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The 14 Best Compression Socks for Long-haul Flights [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

777 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

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Why Do I Need Compression Socks?

The benefits of compression socks, how do compression socks work, pressure rating, graduated compression, size and fit, 1. the number 1 compression sock on amazon, 2. superior comfort, wicking, and breathability [ our top pick], 3. funky colored socks that offer more than sheer looks, 4. graduated compression technology infused with silver, 5. medical grade compression socks for extra support, 6. graduated support with a fuss-free design, 7. value pack for frequent flyers or large families, 8. 4-pack compression socks for women who fly long-haul, 9. plus-size c ompression socks that pack a punch, 10. graduated compression socks designed by an olympic athlete, 1. thigh-high support for long-haul journeys, 2. full-length pantyhose with compression and contouring, 3. pantyhose for ultimate support and protection, 4. top compression tights with slimming properties, tips to avoid dvt when you fly, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

If you’re planning on jetting away to far-flung shores sometime soon, be sure to pack your compression socks. These lightweight, over-the-calf socks help reduce fluid retention, swelling, and even the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Long-haul flights require many hours of sitting and restricted movement through minimal foot space. Keep yourself safe and comfortable by arming yourself with a pair of compression socks and simple leg exercises to improve circulation.

What Are Compression Socks?

Compression socks are socks or stockings that are specifically designed to reduce the risk of developing painful swelling or fluid retention when you fly, as well as dramatically reduce the risk of developing DVT.

You need compression socks because nobody needs to arrive at their destination with swollen feet or a case of DVT.

DVT is a type of blood clot that develops within a deep vein in the body, usually in the lower leg. It’s is a painful condition that, if left untreated, could lead to significant problems with your circulation and require medical attention.

In extreme cases, DVT can result in a pulmonary embolism, where the blood clot enters your lung, which requires immediate medical attention.

Compression socks help to improve the blood flow in your legs, lessen the risk of DVT, and reduce fluid retention in your legs. They’re especially useful on long-haul flights where sitting down for extended periods can increase the chance of swelling and blood clots in the lower extremities.

Bottom Line: Many travelers choose to wear compression socks when they fly to reduce their risk for DVT and lower fluid retention.

Compression socks offer a range of benefits for frequent flyers and first-time travelers alike. These include:

• Promote Circulation — Flight attendants and pilots swear by them, and you should, too. Compression socks can help the blood flow from your feet back to your heart, promoting good circulation even when you’re sitting still for long periods.
• Reduce Pain and Discomfort — Compression socks can also keep your legs from feeling tired and achy. Some studies suggest that they also prevent spider or varicose veins from forming.
• Reduce Odor and Sweat — A surprisingly pleasant side effect of wearing your compression socks during a long flight is that they’re moisture-wicking and full of odor-reducing, anti-microbial properties.
• Add Extra Comfort — Compression socks aren’t just designed for flyers, they have many practical applications on the ground, too. You can wear them to help reduce pain and discomfort when you’re running, hiking, sightseeing, or even just strolling around your chosen destination.

Bottom Line: With health, hygiene, and comfort benefits, there really isn’t a good reason not to invest in a pair of travel compression socks.

The blood in our veins has to work against gravity to flow back to the heart from our extremities. This process can be impeded by a lack of movement, resulting in the blood pooling in the veins of the lower legs and feet, leading to painful aches and noticeable swelling.

By squeezing the leg tissues and walls of the veins, compression stockings can help blood in the veins return to the heart, as well as improve the flow of fluid that can help reduce tissue swelling.

What To Look for in Travel Compression Socks

Compression socks are designed to be stretchy, while still being strong enough to provide the pressure needed to assist with blood flow. Many are made from Lycra, nylon, or polyester.

Many have additional technology integrated into their designs to help fight odor and to wick away moisture.

Compression socks and stockings offer varying degrees of pressure or tightness. These are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and relate to the amount of pressure they’ll put on your legs.

They’re rated as:

• Light: 10-15 mmHg
• Mild: 15-20 mmHg
• Moderate: 20-30 mmHg
• Firm: 30-40 mmHg

Light (under 15 mmHg) is for healthy people who stand all day, mild (15-20 mmHg) is the starting grade that prevents DVT in airline passengers, while moderate (over 20 mmHg) is medical-grade compression used for varicose veins, edema, and preventing blood clots post-surgery. Firm (30-40 mmHg) is usually used for chronic illness, post-surgery, or prescribed by a doctor.

Bottom Line: For travel, the minimum pressure rating would need to be in the region of 15-20 mmHg. For passengers with a high risk of DVT, you may want to opt for a higher rating. Either way, it’s best to speak to a physician to address your individual needs.

Some compression socks offer a consistent level of compression across all areas of your feet and legs, while others provide graduated compression to increase efficiency.

Graduated compression socks are designed to apply a higher level of pressure at the ankle, while the pressure decreases the further the sock rises up the leg, making swelling less likely.

Compression socks need to fit well for them to work effectively. Each manufacturer will provide a sizing guide on the packaging, making it easy for you to find the perfect fit.

You should ensure that the measurement of the foot matches your shoe size, as well as the measurement for your calves. Your socks must be snug, but not too tight.

The 10 Best Compression Socks for Travel 

Physix gear compression socks for men and women (20-30 mmhg).

These durable compression socks are available in an array of sizes and colors and are a solid choice for both travelers and athletes looking to boost circulation.

Unlike some of the stiffer versions on the market, these are made from high-quality Lycra material that helps to wick away moisture and offer support, while remaining soft and supple.

Engineered with the latest arch to calf compression technology , these socks offer targeted foot-to-calf muscle support that has circulation-boosting properties to enhance oxygen blood flow.

These will keep you comfortable while you travel and reduce your risk of developing DVT.

What We Like

• Available in a range of colors

What We Don’t Like

• Handwash only

Swiftwick is an international brand specializing in high-performance socks that can be used in every situation, from running to snow sports and everything in between.

Swiftwick’s extensive product range includes a huge range of socks in 9 different cuff heights, 7 cushion types, a massive range of colors, and 3 types of compression. No matter what your needs, you’ll find the perfect sock.

The ASPIRE range offers a firm level of compression, making them suitable for air travel. For those wanting moderate compression, you can also look at the PURSUIT Twelve.

With excellent wicking ability, high breathability, and made with comfort in mind, this is more than just a sock for flying. You’ll want to wear these for everything.

• Thin profile socks with a barely-there feel
• No range of colors in the ASPIRE range

NEWZILL Compression Socks (20-30 mmHg) for Men and Women

Offering graduated compression (20-30 mmHg), these compression socks stimulate blood flow to improve the oxygen delivery to your muscles. When sitting on a long-haul flight, keeping the blood pumping around your body is vital to reduce the risk of DVT or other blood clots.

Compression socks like these not only help to prevent cramping, swelling, and circulation issues, they also come in a range of brightly colored, funky designs, too .

Made using NEWZILL’s patented Clima-Pro technology, these socks prevent the growth of bacteria while wicking away moisture to keep your feet both comfortable and clean.

The combination of Lycra, spandex, and nylon offers impressive flexibility, making these socks easy to get on and off, while still providing a substantial level of support and compression.

Vitalsox Graduated Compression Socks

Made from a blend of Silver Drystat, spandex, Lycra, and nylon, these compression socks offer 4-way stretch and are beautifully soft and pliable.

Designed using quick-drying polypropylene infused with silver, these exotic-sounding socks can prevent the growth of bacteria while repelling unwanted odors. It’s not just soft, sweet-smelling feet that you will be left with when wearing these, either.

The patented compression system offers plantar ligament and arch support that continues up past the calves , helping to increase blood flow and reduce the risk of painful swelling during long-haul flights and periods of inactivity.

Compression Socks for Men and Women — 30 to 40 mmHg

These medical-grade compression socks are perfect for travelers recovering from injury or suffering from DVT, chronic leg fatigue, and severe swelling, among other medical conditions.

Made from sweat-wicking, breathable nylon spandex, these socks cover the shin and calf muscle to offer a high level of support, while still being soft and supple enough to let you move your feet and legs easily.

Available in a range of smart, contemporary colors, these compression socks do a good job of keeping leg muscles and veins properly compressed to boost circulation and help reduce the risk of DVT and other types of clotting.

Medical Compression Socks With Open Toes

Made from nylon and Lycra, these unisex, opaque compression socks can help reduce the pain and swelling associated with long-haul flights, as well as lower the risk of developing DVT.

Featuring graduated compression technology, the socks are tighter at the foot and the ankle to help fight the effects of gravity and improve blood flow and circulation.

With a firm 20-30 mmHg compression rating, these socks are made from medical weight material that feels tight to get on but will keep you well-supported in the air.

With a reinforced heel and toe and a comfortable, non-constricting top band to keep your socks in place, these may not be the best-looking compression socks on the market, but they certainly claim to be one of the most effective.

Compression Socks for Women and Men 7 Pack

If you’re a frequent flyer or are looking to keep all the members of your family protected against DVT on your next vacation, this great value pack of 7 pairs of compression socks could be right for you.

Offering 360-degrees of stretch for greater flexibility and durability , these compression socks are designed to promote blood circulation and oxygen flow to help reduce pain, cramping, and swelling. Made from high-quality fabric, they’ll also help to fight off odors, bacteria, and unwanted moisture while offering premium support and comfort.

Women’s Compression Socks

Available in a range of attractive designs, these 20-30 mmHg compression socks are perfect for women on the go . With graduated compression, they offer varying levels of support to help improve blood flow and reduce the risk of developing DVT on long-haul flights and other journeys.

Made from extra comfortable, super-stretchy material, these socks will feel good, look great, and dramatically reduce the discomfort you might feel from sitting for a long period.

FuelMeFoot Plus Size Compression Socks

Uniquely designed for wider calves , these little beauties comfortably fit ankle circumferences up to 14 inches and calf circumferences between 16 and 24 inches.

Designed for all-day comfort, these plus-size compression socks provide effective stability for your ankles and calves, while the wide top band stays put to prevent your socks from rolling down.

Offering a graduated 20-30 mmHg compression level from the ankle upward, these compression socks do an excellent job of promoting better blood flow to reduce swollen feet, leg cramps, and most importantly, to help reduce the risk of DVT.

Danish Endurance Graduated Compression Socks

Made using Swiss medical stocking technology, these compression socks are made from top-quality materials and are breathable, sweat-wicking, and incredibly easy to get on and off.

Developed by a Danish Olympic medalist , they offer stylish good looks combined with unique technical features to keep you well-protected while you fly.

The 21-26 mmHg graduated compression level will comfortably aid circulation to help prevent the pain of cramps and swelling, while also assisting with the treatment of varicose veins, and help to reduce the risk of developing DVT while you fly.

The 4 Best Compression Sock Alternatives

Jobst relief thigh high 15-20 mmhg compression stockings.

Compression stockings provide a full-length alternative to socks and are often recommended by doctors to help treat symptoms commonly associated with vein disease . They’re an option if you want superior protection from DVT on long-haul flights and other journeys.

Designed using a woven 3-D knit structure using air-covered spandex yarn, they’re surprisingly comfortable to wear and the breathable material helps to prevent odor while also keeping your legs cool.

The silicone dot band also does an impressive job of keeping the stocking held firm on the thigh, preventing them from rolling down.

Medical Compression Pantyhose for Women & Men

These full-length pantyhose with open toes are especially useful for preventing the development of DVT on long-haul flights or in other lengthy periods of inactivity.

Made from nylon and spandex, they can also help to alleviate the pain and symptoms associated with varicose veins, edema, and shin splints.

These tights are designed to remove excess fluids through specially-designed, graduated compression . Not only will they help to keep you pain- and symptom-free while you fly, but they’ll also help to stimulate your circulation to prevent swelling in your lower legs and ankles.

Finally, this compression hose can also help to hone your silhouette, leaving you feeling good and looking even better.

BriteLeafs Opaque Compression Stocking Pantyhose 20-30 mmHg

These full-length compression pantyhose feature a graduated level of compression, starting with medical-grade 20-30 mmHg firm support around the ankle.

Their full-length design assures a higher level of support and protection that runs through the legs and the thighs , creating a contour effect and high-level compression.

For long-haul flights or even daily wear, this pantyhose is great for treating the discomfort of spider veins, leg and ankle swelling, edema, and even just tired aching legs from being on your feet all day.

Latex-free and made from spandex and nylon, they have a soft, microfiber feel, making them both comfortable to wear and effective against the risk of developing DVT.

Graduated Compression Leggings with Control Top

These footless compression leggings have a control top and graduated 20-30 mmHg firm support to keep you comfortable and reduce the risk of DVT.

Not only will these help to ease aches and pains associated with leg and ankle swelling and varicose veins, but the control top design and opaque appearance will also help you look and feel slimmer.

Made from a soft, comfortable blend of nylon and spandex with knit-in support, these footless tights provide a beautiful shape, while offering a high level of support for any activity, from long-haul flights to long days on your feet.

T hese are a stylish and practical alternative to regular compression socks.

Flying to faraway destinations, taking long road trips, or embarking on distant train journeys can see travelers sitting idle for hours at a time.

This level of inactivity can increase your risk of DVT, which is why so many travelers choose to wear compression socks every time they travel.

In addition to compression socks, there are other ways you can help to reduce the risk of developing DVT and prevent uncomfortable pain and swelling while you’re on the move.

Consider the following before your next trip:

Wear Compression Socks

Compression socks are designed to aid circulation and help the blood flow from your toes back up to your heart. Although your body is busy pumping blood without you having to even think about it, some circumstances mean it has to work harder to do so.

Sitting down or remaining inactive for hours at a time can impede the flow of blood around the body, causing pain and swelling and increasing the risk of DVT.

Compression socks apply pressure to your lower legs, helping to maintain blood flow and reduce discomfort and swelling. They come in a variety of sizes and fabrics and are increasingly popular with plane passengers and travelers.

Dress for Comfort

While your compression socks need to provide enough pressure to assist your circulation, the rest of your clothing should be loose, comfortable, and easy to sit down in.

Skinny jeans, non-stretch fabrics, and tight tops can hinder the natural flow of your blood supply, effectively cutting it off instead of applying pressure at the right points to ease it on its way.

Instead, dress in stretchy fabrics, loose-fitting tops, and anything that will be comfortable to sit in for long periods.

Stay Active With Anti-DVT Exercises

You can help to reduce the risk of developing DVT when you travel by taking regular stretch breaks and trying some simple legs exercises from the comfort of your seat.

Next time you’re sitting for a long time, try out these exercises:

• Start with your feet on the floor.
• Lift your heels while keeping the balls of your feet on the floor, and then hold that pose for just a few seconds.
• Put your heels back on the floor and lift up your toes.
• Hold this position for 30 seconds, then lower your foot.
• Repeat the stretch each way a few times.

Ankle Circles

• Lift your feet off the floor.
• Trace circles with your toes, rotating your foot at the ankle joint.
• Switch direction and draw circles in the opposite direction.
• Repeat both directions for a minute or so.
• Lift your foot off the floor, and straighten your leg as much as you can, while keeping your ankles bent and your toes pointed upward.
• Relax your leg, setting your foot back down on the floor. Repeat on the other leg.
• Alternate each leg a few times.

Knee Pull-ins

• Bend your leg and hug your knee as close to your chest as you can.
• Keep your back straight and hold the pose for a few seconds.
• Alternate each side a few times.

Walk Around as Much as Possible

Staying mobile is a great way to help reduce the risk of DVT. As much as possible, aim to stand up and walk around for a few minutes at regular intervals throughout your journey.

Whether you take a short stroll down the aisle of the plane, walk between carriages on the train, or pull over in a rest area for some stretching and walking, make time to move often.

Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated helps to improve circulation, lowering your risk of developing blood clots. When the body becomes dehydrated, the blood can thicken, making it more likely to clot.

On long journeys, make sure to drink plenty of water and avoid dehydrating liquids such as coffee and alcohol.

Don’t Drink Alcohol or Take Sleeping Pills

While it may be tempting to get into the holiday spirit from the moment you leave the runway, drinking during your flight can leave you dehydrated. This, in turn, can increase your risk for DVT.

Sleeping pills may knock you out, but they’ll prevent you from being able to stretch, walk, or perform simple leg exercises during your journey.

Whether you’re on a long-haul flight or merely looking to alleviate the aches and pains of standing on your feet all day, compression socks offer a simple yet effective way to ease painful swelling and reduce the risk of DVT.

When choosing the right compression socks for your next adventure, be sure that they’re made from stretchy, breathable material.

They not only need to offer excellent levels of support but they should also wick away moisture to keep you comfortable on even the longest of journeys. Proper sizing is key with compression socks as they should be snug but not too tight.

With compression socks on your feet, your next journey will be safer and more comfortable.

Looking for additional savvy travel products to improve your flight experience? Check out some of these other reviews:

• The Best Travel Neck Pillows for Travelers
• The Best E-readers for Travel – Includes Kindle Alternatives
• Carry-on Travel Essentials for Short & Long Flights (His & Hers)
• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can it be dangerous to wear compression socks.

Generally speaking, compression socks are beneficial, provided they’re worn properly.

This means having the correct size, pressure rating, and ensuring there are no wrinkles or bunching.

Compression socks may be unsafe for those who suffer from arterial insufficiency, skin sensation disorders, dermatitis, or pulmonary edema.

Please consult a doctor before using compression socks.

Is it a good idea to wear compression socks while flying?

Research shows that compression socks can reduce lower extremity swelling and the risk of DVT on flights that last more than 5 hours.

Travel compression socks promote circulation, reduce discomfort, and also help with foot odors.

Are flight socks the same as compression socks?

Flight and compressions socks are the same things. These lightweight, over-the-calf socks help reduce fluid retention, swelling, and even the risk of DVT.

How do compression socks work?

Can i wear compression socks through airport security.

It is OK to wear compression socks through airport security. Some people like to put them on before heading to the airport, while others prefer to do this onboard the aircraft. Be sure to consult your medical professional as to whether the socks have a recommended maximum wear time.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Travel Blue, Flight Compression Socks - Size Medium

Measurements (Centimetres/ H, W, D):

Size: S/M Product size (cm): 12.5 x 8 x 2.8

80% Nylon 15% Polyester 5% Spandex

Care instructions:

machine washable at 30 degrees

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Home > Guide To The Best Travel Products > Best Compression Socks For Flying Long-Haul

Best Compression Socks For Flying Long-Haul

We’ve narrowed down the best compression socks for flying long haul to save you from getting a dangerous DVT.

If you have read anything about long-haul travel recently , you will undoubtedly have heard three little letters being bandied about, D, V, T – Deep Vein Thrombosis. Preventing DVT when flying is something you need to educate yourself on.

DVT can be caused by prolonged periods of immobility, e.g., sitting in the economy on a long flight . When combined with other measures, one way to help prevent this is wearing a good quality pair of traveling compression socks for flying.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Do I Only Need Flight Compression Socks For Long Haul?

If you are going on a long-haul flight, you will be immobile for an extended period, which means you are at a higher risk of developing a DVT during the journey. We’re going to talk about a few other ways to help minimize the chances of this happening, but wearing flight socks can help knock down the chances massively. When it’s your health at stake, it’s not a risk you should take.

Even on a shorter flight, you can wear them. It’s the old saying, “it can’t hurt,” right?

Best Compression Socks For Long Flights Reviews

We’ve narrowed down the best flight compression socks for you; take a look and see which you love best.

1. Travelon Compression Travel Socks

★★★★ ☆ 4.5/5 stars.

This pair of Travelon compression socks for traveling is an excellent low-budget option, available in three different colors (white, black/gray, and brown/black).

Ideal for long haul flights, times when you are sitting for an extended period, and sports, these circulation socks for long flights are a flexible piece of clothing for your travels . The downside is that they are available in only one size, limiting who they are known for, with a low compression rating of 15-20.

2. Maternity Compression Socks

★★★☆☆ 3/5 stars.

This pair of compression socks for pregnancy are available in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes.

Made of nylon and spandex, they are designed to stimulate blood flow, with a compression rating of 15-21. These compression stockings for travel are also gradual compression and high medical grade, which gives you confidence and helps to boost blood flow to mom and baby .

The material is breathable, anti-slip, and anti-bacterial, with an open toe area to avoid that rather annoying ‘sweaty foot’ problem!

These are definitely among the best compression socks for women on the market.

3. Go2 Compression Socks For Women And Men

★★★★★ 5/5 stars.

Available in countless different colors and patterns, you can easily tailor your new pressure socks for travel to your sporting outfit! These travel socks for men and women are available in small, medium, and large sizes.

They are specifically designed for sports, and with a compression rating of 20-30, they are graduated in compression. The socks are machine washable and have a high user rating, giving you peace of mind.

4. SB SOX Compression Socks For Traveling

This excellent all-rounder compression sock is available from small to extra large. They are available in three different color combinations and have an excellent compression rating of 20-30.

You can wear these on long haul flights , but they are also ideal during pregnancy and for sports. The socks are designed to help reduce the build-up of lactic acid, which happens when you are static for too long or exercising, which is another benefit.

5. Pretty Polly Women’s On The Go Compression Stockings For Air Travel

Pretty Polly is a big-name brand and produces these beautiful compression socks for women. They come in two colors, black or hot pink, and one size only, which could be an issue for some people. These compression stockings for flying are made of nylon and elastane and are hand wash only. They come up to the knee to give extra protection.

6. CompressionZ Compression Socks 30-40 mmHg

This pair of flight compression socks for travel is ideal for sports or travel and is suitable for both men and women. They come in four color patterns, including a blue, pink, and patterned option.

Small, medium, large, and extra-large are the size options of these CompressionZ foot sleeves, and they have graduated compression, which gives you support where you need it the most. The material of these great airplane socks is lightweight , breathable, and anti-bacterial to avoid any issues when you are on the go.

7. Travelsox TSS6000 Graduated Compression Travel Socks

Available in six different color choices, these compression flight socks are ideal for travel and sport and are suitable for both men and women.

The compression level is 10-18, and they are made of a mixture of Silver Drystat, Lycra, and nylon to give the best protection against moisture and bacteria. These socks for airplane travel are graduated compression, which, again, gives you the support where you need it the most.

8. Laite Hebe Running, Sports, And Air Travel Compression Socks (3 Pairs)

These amazing compression socks for air travel make your long-haul flight significantly more comfortable. Combined with fashion, style, science, and technology, these knee-high compression socks offer great support, are durable and supportive, and are moisture-wicking.

They prevent blood clots while sitting for long periods, such as on long-distance flights and while working at your desk. Their 360-degree stretch, breathability, and high-performance nylon (40 to 85%) fabric make them great for sports.

This set includes three pairs and comes in a massive variety of color and pattern combinations. This makes them an excellent option for both women and men alike. 

9. Wanderlust Air Travel Socks

Ideal for long haul travel, this pair of support socks for flying is ideal for your long haul journey.

Suitable for both men and women, the socks are graduated in compression, with breathable material that is comfortable to wear. Available in two sizes, medium to large and large to extra-large, these socks have a 15-20 compression rating, which is undoubtedly supportive enough for a long journey.

10. Physix Gear Athletic Fit Sport Men’s & Women’s Compression Socks For Travel

These well-designed compression socks can be used for a variety of purposes. Comfortable materials and thoughtful construction made them ideal for various endurance sports, from running, hiking , and cycling to snowboarding and cross-country skiing.

They also make for fantastic compression socks for flying thanks to their fashionable look, multiple color options, stitch-free design, ankle support, and durable 20-30 mmHg sleeves. Additionally, the fabric’s moisture-wicking properties help these socks air dry in just a few hours. Super-handy while on the road! Suitable for both men and women.

Brands We Use And Trust

What are compression socks for air travel.

You might wonder, “why do I need compression socks in the first place?” or “what are compression socks good for?” or “do compression socks work on long flights?” The answer is as simple as it is crucial.

A pair of compression flight socks are a pair of long socks that come in various levels of tightness or compression and increase the blood flow in your lower legs, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots and swollen feet from flying. Thankfully, compression socks for plane travel are also much more attractive than they used to be, which is always a bonus!

What Features To Look For When You Buy Flight Socks For Travel

Pressure rating.

When you try to find the correct pressure rating, you must consider a few things. There are different compression ratings for various lengths of time you travel and those with existing circulation issues, such as varicose veins, etc.

The firmest type of compression sock, the 30-40 mmHg, is for those who need extra pressure, such as anyone with varicose veins and venous deficiencies.

Anyone with circulation problems is advised to consult their doctor before using airplane pressure socks. The lightest type of pressure socks for flying is 8-15 mmHg for those at low risk.

Graduated Compression

Graduated compression socks are flying socks with different compression levels for other leg parts. For instance, additional support and pressure is located near the ankle, decreasing as the sock moves up the leg.

Size Of Socks

The right size of flight support socks for your leg will ensure that the compression socks fit properly and, as a result, that the support is where it is supposed to be and at the right level.

Price Of Compression Socks

You need to stick to your budget. However, travel compression socks are generally inexpensive.

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Other Long Haul Flight Essentials

As well as your compression travel socks for long flights, what else do you need for your long haul flight? We made this list:

Long Haul Flight Essentials: Carry On Packing List To Travel Lighter

Part one is about what to pack for your long-haul flight to ensure you have a safe and comfortable flight. In part two are 14 tips to help you pack carry-on only. It’s the ultimate carry-on packing list , with all your needs met.

Whether you’re opting for carry-on only or checking in a suitcase to the hold, certain things are ‘must-haves,’ which we call ‘long haul flight essentials to have to be in your cabin bag. Forget something important, and your long-haul journey will not be as much fun as it could have been. And it certainly won’t be as comfortable as it could have been!

As for your carry-on packing list , I know it can be overwhelming. I was bamboozled with all the carry-on packing tips I saw on YouTube and Facebook. There are arguments for rolling clothes, special folding techniques, stuffing things in shoes, and everything in between. However, do not worry; below are 14 of the best carry-on tips you’ll ever need .

How To Reduce The Chance Of DVT When Travelling

• Stay hydrated with water throughout the journey
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine drinks
• Get up and walk around the cabin regularly
• Circle your ankles regularly
• Wear compression socks on the plane during the journey
• Make sure your compression socks fit properly

Benefits Of Compression Socks For Travel

• They help to minimize the chances of developing DVT and swelling
• They contribute to keeping your feet warm while traveling!
• They are available in a variety of different levels of compression so that you can tailor them to your needs

There are several compression socks for flying benefits. Still, the primary use is that compression socks help minimize the chances of developing edema (swelling) and increase blood flow in the lower legs.

By the way, a DVT is a blood clot that forms in the leg and causes redness, swelling, and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening. Therefore, wearing compression socks while flying dramatically reduces the chance of developing a dangerous DVT.

Now you can see how essential compression socks for long flights are, right?

Negatives Of Compression Socks For Travel

Well, they’re not the highest fashion piece in your wardrobe! On top of this, if you don’t get the size and compression level right, you will be uncomfortable throughout your journey. To find the right size, you need to consider your trip’s length, the size of your feet and legs, and take into account advice from your doctor.

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The 10 Best Compression Socks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These efficient socks will keep your legs feeling good, even throughout long flights.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

Being on your feet all day exploring a new city or sitting for hours on a long flight can earn you tired, achy legs and swollen feet. Compression socks are a simple, affordable way to stimulate circulation, which helps to reduce swelling and discomfort.

“You should feel a difference after the first time you wear them,” explains Dr. Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, who adds that your legs should “feel less tired” and any swelling should go down after a day of use. She recommends compression socks for flight attendants, nurses, service industry professionals, pregnant women — essentially, anyone who tends to be on their feet all day.

Here, we tested 13 different compression socks in the real world while flying, walking, and more, taking into account their fit, support, feel, and overall value in order to narrow down a list of our favorites.

Our Top Picks

• BEST OVERALL: Away Travel The Compression Socks at Awaytravel.com ($28)
• BEST PATTERNS: Levsox Compression Socks at Amazon ($20)
• BEST BREATHABLE: SockWell Women's Elevation Firm Graduated Compression Socks at Amazon ($30)
• BEST SUPPORT: SB Sox Compression Socks at Amazon ($23)
• BEST BUDGET: Charmking Compression Socks at Amazon ($20)
• BEST FOR COLD WEATHER: Bombas Women's Compression Knee High Socks at Bombas ($28)
• MOST COMFORTABLE: Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks at Amazon ($20)
• BEST COZY: Comrad Cozy Compression Socks at QVC ($25)
• BEST EVERYDAY: Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks at Amazon ($28)
• BEST FOR ALL-DAY WEAR: Bluemaple Copper Compression Socks at Amazon ($20)

Best Overall: Away Travel The Compression Socks

Their lightweight and odor-resistant fabric blend is comfortable enough for all-day wear — plus, their subtle two-tone style doesn’t scream “compression sock.”

The exact amount of compression isn’t specified, so those who require a tighter fit will want to keep reading for other picks.

Away has achieved cult status for their thoughtful, affordable luggage, so it makes sense that their travel accessories are just as well designed. Compression socks are highly recommended for travelers — whether on long flights or while sightseeing for hours on end — in order to reduce swelling in the feet and legs. These are crafted from a quick-drying, odor-resistant blend of organic cotton and Coolmax polyester, which will help wick away sweat and keep you feeling fresh and comfortable all day long. Plus, their two-tone design is actually stylish enough to pass as a normal sock, making them easier to blend with your daily wardrobe.  

These are a perfect pick for those who are looking for a lightweight, compressive fit — their actual compression rating isn’t listed, so anyone in need of a tighter fit will find plenty of other options on this list. We love that they never bunch or slide, but rather stay in place even throughout a full day of activity. They’re secure without digging into skin, and aren’t too difficult to peel off at the end of the day. It’s easy to forget you’re wearing them, which speaks volumes about their comfort level, which is in part thanks to their minimal-seam design. Travelers, in particular, will love these socks, as they make perfect plane and personal item companions. 

The Details: S to XL | Below the knee | Organic cotton, polyester, lycra, nylon

Best Patterns: Levsox Compression Socks

The variety packs are an excellent value buy, with four pairs costing less than $30.

They run long, and can extend to over the knee for those who are more petite.

You’d be hard pressed to find a brand with quite as many adorable pattern options as Levsox, which boasts 15 different variety packs (each including three to six pairs of socks) — think skull-themed options, nurse-specific designs, and tiny animal prints. But these back up their eye-catching looks with genuine comfort, thanks to a breathable fabric that offers snug 20-30 mmHg compression. They boast a little extra support around the arches and heels, which makes walking in them feel like a mini-massage for your feet. These feel closer to high-quality leggings or tights, offering full-range of flexibility and never digging into your skin. The best part is there’s no irritation where they sit at the back of the knee — the material is soft and silky, and holds up well in the wash.  

The Details: S to XL | Knee length | Nylon and spandex | 20-30 mmHg

Best Breathable: SockWell Women's Elevation Firm Graduated Compression Socks

The soft merino wool and nylon blend wicks away moisture and odors while still keeping feet warm and supported with medium compression.

The fit can vary slightly between orders of the same size, both in length and tightness.

Merino wool is a luxuriously soft fabric that boasts exceptional breathability, as well as odor-resistant and moisture-wicking properties that will keep your feet cool and dry throughout the day. Whether you’re working a double shift at a restaurant or taking a red-eye flight, these never get sweaty or sticky and allow for maximal air flow. The medium compression rating is excellent for daily use — particularly for thermoregulation and helping to reduce tiredness in your legs. We found that these are slightly difficult to pull on due to their tightness, but the stretchy nylon helps ensure a comfortable fit and keeps them in place once you’ve worked them on. They also hold up well to multiple washes, with no signs of pilling or shrinking after several runs through the wash. 

The Details: S to L | Knee high | Wool, rayon, nylon, spandex | 20-30 mmHg

Best Support: SB Sox Compression Socks

They offer extra cushioning in the heel and toe for additional support.

The thickness of the material may be too insulating for warmer weather.

With a cushioned sole and toe and dedicated arch support, these are more supportive than thinner compression socks and are easier to walk in on harder surfaces. The toe band is also designed to reduce blisters, and offers plenty of room to avoid crowding your toes together. We appreciate how the nylon and spandex blend is sturdier than some similar styles, so they won’t slide around in your shoes. The fabric feels soft and substantial, which is particularly great for colder weather — and while these are breathable and won’t get sticky or sweaty, they are a bit thick. To ensure they stay in place all day long, there’s an upper-calf band to secure them. 

The Details: S to XL | Below the knee | Nylon, spandex | 20-30 mmHg

Best Budget: Charmking Compression Socks

An eight-pack will run you less than $30 — plus, they’re available in a wide array of colors and patterns.

Their light compression rating can feel minimal depending on leg circumference.

These best-selling compression socks offer a light 15-20 mmHg of gradual compression, making them ideal for improving blood flow and reducing achiness in the legs when worn for activities like workout classes, long walks, or red-eye flights. Their light compression rating may not offer enough support for some people — depending on your leg circumference, you may want to size down to ensure a snug fit — but that also makes them a great starter sock for those who aren’t sure how much compression they need. 360-degree stretch offers plenty of flexibility without cutting into skin. We love that they’re available in such a wide range of colors and patterns, with the basic black ones looking indistinguishable from non-compression socks. With an eight-pack costing less than $30, these are a great affordable option for daily wear. 

The Details: S to XL | Below the knee | Nylon, spandex | 15-20 mmHg

Best for Cold Weather: Bombas Women's Compression Knee High Socks

Crafted from 70 percent long staple cotton, these are thick enough to keep you warm on chilly winter nights.

They can dig into your upper calves slightly at the top. 

Bombas is well known for their top-quality, long-lasting socks — and their Everyday Compression Socks are yet another case in point. Made from a super-soft and cozy long staple cotton blend, these run thicker than most of the options on this list. Thanks to their substantial material and the way their gradual compression increases blood flow, your feet will feel warm and toasty without overheating in these winter-ready socks. While they’ve got a lighter, daily-use compression rating, they offer a snug fit that can dig slightly into the upper calf, so those with wider calves in particular may feel constricted — but it’s easy enough to minimize if you roll them down slightly. We love the retro stripe patterns, which come in six colorways. 

The Details: S to L | Below the knee | Cotton, polyester, elastane, nylon | 15-20 mmHg

Most Comfortable: Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks

They run up to size 2XL, making these a particularly comfortable option for those with wider calves.

The sizing can be tricky, with some socks running too long in the leg or foot.

Whether you’re headed on a long-haul flight or your morning run, these soft and breathable socks will keep you comfortable while reducing swelling and leg fatigue. With a firm compression rating of 20-30 mmHg, these offer excellent support for pregnant women, athletes, and anyone who needs a tighter fit — they’re secure without feeling constrictive. Despite the tight fit, we love that they’re fairly easy to pull on thanks to the graduated compression, and that they won’t slide down throughout the day. Their ability to stay put is particularly helpful for those with shorter calves, on whom they may bunch slightly around the knee. Note that these are hand wash only, which will help them to retain their compression over time. 

The Details: S to 2XL | Below the knee | Nylon, spandex | 20-30 mmHg

Best Cozy: Comrad Cozy Compression Socks

These are just like your favorite soft and fuzzy winter socks, but with a little bit of added compression to keep your legs energized. 

The compression isn’t particularly noticeable in the leg.

You know those super cozy socks you seem to buy a new pair of every winter? The cloud-soft fuzzy kind? These are exactly like them, only with the addition of the lowest grade of gradual compression, which is designed to help with mild aching or swelling in the legs and feet. While there’s barely any compression in the leg, it does help to ensure they stay in place at all times. The compression is more noticeable along the sole of the foot, where it provides gentle cushioning and soft, supportive pressure which helps to boost circulation. Despite the fuzzy material, they’re still thin enough to wear with sneakers or boots without feeling constricting. 

The Details: S to L | Knee high | Nylon | 10-15 mmHg

Best Everyday: Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks

They’re made from a soft nylon blend that’s breathable and supportive enough for daily wear.

The material is relatively thin. 

Comrad’s everyday knee-high compression socks are like a gentle hug for your legs. With a light compression rating, they’re designed to help alleviate discomfort and muscle stiffness during long days on your feet, overnight flights, or workout recovery. They offer support without feeling constricting, which makes them easy to wear throughout the work day and beyond. We love that they’re available in three stylish and sophisticated ombre designs, which stand out from the other playfully-patterned socks on the market. They’re crafted from a breathable nylon blend that increases airflow, with antimicrobial properties that keep your feet feeling (and smelling) fresh. The material is somewhat thin, which makes these less comfortable to wear without shoes than more padded options, but there is still a slight cushion in the toe and heel.  

The Details: S to L, and wide sizes | Knee high | Nylon, spandex | 15-20 mmHg

Best for All-day Wear: Bluemaple Copper Compression Socks

The graduated compression increases from the top of your leg to your ankle, offering tailored support.

After eight-plus hours, they can start to feel slightly constricting.

Whether you’re sightseeing in a new city or working from home at your laptop for eight hours a day, compression socks provide lasting relief from tired, achy legs. Finding a pair that’s comfortable enough to wear all day long can be tricky, but thanks to the graduated compression in these copper-infused socks, they feel snug in all the right places without constricting your movement. These feature just 10-15 mmHg around the top band, while there’s a lightweight 15-20 mmHg of compression through the calf and a firm 20-30 mmHg of compression for secure ankle support. We appreciate that there’s an enormous variety of colors and patterns to choose from, with 42 different combinations including pastels, neons, Christmas-themed designs, and more. 

The Details: S to XL | Knee high | Nylon, polyester | Graduated, 10-15 mmHg to 20-30 mmHg

Other Compression Socks We Liked

The following compression socks didn’t quite make our list of the very best, but are still worth an honorable mention.

• Sockwell Moderate Graduated Compression Socks : These below-the-knee socks are a warm and cozy choice for winter thanks to their snug 15-20 mmHg of graduated compression, which helps to boost circulation and retain warmth in the toes. While the merino wool material is extra cozy, the threads can pull easily on the inside of the sock, so you’ll need to take care not to snag them on a toenail. 
• Lululemon Women's MicroPillow Compression Knee-High Running Sock : Designed for running, these knee-high socks are made of breathable mesh material and boast extra support in the heel, plus proprietary MicroPillow light cushioning for an optimal exercise experience. There’s a distinct left and right toe seam that doesn’t sit quite right, requiring frequent readjustment.

Our Testing Process

We tested 13 pairs of compression socks, taking into account their comfort, support, fit, and overall value. We wore them out in the real world as well as at home every day for a full week, keeping them on for full days when we were on our feet for hours at a time, and for days when we sat in place without moving for hours. We took note of how our legs felt throughout the day, paying attention to if they showed reduced swelling or felt less tired. We washed them between wears according to the care instructions, checking to see how well the compression and material held up to multiple washes. Testers will continue to wear the products and collect further insights over an ongoing period of six months, in order to see how they hold up over time. Based on the products that scored the highest in our testing and further in-depth research, we compiled this list of the best compression socks. 

Tips for Buying Compression Socks

Know when to use compression socks.

Compression socks are great for wearing while flying to help circulation, and they should also be used whenever you are on your feet all day or sitting in the same position for hours at a time. “If you’re in the same position all day, the blood is pooling up at your feet,” explains Dr. Valencia. She notes that you should wear them “continuously as you’re doing the thing that keeps you in the same position all day long.”

Understand compression levels

There are two types of compression levels: store-bought and medical grade. “Most people are okay with store bought unless you have a history with varicose veins, a vascular issue, or a peripheral vascular disease,” says Dr. Valencia. The different levels are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), starting at 10-15 mmHg, with higher numbers equalling stronger compression. Most store-bought options are between 10-40 mmHg; above that, you’ll typically need to get a doctor to write a prescription. 

Factor in features

Beyond the compression grade, you’ll want to prioritize socks with a breathable, odor-resistant material, which will help you to feel comfortable and fresh when you’re on your feet for hours at a time. This will help to avoid any sweaty, sticky socks. 

Dr. Valencia also suggests finding socks that are easy to put on. “A lot of times they’re so tight and hard to put on that people won’t wear them,” she says. While you want them to provide pressure on your feet and legs, you don’t want them to be so constricting that they’re impossible to get on in the first place.

Dr. Valencia suggests starting with the lowest over-the-counter compression grade (10-15 mmHg) and working your way up from there. “If you still find that there’s swelling at the end of the day and there’s leg pain, you should see a vascular specialist and you’ll get stronger socks,” she says. 

For general wear, most compression socks are designed to be comfortably worn all day long. You can wear them for a full 24 hours, but even the comfiest socks may start to feel itchy and uncomfortable after the 12-hour mark, so you may want to give your feet time to breathe in between wears (and be sure to wash or change your socks!). If you wear prescription-grade compression socks, wear them according to your doctor’s instructions. 

Yes, although there’s no real need while you’re lying flat in bed, as they won’t affect your circulation. Still, you can feel free to wear them – just be sure to switch them out daily. 

Generally speaking, compression socks are a safe and simple way to reduce swelling and tired legs. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about any potential medical conditions that would impact your ability to wear compression socks, such as circulation disorders or easily irritated skin. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, T+L contributor Sophie Dodd pored over the results of our compression sock testing and used her expertise as a commerce writer to research the top-ranked products in order to narrow down this list. She also received guidance from Dr. Diana Levin Valencia , a New York-based podiatrist, on what to look for in compression socks.   

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Flight Socks - M

SKU TB-791 Travel Blue Flight Socks - Medium

• The Travel Socks help reduce swollen legs and ankles caused by prolonged sitting.
• Tested and approved to British Standard 7563.
• Consumers with medical condition: please seek your doctor’s advice.
• Content: 80% Nylon, 15% Polyester, 5% Spandex.
• Tested and approved to BS 6612: 1985 (1992)

Compression socks are designed to apply pressure to the lower legs to help maintain blood flow and reduce swelling and discomfort. Made of soft Nylon, the socks are comfortable and kind to the skin. Perfect for long haul flights. Also available in Small and Large/X Large

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Size: M Product size (cm): 12.5 x 8 x 2.8

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machine washable at 30 degrees

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This was the best trip I have ever been on thanks to this great product. Really good value for money. Falling asleep while traveling is always something I get nervous about because I worry about injuring my neck. This product saved me from this and I am going to make sure I pack it for every trip. This really is a must-buy for any traveller. I highly recommend it.

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Trtl Travel Pillow

Trtl Flight Socks

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Trtl Flight Socks – Size

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• Trtl Travel Socks are made in 3 sizes to ensure the perfect fit and stop that 'too tight' feeling you get with most 'one size' compression socks
• Gentle Compression of 15-21mmHg reduces swelling and promotes circulation in your lower legs

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I just bought a second pair of these socks., fit perfect, awesomely soft and comfy, stylish and comfortable, so comfortable, amazing , they fit.

Please measure your calf and ankle circumference before choosing your Trtl Socks. If your measurements match 2 sizes, please choose the larger size.

Ankle Measurement: 22 cm

Calf Measurement: 37 cm

Ankle Measurement: 9 inches

Calf Measurement: 14 inches

How To Measure Your Legs

Key Features

Breathable COOLMAX® Knit with LYCRA®

Cushioned Support on Sole

Gentle and Graduated Compression

Great for Outdoor Activities

Flat Toe Seams to Reduce Rubbing

Creative & Fun Designs

Discover Our Compression Socks

We have designed a fantastic range of flight compression socks to make you look and feel great whenever you jet off on your next adventure.

Why Choose Trtl Flight Socks?

Trtl socks use a gentle compression to promote a healthy circulation in your feet and legs as you travel. Enjoy comfortable, breathable and cushioned support on the go.

• Made with COOLMAX® fibre and knitted using a breathable, comfortable knit.
• Lightweight and durable, made with LYCRA® for superior fit and shape retention.
• Cushioned heel, toe and sole with flat toe seams reduce rubbing and increase comfort.

Trtl Socks are comfort guaranteed and traveller approved. Get ready to feel refreshed on your next adventure!

Reduce the Risk of DVT with Flight Socks

Our flight socks have a gentle graduated compression of 15-21 mmHg to keep your legs healthy while you travel by improving blood flow and reducing swelling. This has been shown to help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which can be a serious problem when travelling.

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@almurph18  my doctors had me wear compression socks for months. Now I only have to use them when I fly or long travel days, but I’m always on the hunt for the best (and obviously cutest) pair.  And I’m absolutely addicted to these pairs from @trtl .... not just for when I’m flying. 

@eilishmccolgan Excited to get my next big training block underway, but for now it's time to recover after yesterday's 5,000m.Feet up. Compression socks on. There's more work to be done! 💪🏃 What's your recovery secret? #sockgamestrong 🍉

@jonreyesnyc @trtl compression socks reducing the swelling and promoting circulation after a long session. 🙏🏼

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@izaadavid reduce the risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) & foot and ankle swelling with these compression socks from @trtlpillow perfect for long hour flights! #trtlpillow

@rawtravelworld This interesting looking neck pillow by @trtl has been a life saver, and is 10X better then your conventional neck pillow. They have pretty stylish compression socks too 🙌

@deannasallao How hipster are these compression socks from @trtl It matches my shoes!!!

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Flight socks

Not tried on plane yet, but very comfy and perfectly long.

The Best Travel Socks

These were easy to get on and co.fi to wear

The socks were amazing when we recently travelled for 24 hours. 2 flights and lots of sitting. My feet were not swollen at al and I didn’t get restless legs like I usually do. I’d recommend to anyone

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Designed & built by Mucky Puddle

Constructed for Travelers

Inch by inch, constructed for travelers, inch by inch, whether you’re settling in on a red-eye or hopping onboard a cross-country train, travelsox work to maintain optimal circulation and contribute to total body wellness during long periods of travel., feel the difference graduated compression makes on your comfort and energy level, combatting swelling and reducing achy legs so you can focus on your trip..

Soft Padding In Flexible Structure

One of travelsox’s most-loved features, our ergonomic padding cushions feet at high-impact zones for greater comfort without adding bulk..

Ultra Flat Toe Seam

No more bunchy toe seams. travelsox toe pockets are closed with ultra-flat seaming, which lies flat against the skin eliminating pressure points and the dreaded droopy toe..

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No two feet are alike. our elasticized arch band adjusts to different foot shapes and sizes, delivering made-for-you fit and support..

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It’s easy to log some serious miles on your feet when you’re far from home. travelsox’s elasticized ankle brace supports the achilles tendon while providing greater stability for every level of activity..

Extra Stretchable Bi-Elastic Knit

Mechanical elasticized knits meet spandex to form a fabric that hugs and contours feet in all the right places. no uncomfortable wrinkles, rubbing or pressure points..

Non Binding Cuff

Prevent dvt.

200,000 people die annually of complications from deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. This condition occurs when a blood clot forms in one of your body’s deep veins, which can cause leg pain or swelling. It often happens when a person doesn’t move for a long period of time, such as during travel.

It’s a major threat because these blood clots can break loose, travel through your bloodstream and lodge in your lungs, blocking the flow of blood.

Compression socks are commonly recommended for individuals who travel, especially on long flights, to help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and promote overall leg health. DVT is a condition where blood clots form in deep veins, typically in the legs.

“Without fail, after a flight across the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans, my ankles and lower legs would become visibly swollen. Calf cramping became a major problem. Movement in the cockpit, massage, and drinking water did help a bit but not entirely.

Compression socks were the answer. a good compression sock minimizes lower leg swelling by creating an upward flow of blood through the lower leg. this helps to get un-oxygenated blood out of the legs and replaced with fresh oxygenated blood., the top of the line is made by travelsox® and is the rolls royce of compression socks. it gives maximum pressure in the ankle and extreme lower leg, reducing pressure towards the knee. since wearing this sock i have not experienced any lower leg swelling or calf cramping.”, captain dave walters, united airlines b-777, size charts, graduated compression socks, size chart compression, extra small xs, extra large xl.

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NON GRADUATED COMPRESSION SOCKS

Size chart standard, shop travelsox socks on.

TRAVELSOX TSS6000 PATENTED GRADUATED COMPRESSION SOFT PADDED FOOTBED

TRAVELSOX TS6600 PATENTED GRADUATED HIGHER COMPRESSION travelsox

TRAVELSOX TSC1000HC PATENTED GRADUATED HIGHER COMPRESSION travelsox

TRAVELSOX TS0867 PATENTED GRADUATED COMPRESSION DESIGNED FOR WOMEN

TRAVELSOX TS0967 PATENTED GRADUATED COMPRESSION DESIGNED FOR WOMEN

TRAVELSOX TS1167 PATENTED GRADUATED COMPRESSION DESIGNED FOR WOMEN

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Flight Socks

• Medically approved graduated compression socks

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• Available in small, medium & large

• Relieves tired, aching legs, feet & ankles

• Improves blood circulation & prevents DVT

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Best Compression Socks for Travel

Whether you’re traveling by car, plane or train, there are many health risks associated with sitting too long, the position of your legs while sitting on a plane, dehydration, and (when flying) low pressure and low humidity. Read More

These conditions can leave your legs heavy, swollen and achy, and can increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where blood clots form in a deep vein, usually in the legs. Compression socks for travel can provide relief from these symptoms, and many people find wearing compression socks for travel to be a significant improvement on travel comfort. 

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The Last Flight out of Moscow

Sep 15 2015.

When Delta ended its direct route to JFK, it represented the end of an era for longtime Russia expats like Resa Alboher

Earlier this year, Delta Airlines announced that it would be discontinuing its direct flight to Moscow from JFK this September through to at least the end of the year. I had taken that famed flight back and forth so often that Delta had become another home to me. First in the old business class configuration where my husband John and I most often sat in our favorite seats—row 5, seats A and B—and then when all the frequent flier miles ran out, in any exit row seats we could muster. The last direct Delta flight I took out of Russia in the spring of 2014 was on a ticket purchased at the very last minute in panicked response to an emergency.

At that time, John was in the U.S. after having been laid off from a position he had held for ten years. I was still in Moscow, pretty broke and teaching American writing at the Humanities University, when I found out that John was being rushed to the hospital in New York City. You should come here right away, my nephew texted to my Russian cell phone.

A friend in New York bought me a $600 ticket on Delta. I chose an emergency row seat with a lot of legroom. A Russian dude—beefy, attractive, with light blue eyes—was next to me in the window seat. Across the aisle was a kindly babushka who rarely flew and was afraid of flying.  Ya baius’,  she said to me—I’m scared—and reached across the aisle so I could hold her hand during takeoff.

At Sheremetyevo and at most airports in Russia, there are kiosks where you can buy Russian Orthodox icons. For a long time I would carry an icon or two whenever I traveled anywhere. Russia can make you superstitious. After two decades of living there, I cannot kiss or shake hands across a threshold or forget to look in the mirror before I go out, and it is physically impossible for me to go on a trip without sitting for a moment with my suitcase before I leave. In fact, it is only by living in Russia that I finally understood the poignancy of the scene at the end of Chekhov’s  The Cherry Orchard  when Lubov Andreyevna and her family leave their ancestral house for the last time. They sit for a moment with their suitcases, then linger, knowing they will never return. That is my fear about leaving Russia. Or leaving anywhere. Armed with icons, I am still afraid.

This last Delta flight had something of the epic to it. As the flight progressed, I was worried about John in the hospital. I paced out of anxiety and had an argument with him in my head.  You are always stubborn and wait till you are near death to see a doctor,  I said to John. I had been up all night on the phone with relatives and ambulance drivers, arguing with the real John who didn’t want to go to the hospital. I was exhausted. All I wanted to do was walk up and down the aisles having my imaginary argument with John until the plane landed. But in the section right before Business Elite a guy with a shaved head and what looked liked prison tattoos blocked my way. He wore military fatigues and was harassing a woman who was pointedly ignoring him as he said to me:

Where are you going? Where is there to go? Don’t go up there. Don’t you see that curtain? That is where the bluebloods sit. All the rich oligarchs and Jews. Don’t oligarchs have their own planes?  Good point,  he said,  but I don’t even want to talk with you. You are an American. Good you are going home. I want all the foreigners to go home.  Then why are  you  leaving the Rodina?  He was surprised.  How is it you know the concept of Rodina?  He paused, standing unsteadily on his feet.  The Motherland. Nothing in your English invokes this Russian word. You are a young country, a bunch of babies, what the hell do you know from Rodina? I lived in the Rodina over twenty years. Twenty years—twenty years are you telling me? How is that possible, your Russian totally blows. How is it you aren’t ashamed of yourself?  Actually I am,  I said.  I want to speak better Russian.  Well, we are speaking it now, and while your Russian sucks, I do sort of understand what you are saying, even though you have the accent of a Jew.

I met a man in the early 1990s who had been tortured by Russian speech therapists when he was a boy to roll his r’s so he didn’t sound like a Jew. He told us the story one night at a Russian banya party while we ate iced watermelon and drank horseradish vodka.  Oh it was awful,  he said.  The teacher stuffed pencils in my mouth. Now say reka. Ryba. Roman. But I could hardly say anything at all with all those pencils in my mouth.  He remembered spitting and nearly choking on pencils. He remembered the taste of lead.

The Russian nationalist continued speaking. You are a short woman. I am not attracted to you at all. You are my age, and might be even older. What are you, 48, 49? Something like that. I only like younger women and don’t like wrinkles and well, in this light, I can see you are starting to get some. I am not available anyway. Oh good. I don’t want to offend you. You don’t?  You know though, you  look  like a Jew . That’s OK, I  am  a Jew. You are a  Jew? He paused, then with a flourish said,  I am an anti-Semite. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Anti-Semite.  There was an uncomfortable silence, then something in his face softened as if he had made a decision. I like you,  he said. How could you? I am a Jew.  He laughed. Flying over Iceland, the Jew and the anti-Semite were on their way from the old world to the new.

John and I moved to Russia over two decades ago. He had studied Soviet Foreign Policy when there was still a Soviet Union. A few months after our first trip together to Moscow in the summer of 1990, the old empire began to collapse. John felt he couldn’t sit idly by in the U.S., watching the news on CNN. He wanted to be there in the midst of change.

While Moscow was the center of unfolding events in Russia, the first city we lived in was St Petersburg. Even with the post-Perestroika economy imploding, shops empty and people’s pensions wiped away, there was still a fervor in the St Petersburg arts and culture scene—an excitement I had never witnessed before and will probably never get to see again. Piter seemed central enough to me.

IN RUSSIAN SLANG IT TRANSLATES TO SOMETHING LIKE DORMITORY SHITHOLE

We were broke and living in the faculty side of a dormitory, called an  obshaga in Russian slang, which translates to something like “dormitory shithole.” Our  obshaga  rooms were nicer than the rooms the students got, but you had to tape up the windows from early autumn to the hesitant summer which began a month later than Moscow’s summer (we were so close to the Arctic Circle) to keep out the icy wind blowing in from the Gulf of Finland.

At some point, not the single year as planned, but maybe six limping years later, John got completely fed up. We were doing our laundry in the bathtub and the water was a perennial rusty brown. We had no kitchen and even with the taped up windows the cold wind cut through in a constant slow whistling howl. As I hung the laundry all over the room, John was cutting carrots on top of the Belarusian mini fridge that kept icing over no matter how many times we tried to defrost it. That’s it, he said, I’m outta here.

We returned to New York, but not long afterwards John was offered a position in Moscow. He came to Moscow first to find us an apartment, and I followed several months later. I remember that flight to Moscow as one of the most comfortable I had ever taken—I stretched out and slept across the Atlantic. John’s new job paid for business class tickets and sometimes we could upgrade to first. So for a while we flew British Airways in splendor back and forth. I drank smoothies and watched British comedies. In first class, they would give us pajamas and our choice of DVDs. I felt someone had made a big mistake letting us fly in such grandeur.

The other day I asked John, When did it shift? When did we start flying Delta? At that time in the mid nineties, Delta was the only U.S. carrier that offered nonstop service to Moscow. He thought for a moment: 1998. The financial crash. When the Gekko markets fell. You know, when everybody blamed George Soros. And when expats left in droves?

I remember the bank runs. I watched them from our windows that looked over the Garden Ring Road across to a bank on the other side, the desperate crowds outside the building trying to withdraw their funds. I thought of my parent’s childhood memories about living through the Great Depression. I was witnessing something like that as we continued living a normal life in Moscow.

We had the fortune of being able to escape and return more or less as we pleased. We ate ice cream sundaes on Delta Business Elite, watched movies and after a few runs across the planet and back found that we had our favorite and habitual row—row 5 seats A and B. As the plane took off, I would say Buddhist sutras quietly to myself and hold John’s hand. I love you, I’d say as the plane ascended. If the plane were to crash, I wanted him to know this. Everything’s OK, he’d say, but a few minutes into the flight when we had reached cruising altitude, almost like clockwork he’d turn to me and say, I’m bored. Shouldn’t they be bringing drinks and warmed mixed nuts by now?

Not all our comings and goings from Russia were in such luxury or with such ease. When John and I departed the first time, after traveling with a student group in the summer of 1990, we left by train from the Finland Station, where Lenin arrived to start the revolution. I was having trouble carrying my suitcases through the crowded streets and something in me gave way. I threw down the bags and wept. Something about the weight of our possessions made me snap. It was like I felt the burden of all those before us who had to leave Russia and could bring only a few suitcases with them.

Maybe my grandfather felt that way when he left. I never met him since he died before I was born, so I can only imagine what he went through when he travelled by ship from Odessa (in his time part of Russia) to Ellis Island. My mother felt like she belonged in Russia on her one trip to St Petersburg in the mid 1990s. I feel closer to my father here, she said with a kind of longing. Her side of the family wasn’t as happy I was living in Russia, always reminding me of the pogroms and anti-Semitic persecution that forced my grandfather to flee.

In my mind, I felt that my living in Russia could be a sort of reconciliation with the horrific bigotry my ancestors once faced. The simple fact of my residence in Moscow would be an act of forgiveness, wiping the slate clean. Whenever the plane began its descent into Moscow, I always felt like I was returning to holy ground.

I would argue with a friend about the soulfulness of Russia. That is such a myth, she once told me, the myth of the  rodina , of the Russian soul. I would insist that Russia is mythic, that there is something to the Russian soul. My friend would sigh and shake her head. You are deluding yourself, she said. Lately I have started to wonder what it would be like to put down roots. I thought I was putting down roots in Russia, but I was always a foreigner there. At times a welcome one, but a foreigner all the same.

Flying on Delta, I once had a memorable and heart-stopping arrival. We were about to land at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport one January morning. I felt the wave of relief I usually feel especially in winter when I see the frozen Moscow River below and the city as a kind of snowy topographical map, its white geometrical shapes forming a Malevich-esque painting.

As the falling snow pelted the windows, the plane suddenly heaved up in a dramatic rush. We all fell backwards and heard carry-on bags crashing from the overhead compartments and a huge bang when a service cart fell out of its storage area and went flying down the aisle. People around us screamed. I don’t remember if I screamed too, but I remember clutching John’s hand. And then we were horizontal again, back up in the clouds. The pilot made an announcement. Sorry about that, folks. We were almost there, but there was an unscheduled plane on the runway. Our pilot had avoided a collision. I saw passengers crossing themselves as his announcement was translated into Russian.

Now on my last direct Delta flight back to JFK, the Russian nationalist and I both looked out the window over the head of the woman who he had been harassing. The sun was creating a blinding glare and I thought: We are doing a form of time travel, flying backward in time from the Moscow late afternoon, toward what was morning now in New York City. The woman was pretending to sleep. And everyone else in this forward cabin, this cabin behind where the bluebloods ate their ice cream sundaes and reclined on their flatbed seats, was looking pointedly away from us. The nationalist was drunk. He wasn’t the first nationalist or anti-Semite I had met in my life. But he was the one blocking me from pacing back and forth.

So, do you think I am attractive?  You’re OK,  I said, and he said  you’re OK too . And then he moved in closer, I could feel his hot breath as he whispered: Can you believe it, this young girl Masha—she was all of 18—we sat on a bench in Sokolniki Park and kissed half the night. Do you know what an 18-year-old kisses like? Then we walked all over the city and at dawn went along the river toward the Kremlin—have you seen our Kremlin? Come on, that’s ridiculous how can you ask that?  He apologized and seemed even more unsteady on his feet.

You could hear the bells of the Spassky Tower. We looked at our Kremlin, and I almost missed this flight.  Can you imagine, 18… I am a Nationalist. We were at the Kremlin. I saw the Kremlin this morning. And kissed a girl of 18. I am proud to be Russian.

The plane went through a bit of turbulence. There was an announcement in English then in Russian for us to take our seats. The Nationalist took my arm, maybe to steady himself.

I don’t need to take my seat,  he said,  a little turbulence doesn’t scare me at all. But are you scared,  he asked. I was scared of so many things.  You know,  he said,  actually, it is good talking with you. I will find you again. I’ll come visit you later in the flight. I know where you are sitting. I know your row. You have a lot of room around you. How did you get that seat?

I held on to the backs of seats to steady myself through the turbulence as I walked back to my exit row and felt a deep exhaustion. The beefy dude was resting his head on a pillow against the windowsill. You could see pure sky and clouds. Were we still somewhere over Iceland? In 2005, soon after my father died, I saw the wonder of the northern lights over Iceland and John and I watched the dazzling green flashes igniting the dark as the rest of the plane slept all around us in their flatbed seats. I wept then for my father, but now I worried for John. The plane was flying into more daylight, and when I got to NYC it would be more daylight still, and I would sit in a hospital as I had sat in so many these past few years.

What was I doing with my life? I had been in the Rodina twenty years and still could hardly speak passable Russian—the Nationalist was right. I was a foreigner. Always would be one. I thought about other foreigners and their miserable fates. Rastrelli came to mind; his architecture gave Petersburg its character, yet he died penniless and forgotten. I thought of how in the novel  Honey for the Bears  a British antiques dealer is done in by Russia. Has Russia done me in? I wondered. I will never quite belong in Russia, but it is difficult to live anywhere else.

The other day, I felt a wave of relief going to a Russian store in the United States. They had Chudo Yagoda juice and cranberry  mors . They had Russian chocolates— Mishka—my favorite kind. But these are meager symbols to carry such a heavy sense of belonging. When the Nationalist came to my seat to find me, I pretended I didn’t see him. He lingered for a moment and then walked on by.

I plan to go back to Russia. I keep telling myself there is a lot left unfinished. Lectures I am supposed to give, museums I still need to visit, didn’t I want to see the Marina Tsvetaeva house, and in twenty years in Russia I have yet to visit Yasnaya Polyana, Tolstoy’s country estate. John and I spent twenty years talking about going there. I’ll only agree to see Yasnaya Polyana if I can see it with him.

With the ruble unstable, and sanctions and tensions over Ukraine, the flights on Delta lately have had too many empty seats—a logical reason for their cancellation—but I hope that Delta revises this decision. There is only one Delta flight:  The  Delta Flight as expats call it. And on that flight, those few hours in the air were a kind of freedom, a relief from the confusions of a life abroad. On the Delta flight I was more at home than in either country the plane would take me.

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