Flight Socks

Having had a DVT a few years ago post flight I now always wear compression flight socks even in UC .

I know the ways to reduce the risk of DVT during flights have been discussed at length in the media but on chatting with friends recently it appears that whilst most do appreciate there is a risk they consider the socks too uncomfortable or in the case of my children just plain sad.

I'd be interested to know what the general feeling is about this?

Apologies if this has been discussed before.

[Darren Wheeler]

Personally I've never used them. I prefer regular, gentle exercise instead to keep the blood flowing. My favourite method is a circuit of the plane through the different cabins and back. Not the easiest to do I know, especially when Y is in the middle of a meal/drink service.

I don't believe in all this pills and potions that get banded about. Aspirin is the usual one mentioned but not recommended.

Thank you

I agree about the aspirin, apparently there is little evidence to support it. When I had my DVT (6 years ago) they were very pro the flight socks but my point in asking is that I am aware advice changes and other options may now be more relevant.

Mrs JP always wears flight socks and takes aspirin even in F, she has a family history of DVT.I wear them only in Y or W and I take an aspirin the day before.

I prefer a little walk, stretch, in seat exercise.

I have often wondered why Virgin, do not have an in seat exercise video on the entertainment system. I vaguely recall seeing some advice given, perhaps during the safety video, but maybe I am mistaken.

I find flight socks very uncomfortable.

Originally posted by nevadakaz
I have often wondered why Virgin, do not have an in seat exercise video on the entertainment system. I vaguely recall seeing some advice given, perhaps during the safety video, but maybe I am mistaken.

I'm sure I've seen a video on V:Port. From the VS website:

Do the exercises and follow the advice in the Virgin Touch programme on your onboard Virgin TV channel

I dont know if it still happens but a few years back I flew Air Jamaica and they tried to carry out an inflight (And obviously in-seat) aerobics session.

If I remember rightly very few people took part [:o)]


John

The IFBT should offer a deep tissue leg massage, that would beat socks and an asprin! [y]

[Decker]

Enteric coated aspirin and socks every time

We have used socks for quite a few years now. Don't find them uncomfortable at all, just different when first on. I now have the finer 'pop sock' style which look better on me, but John just has his original black ones.

I also do exercises very often.

Prevention is better than the alternative.

Thanks everyone - it's good to know that I am doing the right thing. Instead of a secret handshake maybe VFlyers at the end of the CC demo should raise a leg in the air and show off a logo embroidered sock?

I have been wearing the sox for a few years now.
Do they do any good? I don't know but feel better wearing them.
I do find that there always seems to be a draft around my ankles no matter which cabin I travel in so I wear the complimentary sox as well.
My daughters think that I should be settled in my straight jacket & sent on a one way trip to some where remote[:w]

We always wear flight socks and usually get funny looks from other passengers, sadly holidaymakers in economy as a rule who maybe think we are a bit paranoid.

I believe that anything that might just prevent a preventable condition is worth doing. We also carry in our hand luggage Airogyms, these are a bit like the blow up travel neck pillows, they are blue and made from strong flock material. They are long and blow up in two sections, you put them on the floor under your feet and push down on each side which moves the air from one side to the other. It's pretty hard work and keeps your legs moving whilst sitting.

In addition I always go walkabout or do exercises down the back of the aircraft and even on a night flight I refuse to go to sleep and walk around just to stay awake

Come to think of it maybe I am a bit paranoid[;)]

thelaceys

[Darren Wheeler]

On a BA 777 flight to Boston a few years a go I spent several hours right down the back by the emergency exit doing floor exercises. Masses of room and only a few distractions.