Socks are non-negotiable. Most airlines agree, by the way, even going so far as to mandate their presence in the air.
One of the main reasons that people wear flight socks is to prevent from developing deep vein thrombosis, commonly known as DVT. DVT is something which can develop during long periods of inactivity. Therefore, certain people flying for long periods of time may find themselves at risk.
When choosing what to wear on a plane, look for stylish tops made with natural fabrics, such as cotton, silk, wool or linen, which will allow air and moisture to pass through. Moisture-wicking man-made fabrics are an equally savvy option.
Flight attendant Andrea Fischbach recommends leaving all restrictive clothing in your suitcase when flying. She says anything that sits too heavy on the skin can cause cramping, swelling and be a pain later down the line.
Compression socks prevent swelling
Being able to stand up and walk around or stretching is limited on a plane; therefore, promoting blood circulation is necessary. “Compression socks help to increase circulation, thus preventing swelling in your lower legs and feet,” he explains.
Comfort-wise, it's nice to kick off your shoes on a long flight in particular, to wiggle your toes and to let your feet breathe. Some airlines even have a special little net where you can store your shoes if you want, which can keep them up off the floor and out of your leg space.
Sitting on the Plane
Being seated in the same position for many hours at a time can put you at greater risk for blood clots. Luckily, compression socks decrease your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Flight socks are NOT a gimmick. They do reduce the incidence of blood clots/swelling of ankles. However, you should also exercise your legs and feet while on a long flight, as Sunmagic posted.
Blood clots affect about 1-2 in 1,000 U.S. adults per year, and the risk may double or triple after a flight that's 4+ hours. One study estimates that 1 in 4,600 travelers will have a blood clot within 4 weeks of a long flight.
There are occasions when it is OK to remove footwear on flights. “When flying domestically, feet should remain on the floor,” says Zariffe. “There is no need to turn your seat into a bedroom or lounge chair.” But taking shoes off on long-haul flights is acceptable.
More than 36% of Americans have removed their footwear when flying. Nearly 10% of Americans have removed both their shoes and socks.
For sanitary and hygiene reasons, it's best to wear shoes when walking around the aircraft, especially if you need to use the lavatory. Airplanes' bathrooms might seem clean, but they are actually not always properly sanitized between flights.
Graduated compression stockings or socks are usually recommended for flights that last longer than 3 hours, as this is when you will start to suffer physical health issues. For short flights, you only need to wear mild compression socks with a lower compression level.
A compression garment should not be worn in the case of circulation disorders in leg arteries or for those with serious heart conditions. Caution is also recommended in the case of sensory impairments due to diabetes and neuropathy (nerve damage).
As compression gear can take some time and practice when put on, it's best to put on your compression socks at the gate before you board the aircraft. This ensures you have adequate room to adjust your socks to ensure the correct fit and will combat the effects of pooling before they take place.
In Australia, many homes have a shoes off policy, but many do not. It is viewed simply as a matter of preference. In many cultures (see map below) it is considered rude and unhygienic to wear outdoor shoes indoors. Here in Australia, the majority opt for the convenience of keeping shoes on, especially as guests.
There's nothing wrong with wearing slippers on a plane, no matter what anyone says. If anything, you should wear them in the airport too so you can slip them on and off during the security checks. Try to avoid backless slippers, as these could put you on more unstable footing when you're heading to the restroom.
Ask Alice: It's totally OK to ask guests to take off their shoes, just be ready. According to Apartment Therapy's etiquette expert Alice, it's completely reasonable to ask guests to take off their shoes.
Tight clothes can restrict blood flow in the already-confining space of an airplane seat, not to mention put you at risk for DVT. Ditch the skinny jeans, or anything tight enough to leave marks on your skin, and don loose-fitting natural fiber garments (clothes made from cotton or linen are a great choice).
Don't wear shoes with steel tips, steel heels, steel shanks, metal buckles, or nails. Tennis shoes are usually a safe bet. If you know that your shoes set off the alarm on the metal detector, wear something else while flying. Shoes in your carry-on luggage might also be a problem.
Generally speaking, slip on sneakers are my favorite to fly in! They're shands down the easiest shoes to wear on a plane. They're versatile, on-trend, and very functional and are particularly idea for traveling any season except winter when I'd wear my heaviest shoes on the plane (see the boots section below).
Short-haul is a flight lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Medium-haul is defined by flights lasting between 3-6 hours. And lastly, long-haul flights are those that extend beyond 6 hours.
Taking aspirin to prevent blood clots when traveling is not recommended. If you take aspirin for other reasons, check with your doctor.