Keeping Your Feet Healthy on Long Flights: A Practical Guide for Holiday Makers

Before reaching those sun-drenched beaches, iconic cities and other popular holiday destinations by plane, many of us find ourselves spending long periods sitting or standing still on our feet before we even arrive. From getting to the airport, waiting to board a flight and sitting for long periods after taking to the skies, to onward journeys in our host destination, all of these activities require very little movement. Yet, most of us will probably pay more attention to our luggage and remembering our passports, than how the journey might impact our feet.

How Long Flights may Affect your Feet

Low cabin humidity can dry out the skin whilst reduced movement can make ankles and feet feel stiff. Feet naturally expand during long flights, whilst sitting for long periods can contribute to swelling and stiffness, meaning that footwear can become tighter and more prone to chaffing.

Ultimately long periods of sitting, wearing shoes for many hours on the day of your getaway and the impact of cabin air changes can leave feet feeling swollen, dry, stiff or uncomfortable on arrival at your holiday destination.

Practical Tips to Keep your Feet Healthy on Long Flights

Choose Comfortable Footwear

When embarking on your journey it’s a good idea to choose shoes with a little extra room to accommodate swelling, as well as wearing breathable socks. Avoid wearing brand new shoes that have not been broken in, as you won’t yet know if they are likely to rub and cause blisters.

Consider wearing compression socks if they have been recommended by your medical professional, particularly if you have risk factors associated with circulatory problems.

Try to Keep your Feet Moving

There are a few simple exercises that you can do whilst sitting on a plane to keep your feet moving. Wriggling the toes, circling the ankles, raising and lowering the heel or flexing the feet can all help, as well as getting up for a little walk down the aisle if safe to do so.

Avoid Crossing your Legs

As circulation will already be slow after sitting for long periods in waiting rooms or on a flight, it is best not to cross your legs as this can cut off blood supply to the feet even further.  

Stay Well Hydrated

Aircraft cabins can be very dry but drinking plenty of water will help to keep your body and skin well-hydrated. It’s also a good idea to limit alcohol, excessive caffeine, sugary drinks and salted snacks to help reduce dehydration.

Take Care of your Skin

Many people arrive at their destination after a flight with drier skin. Use a moisturising cream before travelling and re-apply it after arriving at the hotel, paying special attention to dry or cracked skin on the heels.

If bending down after a long journey isn’t easy, a long-handled cream applicator such as PediStick can make applying foot cream quicker and more comfortable without unnecessary stretching.

Give your Feet Some Attention After you Arrive

When you arrive at your holiday accommodation, wash and dry your feet before applying some moisturiser. If your feet are feeling tired, rest on the bed and elevate them to a level above your heart for a short time. In this position blood is encouraged to flow away from your legs and feet towards the heart in turn enabling fresh blood flow back in.  

Throughout your holiday it’s important to wear comfortable, suitable footwear for the activities you are doing and to maintain your daily footcare regime when possible. If you are wearing open shoes without socks, remember to regularly apply sun protection cream when visiting hot, sunny places.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Mild swelling and stiffness of the feet are common after long journeys. However, if you start experiencing severe swelling, significant pain, redness or symptoms only affecting one leg, then it is important to seek urgent medical advice.

A Little Preparation Before a Flight Goes a Long Way for Your Feet…

Looking after your feet during long flights doesn’t take much effort, but a few simple steps can make the start of your holiday much more comfortable. Keeping your feet moving, staying hydrated and maintaining a regular skin moisturising routine for the feet can help you arrive feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy your trip.