Pack two small pillows to elevate your injured and cast arm. Once you are on the plane, the injured arm should be elevated and packed in soft pillows to prevent movement or blood from accumulating in the arm and hand.
Make sure the cast is split to ensure proper pressure changes on the arm. As a rule, try not to fly for 48 hours after the cast is put on the arm. There is typically residual swelling with injuries, and this swelling may continue for up to 48 hours after the injury and casting. A change in cabin pressure may or may not affect the swelling. When it does, the tissues may swell in the cast and restrict or cut off circulation.
Place the pillows on your lap during takeoff and landing or any time the tray tables need to be raised. Once cleared to open the tray tables, lower the tray, place the pillows on the tray, and place the cast arm onto the pillows.
Move the arm once an hour to ensure proper circulation.
