Why You Should Wear Commission Socks When Flying

Meggan: [00:00:00] Hey everyone, and welcome back to Travel Tip Tuesday here with the Travel Mug Podcast. How are you doing this fine Tuesday, Jenn?

Jenn: I am doing great. How are you, Meggan?

Meggan: I'm good, thank you. All right, so a quick one for you today, but I came across this information and have some of these myself, but never thought of using them in this way, so I thought, why not share with our audience? Last year I was having, like, a little bit of the tingly leg situation, uh, while I was standing up, and I was feeling like my legs were a little bit fatigued, so I decided to invest in some compression socks. I have to say I'm a kind of person that loves, like, a weighted blanket and stuff, and these compression socks instantly felt like a hug for my legs. They just felt really good, um, and it's really hard to describe until you put them on and, like, you well feel compressed, I guess one would say. And it turns out there are some actual benefits as well to wearing them while flying, and we have talked on the [00:01:00] podcast in the past, uh, before about the importance of getting up and walking around during a flight, and this could be another great tip to remain safe while flying. Now, really not talking about high-end compression socks, 'cause apparently there are some where you actually need a prescription. Uh, but these are more along the lines of the ones you can get at your local pharmacy. And for flights, it is recommended to choose a mild to moderate compression level for the average flyer, but check what might be best for you. We are not medical professionals. And the advice as well is to put them on prior to boarding, so not once you're on the plane or in the air. It's something you can actually wear all day if you wish, but definitely prior to boarding. So a few of the benefits of wearing compression socks while flying are improved circulation, so the socks can help push the blood upward. can help prevent blood clots, so sitting for long periods, and I think that's what we might have talked about before, um, can cause DVT, which is deep vein thrombosis, and again, the socks can [00:02:00] help the blood from pooling and causing a clot. They also reduce swelling from fluid buildup known as edema.

The socks can help restrain fluid accumulation, they can help relieve fatigue. So the socks can help relieve your legs and feet from feeling tired after a long day of travel.

Now, of course, like I mentioned, do your own research into this, but I did look to see maybe who - for sure should not wear compression socks while flying, and I found they are not recommended for people have, uh, chronic venous insufficiency, a history of blood clots, or recently had surgery for varicose veins. also wearing the socks, I wanna mention, should not replace getting up and moving on a plane, um, and always staying hydrated, especially on those longer flights. So this isn't replacing the movement. It's just another thing to have sort of in your travel toolbox. So Jenn, have you ever worn compression socks on a plane, or would you now, or what are your thoughts?

Jenn: [00:03:00] Yeah, I haven't. I thought about getting them for my trip to the Yukon last year because I had a couple of, like, longer flights that were, like, six hours. Uh, but I, I didn't end up buying them, and I guess, you know, b- before I was like, "I am young and healthy, and who needs compression socks?" But, you know, now I'm in my mid to late 30s, and I'm starting to think I might need some compression socks.

And, uh, yeah, I, I'm very interested. I've never worn them, and the fact that you describe them as like a hug for your legs, I'm like, I, I might have to try them, just see, see what they're like.

Meggan: Definitely. It, they just instantly made me feel good. So yeah, I definitely would recommend even just for everyday wear or once in a while if your legs are feeling tired or tingly.

Jenn: Mm-hmm.

Meggan: Um, again, that is it for this week's Travel Tip Tuesday. If you have worn compression socks on a plane, we would love to hear from you about your experience with them. For us, you can always find us on social media at Travel [00:04:00] Mug Podcast, on our website travelmugpodcast.com, and no matter where you go in your travels, don't forget your travel mug. Bye everyone.