CS-01 · Compression Socks
Should I wear compression socks on a long flight?
The short answer
Many travellers do, because hours of sitting still is when feet and ankles swell most; if you have a history of blood clots or a condition that raises your risk, ask your clinician before you fly.
Sitting for hours lets blood and fluid settle in the lower legs, which is why shoes feel tight after a long flight. Graduated socks press most at the ankle and less toward the knee, which is why they are a common travel choice.
What people usually pick
15-20 mmHg for most flights. 20-30 mmHg for long-haul flights if moderate compression already suits you. Put them on before you leave home, not on the plane.
What socks are not
Compression socks are not a substitute for medical advice or prescribed treatment. Walking the aisle, flexing your ankles and drinking water still matter.
Questions people actually ask
Straight answers
Do I need 30-40 mmHg for flying?
Usually not. That level is normally worn on a clinician's advice. Most travellers choose 15-20 or 20-30 mmHg.
Knee high or thigh high for travel?
Knee high is what most people wear. Thigh-high stockings are for people who have been told they need compression above the knee.
Updated 2026-09-26. Nothing on this site is medical advice. If you have a condition, talk to your clinician before you buy.