risk travelers, and from 3% to 0.3% in high-risk travelers. While the absolute risk of a clot on any given flight is low (about 1 in 4,600 on flights over 4 hours), compression socks are a simple, safe way to reduce that risk and keep your legs comfortable.

• Relieves Discomfort: Many travelers experience aching legs and feet on planes. Compression socks support the veins and muscles, easing fatigue, soreness, and the feeling of “heavy legs”. In fact, Different Touch’s knee-high compression socks are described as relieving “discomfort, fatigue, inflammation, and stiffness in the lower extremities” while boosting circulation. This can make even a very long flight feel more manageable.

• No Serious Downsides: Compression socks are safe for most people. There are virtually no adverse effects reported from wearing them during travel. Experts note that if you can tolerate them and they make your legs feel better, you may as well wear them. They won’t hurt you, and they might help. (Of course, if you have certain circulatory conditions, always check with a doctor first.)

Using compression socks on flights is widely recommended by doctors and travel health authorities. For instance, the American Family Physician notes that compression stockings are “effective at reducing asymptomatic DVT” in airline passengers on flights over five hours. The American Heart Association cites Cochrane evidence confirming that “airline passengers… can expect a substantial reduction in the incidence of symptomless DVT” if they wear compression stockings. In short, for most travelers—especially on long-haul flights—compression socks are good for flying. They improve circulation, prevent swelling, and add a layer of precaution against clots.

How and When to Wear Compression Socks on a Flight

Getting the timing and fit right is key to maximizing the benefits of compression socks for flying:

1. Put them on before boarding. The best time to wear your compression socks is before you get on the plane. Health experts advise putting the socks on in the morning or at the gate before boarding, while you’re still able to move around. This ensures the socks are properly fitted and that your legs are compressed from the very start of the journey. If you try to put them on in your cramped seat mid-flight, it can be very difficult. Instead, slip them on at home or at the airport just before departure.

2. Wear them throughout the flight. Keep your compression socks on during the entire flight, from takeoff until after you exit the plane. You can even wear them for the drive to the airport to get maximum benefit. Compression socks can be worn for many hours at a time. After a long flight, it’s fine to keep them on for a bit—until the swelling has gone down back on solid ground. Once you’re walking normally again and swelling is gone, you can remove them.

3. Put them back on after stops. If you have connecting flights or layovers, put the socks back on before boarding each plane. For very long journeys with multiple flights, it’s wise to keep wearing them until you’re finished flying.

4. Practice wearing them. Compression socks can be snug, so it may take a couple of tries to get them on comfortably. Try them at home before your trip to break them in. This way, you know how they fit and can adjust straps or sizing if needed. On the plane, you may want to unroll and reposition them if they get bunched up.

5. Adjust if needed. Compression socks come in various compression levels (8–15 mmHg, 15–20 mmHg, etc.). If they feel too tight, try a lighter compression. If they feel too loose, a stronger sock may be better. Dr. Eri Fukaya from Stanford suggests starting with a medium compression (15–20 mmHg) sock to see how it feels. You can also test one leg with the sock and one without to feel the difference.

6. Keep moving and stay hydrated. Don’t rely on socks alone. While flying, stand up and walk the aisle every hour if possible, flex your ankles and calf muscles in your seat, and drink plenty of water. These habits further promote circulation. Loose clothing (including loose underwear and no tight belts) also helps blood flow. But even with all these measures, compression socks add an extra layer of protection and comfort.

By following these steps—wearing the socks from the start of your travel and keeping them on through the flight—you’ll get the full anti-swelling benefit. In practice, this means wear compression socks from the airport to the end of the flight, removing them only when normal activity resumes and your legs feel back to normal.

Tips to Avoid Swelling and Clots on Flights

• Wear loose, breathable clothing (no tight elastic bands on ankles or knees).

• Drink plenty of water before and during the flight. Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol.

• Walk or stand up every 1–2 hours (even just to the restroom and back).

• Do calf raises, ankle rolls, and toe flexes in your seat periodically.

• Stow carry-ons above your head so you can stretch legs; avoid cramped positions.

• Put compression socks on as outlined above (they do the squeezing when you can’t move much).

Compression socks aren’t the only precaution, but they complement all these steps. Remember, preventing clots on a flight is about good habits and good gear.

Choosing the Best Compression Socks for Flying

Compression socks come in several styles and compression levels. Choosing the right sock for flying will make them more effective and comfortable:

• Length (Ankle, Crew, Knee-High):

• Knee-High socks offer the most coverage, squeezing the entire calf and lower leg. They are highly effective for circulation and are often recommended for plane travel. Different Touch’s knee-high socks are even marketed for travel; they “help circulation and relieve tired, aching legs” on flights. If you prefer extra support, knee-high socks are ideal.

• Crew-Length socks reach mid-calf. They still improve circulation to much of the leg and are often more breathable. They work well if you want a balance between support and lightness.

• Ankle Socks stop at the ankle. They are easiest to wear but apply compression only to the feet and ankles. Ankle socks can still reduce swelling there, but they miss calf support. They’re fine for shorter flights or if you dislike higher socks. (Different Touch’s ankle compression socks are similar to athletic socks and can work for travel too.)

• Compression socks come in many styles. Knee-high socks (as shown above) support the entire calf and are recommended for long flights. Crew and ankle-length socks are lighter options. Choose the style that you feel comfortable wearing for hours.

• Compression Level (mmHg): Compression strength is rated in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). For flying:

• Mild (8–15 mmHg): Light support. Good for mild swelling or preventive use on short flights.

• Moderate (15–20 mmHg): Most common for travel. This is often the sweet spot – it noticeably reduces swelling on long flights without being too tight. According to travel experts, 15–20 mmHg is typically recommended for flights as it “helps with swelling and reduces the risk of clots”.

• Firm (20–30 mmHg): Strong support. Best for people with chronic swelling, varicose veins, or high clot risk (history of DVT, clotting disorders, pregnancy, etc.). If you have a medical condition or severe leg edema, a 20–30 mmHg sock may be advised (sometimes prescription).

• Extra Firm (30–40 mmHg): Very strong compression. Usually prescription only, used for treating DVT, severe edema, or post-surgical use.

• In general, for healthy travelers on long flights, 15–20 mmHg is ideal. It’s strong enough to give real benefit but not so tight that it causes discomfort. (If 20 mmHg feels too snug, step down to 15 mmHg.) In fact, experts like Dr. Fukaya recommend starting with a medium (15–20 mmHg) sock and adjusting as needed.
  When shopping, look for socks labeled for travel or athletic use with a stated mmHg. Different Touch offers socks in the 8–15 and 15–20 mmHg ranges, which cover most travelers’ needs. Check the sock’s fit on your leg – it should feel snug but not painfully tight. Avoid socks that cut off circulation.

• Material and Fit: Compression socks are usually made of a nylon/spandex blend. Look for breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. Shoestring or elastic-free tops prevent extra constriction. Most socks come as unisex or men’s/women’s sizes. Different Touch’s socks, for example, use TruDry moisture-wicking in crew models for comfort. Ensure the sock isn’t bunching up or sliding down. In general, choose a sock that stays up without cutting into your skin.

• Graduated Compression: True medical-grade compression socks have a graduated compression, meaning the pressure is strongest at the ankle and decreases up the leg. This is exactly what you want for traveling. Avoid “anti-embolism” socks (used only in hospital beds) or elastic socks. All Different Touch compression socks use graduated compression to push blood upward.

• Design and Patterns: Compression socks now come in many colors and patterns, so you can look stylish (or athletic) even at 30,000 feet. While appearance doesn’t affect performance, you’ll likely wear them longer if they appeal to you. As one blogger notes, fun patterned compression socks make you more likely to use them on flights. (Different Touch offers many colorful patterns in our crew and knee-high ranges – see [Crew Compression Socks] and [Knee-High Compression Socks] pages for fun designs.)

Men’s and Women’s Compression Socks

Men and women benefit equally from compression socks. The only difference is sizing and sometimes style. For example, men’s compression socks are made a bit larger to fit bigger calves or shoe sizes. Different Touch carries men’s knee-high compression socks (8–15 mmHg and 15–20 mmHg packs) and ankle socks designed for men’s feet. These feature masculine colors or neutral patterns. Women can choose from our wide range of prints and fitted sizes.

Importantly, whether men or women, everyone’s legs can get stiff and swollen on long flights. The same guidelines apply. Pregnant women should take extra precaution (see below), but any passenger who wants to travel more comfortably can wear compression socks.

Compression Socks for Pregnant Travelers

Pregnancy puts extra strain on leg veins and increases clot risk. For pregnant flyers, compression socks can be particularly helpful. The Mayo Clinic notes that “air travel can raise the risk for blood clots in the legs… The risk is higher for pregnant people,” and recommends moving around and wearing compression stockings to improve blood flow on long flights. In pregnancy, the enlarging uterus slows leg circulation, leading to swelling (edema) and varicose veins. Compression socks alleviate this by supporting the veins and pushing fluid out of the legs.

• Benefits: Pregnant flyers often experience swollen ankles and fatigue after travel. Graduated compression helps minimize fluid retention and relieve pressure in the legs. Many obstetricians advise wearing compression socks on flights beyond 4 hours, especially in the third trimester or if you already have swelling.

• How to Choose: A moderate (15–20 mmHg) compression sock is usually appropriate for pregnancy. If you have significant edema or a clotting history, a physician might suggest a firmer sock. The sock should fit snugly but should not dig into your legs. Different Touch’s cotton-blend compression socks can be comfortable for sensitive pregnancy feet, and they list “travel” and “pregnancy” as ideal uses.

• Safety: If you have any pregnancy complications (pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, blood clot history), talk to your doctor first. But for most normal pregnancies, compression socks are safe and beneficial. Always wear loose clothing and stay hydrated as well.

In summary, pregnant women often do well with compression socks on flights to reduce swelling and clot risk. They should put the socks on before travel and keep them on throughout the flight, just as other travelers do.

Our Recommended Compression Socks for Flying

Different Touch carries a wide selection of compression socks ideal for travel. Here are a few highlights:

• Knee-High Compression Socks (15-20 mmHg): For maximum support, our Knee-High Compression Socks provide 360° coverage and graduated compression along the calf. These are great for long flights and come in solid or patterned designs. For example, Dr. Shams knee-high socks (15–20 mmHg) are sold in 6-pair packs and are specifically marketed for “Air Travel” and daily comfort.

• Crew Compression Socks (15-20 mmHg): Our Crew Compression Socks stop just below the knee and use TruDry moisture-wicking fabric. They’re ideal if you want strong support without full knee coverage. These come in many colorful prints and are very popular for travel. The cushioned ankle and breathable mesh in our crew socks add extra comfort on long flights.

• Ankle Compression Socks (8-15 or 15-20 mmHg): If you prefer shorter socks, we offer Ankle Compression Socks (some in 2-pack sets). These look like athletic socks but have graduated compression to help prevent ankle swelling. Ankle socks are a good choice for shorter flights or for people who dislike taller socks.

• Men’s Compression Socks (8-15 or 15-20 mmHg): Our men’s styles (knee-high and ankle) come in suitable sizes (men’s shoe 9–12, etc.) and mild compression. For example, the Knee High Compression Socks | Graduated Cotton Mild 8-15 mmHg | Men’s (6 Pairs) are tailored for male travelers. Men can also choose our crew and ankle lengths for travel.

• Specialty & Maternity: We also have compression socks labeled for nursing, pregnancy, or medical use. For instance, our cotton-blend graduated socks are ideal for running, diabetes, pregnancy, and travel.

Compression socks for men come in stylish designs too. The men’s compression socks above are sold in multi-packs (in 8–15 mmHg and 15–20 mmHg options) and are specifically marketed for travel and leg fatigue. They help improve circulation on flights just like women’s socks do.

Key Tips: Always measure your calf and foot per the manufacturer’s chart before buying. If you’re in-between sizes, try the larger size for comfort. Remember that a snug fit (without pinching) is needed for benefit. Different Touch offers free shipping over $50, so you can mix and match styles.

FAQs about Compression Socks for Flying

Q: Are compression socks good for flying?
A: Yes. Compression socks are very beneficial during flights. They improve blood circulation in your legs, which helps prevent swelling and discomfort. Studies show that compression socks significantly reduce the chance of developing in-flight clots (asymptomatic DVT). They also make long flights more comfortable by relieving tired, achy legs. Many travelers find that compression socks help them feel better during and after a flight.

Q: Do I really need compression socks for flying?
A: It depends on the flight and your risk factors. For most healthy travelers on short flights, compression socks are optional. Guidelines say they’re not necessary for low-risk people on short hops. However, if you have a long flight (especially over 4–5 hours) or risk factors like pregnancy, obesity, history of clots, or recent surgery, wearing compression socks is a good precaution. Even if you’re not high-risk, many people wear them simply to reduce leg swelling. If you ask “why are compression socks good for flying?” the answer is because they improve circulation and reduce swelling with no downside. So they’re not mandatory, but they are a low-cost way to protect and comfort your legs on long journeys.

Q: When should I put on compression socks for flying?
A: You should put them on before your flight – ideally early in the morning on travel day or while you’re at the gate before boarding. This way your legs get the benefit from the very start of the trip. Putting them on at home or at the airport (not on the plane) is much easier. Once on, keep them on during the flight. You can also put them on before driving to the airport and leave them on until after you reach your destination. In short: wear the compression socks from takeoff through landing (and even a bit after), removing them only once you’ve resumed normal walking and the swelling has subsided.

Q: What compression level (mmHg) should I choose for flying?
A: For most travelers, a moderate (15–20 mmHg) compression sock is best. This level provides noticeable benefit in reducing swelling without feeling too tight. If you only have mild swelling, an 8–15 mmHg sock can help. If you have significant edema or medical concerns, a 20–30 mmHg sock may be recommended. Think of 15–20 mmHg as the standard travel sock strength. If you’re not sure, start with 15–20 and see how it feels: it should be snug, but you should not feel pain or numbness. Many of Different Touch’s socks come in the 15–20 mmHg range, which is ideal for most flying scenarios.

Q: How tight should compression socks be for flying?
A: They should feel snug and supportive, but not painful. A good test is to walk a few steps when you first put them on: you should feel even pressure up your legs, without any pinching or sharp pressure. According to experts, knee-high socks (rather than thigh-high) are usually recommended to avoid overly tight bands. If the top edge of the sock digs into your leg, try a larger size or a sock with a “comfort band.” Remember, all parts of the sock should be smoothly stretched out, with no wrinkles or folds. If the sock is too loose and wrinkling, it won’t compress properly; if it’s cutting off circulation, it’s too tight.

Q: Should I wear compression socks on a flight while pregnant?
A: Yes, it’s often a good idea. Pregnancy naturally increases leg swelling and clot risk, especially during long flights. Doctors often advise pregnant women to wear compression stockings on flights to boost circulation. Compression socks can help minimize your leg swelling (edema) and make you more comfortable. In pregnancy, a 15–20 mmHg sock is usually appropriate, unless your doctor says otherwise. Just be sure to put them on before flying and wear them all flight long. As always, check with your healthcare provider if you have any pregnancy complications, but for a healthy pregnancy, compression socks are generally safe and beneficial.

Q: What are the best compression socks for long-distance flights?
A: The best ones are those that fit well, feel comfortable, and have the right compression level (usually 15–20 mmHg). Many travelers like knee-high socks in 15–20 mmHg strength for the best support on long-haul flights. Crew-length and ankle socks in 15–20 mmHg are also popular for travel. At Different Touch, our travelers often pick the Knee-High Compression Socks (15–20 mmHg) or our Crew Compression Socks (15–20 mmHg) for international trips. Look for socks with reinforced toes or extra cushioning for long wear. Ultimately, the “best” sock is the one you will wear comfortably all flight. We encourage you to try a few styles – for example, our 6-pair packs are a great value for stocking up. Remember, even a light compression sock is better than none on a very long flight.

Conclusion

Compression socks for flying are a simple, science-backed way to improve your comfort and safety on planes. By boosting circulation and reducing leg swelling, they keep your feet and calves feeling fresh from takeoff to landing. They have been shown to cut the risk of silent blood clots on long flights. For most travelers (and especially pregnant passengers or those with risk factors), wearing a pair of compression socks on a flight is a smart, proactive choice.

Ready to try them? Visit Different Touch’s Compression Socks collection today. Choose from knee-high, crew, or ankle lengths in the right compression strength for you. We offer stylish patterns and solid colors in both men’s and women’s designs. Don’t forget to wear them correctly (on before boarding and on for the whole flight) for maximum benefit.

Stay comfortable, stay healthy, and travel confidently! If you’ve tried our compression socks on your last trip, please share your experience. Your product reviews and social shares help fellow travelers fly happier. Safe travels!