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Bit of a saddo question but here goes…
I’ve reached the age where I’m finally accepting the logic of wearing compression socks on long haul flights. I’ve only ever flown in Economy but now I’m in the Avios cult and I’m flying Club Suite to Singapore in January. Since I won’t be stuck in a middle seat in Economy for 13 hours I’m thinking I won’t need them. Am I right?First of all, I’d check with an actual qualified medical professional rather than some points collectors on the internet.
Secondly, this is the site housekeeping forum.Secondly, this is the site housekeeping forum.
So is this where we discuss washing compression socks?
Depends on a number of risk factors for DVT and if they apply to you.
Being laid down for hours can be just as bad as being sat up for hours.
But being in Club means easier to get out of your seat and do a few steps.
Talk to a pharmacist in the first instance.
As far as the points angle is concerned buy them from Boots for advantage points and airtime rewards. Check your CC for a boots cash back offer.
Depends on a number of risk factors for DVT and if they apply to you.
Being laid down for hours can be just as bad as being sat up for hours.
But being in Club means easier to get out of your seat and do a few steps.
Talk to a pharmacist in the first instance.
As far as the points angle is concerned buy them from Boots for advantage points and airtime
rewards. Check your CC for a boots cash back offer.
Thanks for the advice and thanks for taking my query at face value. It constantly amazes me how some people on here can’t help being condescending and/or sarcastic.
OH gets cramp which freaks out cabin crew as they think she’s having a thrombosis. Lie flat seats haven’t helped but the socks and proactively taking oral rehydration therapy has eliminated them. Maybe your GP can discuss risk factors, but ours was a chocolate teapot.
Would definitely recommend speaking to a health professional.
Worst cramp experience I had when flying was on a lie flat business class bed, albeit I was pregnant at the time (so higher risk).
Hey Holidayguy, ignore the immature attempts at so-called homour in the initial replies. They’re the only ones laughing at their jokes.
I can tell you with absolute certainty that since you’re now travelling in luxury, you absolutely won’t need those compression socks no more, so chuck em in the trash right now and enjoy your flight.
*N.B. I am in no way qualified to offer medical advice, so you may wish to balance my opinion with that of someone holding the opposing view.
FWIW, I have had DVT, which was not flying related. That said, my Hematologist’s advice for flying was.
Don’t take any kind of tranquilizer.
No alcohol.
Go for a walk every two hours (two laps of the plane).
Squats are good as the lower legs act ‘like a second heart’
Try not no sleep, as this reduces movement.He never mentioned compression socks.
I asked chat GPT about aspirin:
’s the evidence-based answer:
🩸 The short version
For most healthy people, taking aspirin before a flight is not recommended to prevent DVT.
🧠 Why:
• Aspirin prevents arterial clots, which are platelet-rich (like those that cause heart attacks or strokes).
• DVTs are venous clots, which are fibrin-rich and form via a different mechanism — so aspirin doesn’t help much.
• It also adds bleeding risk (especially stomach or brain bleeding), which isn’t worth it for low-risk travelers.✅ What does help prevent DVT on flights:
• Get up and walk every hour or two.
• Flex and extend your ankles or do calf raises while seated.
• Stay hydrated, but avoid too much alcohol or caffeine.
• Wear compression stockings if your flight is over 4–6 hours.
• If you’re high risk (e.g., previous DVT/PE, recent surgery, cancer, pregnancy, or on hormone therapy), your doctor might suggest:
• Graduated compression stockings, and/or
• A low-dose anticoagulant injection (like enoxaparin), not aspirin.Thanks for all the advice folks! Neither of us are considered “at risk” unless being aged 66 is a factor? We visit family in Australia every other year and to be honest our 2024 trip was the first time that the journey took a toll on us. It was actually the reason I started down the points path and now we’re preparing for our first BC experience.
Being over 60is a factor, but on its own it isn’t that significant.
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