Determine if you are at high risk for developing deep vein thrombosis. Risk categories include use of birth control pills, pregnancy or recent pregnancy, cancer treatments, being overweight, injury affecting a deep vein or an ongoing blood disorder. Recent surgery is also a risk factor. Discuss your concerns with your medical provider before you fly, even if you do not believe you are in a high risk category.
Book a seat with as much legroom as you can afford. Seats in first and business classes offer more legroom than standard economy or coach seats. Some airlines now offer premium economy, which offers slightly more legroom than the standard coach seat. Even within categories, there may be some difference in legroom between seats. When booking your flight, use sites such as SeatExpert and SeatGuru to select a seat with extra legroom.
Move your legs and other limbs during the flight. Because of cramped conditions on commercial flights, passengers sometimes have a tendency to sit in one place without moving for long periods. Stretching, doing light exercises, or walking around the airplane's cabin keeps blood circulating and helps to prevent the conditions that cause deep vein thrombosis during air travel. The Centers for Disease Control also recommends wearing loose-fitting clothing, staying hydrated and avoiding alcoholic beverages during flight.
Remember and recognize symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. A cramping sensation or other pain may develop while in flight or after landing. According to Wright State University, "Some experience flu-like symptoms (mild chest discomfort and coughing) which pass in a day or two as emboli dissolve. Others experience significant chest pain, which may be diagnosed and treated initially as a heart attack."
