Yes, You Should Wear Compression Socks on Flights—a Former Nurse Shares the Important Reason Why

Travel + Leisure

15-06-2025

While it's a completely normal occurrence to experience leg, ankle, and foot swelling on a flight, it can be pretty uncomfortable. Rather than endure the physical distress, you can invest in a pair of flight attendant-approved compression socks.
Karen Young, a nurse-turned-flight attendant with nearly 50 years of experience in the latter role, shared with Travel + Leisure why compression socks should always be a part of your airport outfits. Read on to learn more about the benefits of compression socks, and shop her top picks from Amazon's fashion store, where these important travel essentials start at $20.
Before becoming a flight attendant, Young was a nurse who would recommend compression socks for patients with circulatory and cardiac issues as they increase blood flow to the heart, which in turn, supports a healthy circulatory system.
Now, working as a flight attendant, she says compression socks are 'wonderful' for travelers who want to ease swelling and avoid getting enlarged veins (a.k.a varicose veins); both are common during a flight because the change in air pressure, combined with dehydration and sitting down for long periods of time, leads to blood pooling in your leg veins, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fluids then leave your blood and go into the soft tissue, causing your legs and other parts of your body to swell.
Compression socks use pressure on your legs to encourage blood flow, which can reduce swelling in the legs and feet, and in more severe cases, prevent blood clotting. When Young was a nurse, she and her colleagues regularly recommended Jobst compression socks, which range from $26 to $74, but Amazon has comparable picks for less than $20. Keep scrolling to shop the best compression socks ahead of your next flight.
These compression socks from CharmKing use controlled pressure to help stimulate blood flow so it doesn't pool into your lower extremities from inactivity on the plane. The stretchy material makes them easy to pull over your legs, and the knee-high length will help provide relief throughout your leg. Young added that it's common to see flight attendants wearing compression socks on flights, and the reviews for this style prove it. In their Amazon review, one flight attendant said these prevent their calves from aching after a long day in the air on their feet.
This three-pack of compression socks includes a mix of neutral colors you can pair with any of your airport outfits and are 'very comfortable,' according to a flight attendant. They also said that they reduced their aches and pains. Another one wrote that their legs were 'noticeably less swollen and felt less sore at the end of the day.'
These compression socks have earned more than 60,000 five-star ratings, including one from a flight attendant who said that since wearing them, their feet feel better and 'recover faster.' They also have a reinforced heel for extra comfort and to help prevent uncomfortable rubbing in your shoes.
Dr. Scholl's compression socks are American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)-approved for promoting good foot health. They're made with mild compression to help encourage blood circulation and have the brand's comfortable Stay-Up Top cuff to prevent the socks from rolling down.
You can wear these Aoliks compression socks on the plane and your hikes; they're that versatile. The pressure provided on your legs helps with swelling and achy feet per the brand, which is especially helpful on long days of trekking up trails. One reviewer wears them on every flight, and said their legs no longer throb and they don't have restless leg syndrome.
If your feet are prone to sweating, you'll want to throw on these compression socks made from a breathable and comfortable material. One shopper, who's on their feet for up to 15 hours a day working across as many as four flights, said these socks make it so their toes 'don't feel like they're going to pop off like little sausages.' They continued, 'And I can see my ankles. These are miracle socks.'
Featuring a mix of nylon and spandex materials, these compression socks have a soft, stretchy feel that'll help keep your feet comfy and less swollen. The bottom comes with a non-slip design for extra stability, and the built-in heel cushion will add a layer of protection from blisters caused by shoes. One flight attendant called these their 'must-haves' for air travel, saying they noticed an immediate difference from the first wear, including their legs not being sore and feet not swollen.
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