---
title: "Air Travel and Blood Clots: What You Should Know"
description: There are certain things to do to reduce the chance of getting a DVT while traveling. This post talks about the various preventive methods that may occur during long travel.
image: https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hubfs/iStock-868580500.jpg
---

[![VINJ_TCVC-Logo.jpg](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/New-VINJ_Logo.png?width=350&height=71&name=New-VINJ_Logo.png "VINJ_TCVC-Logo.jpg")](https://www.veininstitutenj.com)

[973-539-6900](tel:9735396900)

- [home](http://veininstitutenj.com/)
- [contact](http://veininstitutenj.com/contact/)
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Vein-Institute-of-New-Jersey-194043250629023/)
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/veininstituteofnj/)
- [Careers](https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=01ac20b2-794f-4cd2-b641-85102eaee82c&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter)
- [Patient Portal](https://gateway.aprima.com/portal/home/11101)

- [Home](http://veininstitutenj.com/)
- [Appointments](http://veininstitutenj.com/appointments/) 
    - [Locations](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/appointments/locations/)
    - [Schedule an Appointment](http://veininstitutenj.com/appointments/schedule/)
- [Our Practice](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/) 
    - [Why choose The Vein Institute of New Jersey?](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/why-choose-us/)
    - [More About Us](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/about-us/)
    - [Our Physicians](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/physicians/)
    - [Leadership & Integrity](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/leadership-integrity/)
    - [Accredited Vascular Lab](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/accredited-vascular-lab/)
    - [Testimonials](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/testimonials/)
    - [News, Events & Publications](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/news-and-publications/)
- [Vascular Conditions](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/) 
    - [About Veins](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/about-veins/)
    - [Bleeding From Leg Veins](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/bleeding-from-leg-veins/)
    - [Breast Veins](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/breast-veins/)
    - [Deep Vein Thrombosis](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/)
    - [Discolored “Dark” Leg](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/discolored-dark-leg/)
    - [Hand Veins](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/hand-veins/)
    - [Leg Swelling – Edema](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/leg-swelling/)
    - [Leg Ulcers – Sores](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/leg-ulcers/)
    - [Spider Veins](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/spider-veins/)
    - [Varicose Veins](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/varicose-veins/)
    - [Venous Reflux](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/venous-reflux/)
- [Treatments](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/) 
    - [Ambulatory Phlebectomy](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/ambulatory-phlebectomy/)
    - [Compression & Support Hosiery](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/compression-support-hosiery/)
    - [Endovenous Laser – VenaCure™](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/endovenous-laser/)
    - [Laser / Small Vein / Facial Laser](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/laser-small-vein-facial-laser/)
    - [Sclerotherapy](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/sclerotherapy/)
    - [Skin Rejuvenation](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/skin-rejuvenation/)
    - [Supportive Measures](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/supportive-measures/)
    - [Varithena Foam Sclerosant](https://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/varithena-foam-sclerosant/)
    - [Vein Treatment Comparisons](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/vein-treatment-comparisons/)
    - [VenaSeal Closure](https://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/venaseal-closure/)
    - [VNUS ClosureFAST™](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/vnus-closurefast/)
- [Patient Info](http://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/) 
    - [Contact Us](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/contact/)
    - [e-Book Library](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/e-book-library/)
    - [Falls Prevention Guide](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/vinj-falls-prevention-guide)
    - [Frequently Asked Questions](http://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/faq/)
    - [Healthy Recipes](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/healthy-recipes/)
    - [Insurance Providers](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/insurance/)
    - [Leg Swelling Assessment](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/leg-swelling-assessment/)
    - [Patient Forms](https://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/patient-forms/)
    - [Pre/Post Procedure Instructions](http://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/pre-post-procedure-instructions/)
    - [Second Opinions](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/who-gives-second-opinions)
    - [Self-Assessment](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/vein-or-vascular-self-assessment-form)
    - [Video Library](http://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/videos/)
- [Blog](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog)
- [Contact Information](http://veininstitutenj.com/contact/)
- [Careers](https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=01ac20b2-794f-4cd2-b641-85102eaee82c&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter)
- [Patient Portal](https://apr-sb4.servicebus.windows.net/E47DDB4D-D1FC-4B61-80ED-09BA3DDC88F2/portal/11101/index.html#/login)
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/veininstitutenj)
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/veininstituteofnj/)

![pg-header-cs-woman-50plus.jpg](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TheCardiovascularCareGroup_October2017/Images/pg-header-cs-woman-50plus.jpg?width=960&name=pg-header-cs-woman-50plus.jpg "pg-header-cs-woman-50plus.jpg")

# Vein Institute of NJ - Helpful Articles

Search…

Search Google

## Page:

[-1](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/page/-1)

![Air Travel and Blood Clots: What You Should Know](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hubfs/iStock-868580500.jpg)

# Air Travel and Blood Clots: What You Should Know

- by [Dr. Clifford Sales, MD, MBA, FACS](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/author/clifford-sales-md-facs-mba)
- [April 3rd, 2019](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/air-travel-and-blood-clots-what-you-should-know)
- - Share on

As Vascular Surgeons, we are frequently asked about the risk of air travel and the development of [Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/deep-vein-thrombosis-dvt-awareness-matters) or blood clots. Despite the abundance of warnings in airline brochures and “common knowledge” in the lay press, the scientific evidence is less overwhelming!

Despite the lack of clear evidence, we do believe that [long travel](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-veins-during-travel) (six hours defining “long”) is likely to be a risk factor for the development of DVT. The actual incidence is hard to know but some studies report it at 0.5% and others go as high as 2%. Irrespective of the rate, it is probably smart to be aware of the potential and try to reduce it when taking a long flight or car ride.

Things to do to reduce the chance of getting a DVT while traveling:

- **Exercise**—by pumping your calf muscles you will force blood out of your leg back into the circulation. Clots form when blood is stagnant (“pooling”) so by simply doing things such as *ankle rolls* or getting up on your tippy toes, you will prohibit blood from being stagnant and “coagulating” into a clot.
- **Stay Well-Hydrated**—while many people like to drink alcohol onboard an airline flight, this does dehydrate you and can increase the risk of blood clotting.
- **Support Stockings**—while terribly uncomfortable, the knee-high stockings will aid your legs in pushing blood out of the legs back into the circulation when you do the exercises discussed above.
- **Talk to your Board Certified Vascular Surgeon**—there are instances where the use of a preventive medication would be warranted. This will depend on your history, family history, length of travel and other risk factors that you may have.

We certainly do not want you to cancel that trip you have been looking forward to for a long time! Our Vascular Surgeons at The Vein Institute of The Cardiovascular Care Group, are well versed in the prevention and management of DVTs. Come in and ask us about this!

[![Complimentary Vein Consult at the Vein Institute of New Jersey](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3952114/7396e1f0-f23f-4684-aa6b-89efd7088722.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3952114/7396e1f0-f23f-4684-aa6b-89efd7088722)

[Previous page](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/5-important-questions-you-should-ask-your-vein-doctor)

[Next page](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/understanding-peripheral-artery-disease-pad-a.k.a-hardening-of-the-arteries)

### CATEGORIES

- [Arteries (59)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/arteries)
- [Health/Exercise (31)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/health-exercise)
- [Spider Veins (40)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/spider-veins)
- [Travel (5)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/travel)
- [Varicose Veins (54)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/varicose-veins)
- [Vascular Doctors/Staff (58)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/vascular-doctors-staff)
- [Vascular Health (8)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/vascular-health)
- [Vein Conditions (80)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/vein-conditions)
- [Vein Treatments (91)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/vein-treatments)

### Subscribe to VINJ Health News

### RECENT ARTICLES

Our “Top Doctor” rated, experienced and renowned faculty of Vascular specialists with 24/7 patient coverage, are all personally interested in your care.

[![Schedule Your Appointment Today](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3952114/95cba5d3-992a-48c1-bd3f-a7d7684c35dc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3952114/95cba5d3-992a-48c1-bd3f-a7d7684c35dc) OR CALL [(973) 539-6900](tel:9735396900)

### Learn More

- [Schedule Appointment](http://veininstitutenj.com/appointments/schedule/)
- [Our Practice](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/)
- [Contact Us](http://veininstitutenj.com/contact/)
- [Testimonials](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/testimonials/)
- [Patient Info](http://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/)
- [Video Library](http://veininstitutenj.com/patient-info/videos/)
- [Vascular Conditions](http://veininstitutenj.com/vascular-conditions/)
- [Treatments](http://veininstitutenj.com/treatments/)
- [News, Events & Publications](http://veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/news-and-publications/)

### Get In Touch

- [Map & Directions](http://veininstitutenj.com/appointments/map-and-directions/) to Vein Institute of New Jersey at The Cardiovascular Care Group
- Phone: [(973) 539-6900](tel:9735396900)
- Fax: [(973) 538-4115](tel:9735384115)
- [info@veininstitutenj.com](mailto:info@veininstitutenj.com)

[![NewJerseyDoctorBadge2026_200x255](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Award%20Logos/NewJerseyDoctorBadge2026_200x255.png?width=200&name=NewJerseyDoctorBadge2026_200x255.png "NewJerseyDoctorBadge2026_200x255")](https://njtopdocs.com/nj-doctors/veins/)

[![NJ-Monthly-Top-Doc_JERSEY-CHOICE-DOCTOR-2025_shdw_300x260px](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Award%20Logos/NJ-Monthly-Top-Doc_JERSEY-CHOICE-DOCTOR-2025_shdw_300x260px.png?width=300&height=260&name=NJ-Monthly-Top-Doc_JERSEY-CHOICE-DOCTOR-2025_shdw_300x260px.png "NJ-Monthly-Top-Doc_JERSEY-CHOICE-DOCTOR-2025_shdw_300x260px")](https://njmonthly.com/find-a-doctor/)

![seal_vein_1pmt](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/seal_vein_1pmt.png?width=150&height=161&name=seal_vein_1pmt.png "seal_vein_1pmt")

[![Accredited Vascular Testing Facility](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/seal_vascular_2019_trans.png?width=150&name=seal_vascular_2019_trans.png "Accredited Vascular Testing Facility")](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/our-practice/accredited-vascular-lab/)

[![Castle Connolly Top Doctors emblem](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Castle-Connolly-Top-Doctors-Emblem-Large%20(4).jpg?width=944&name=Castle-Connolly-Top-Doctors-Emblem-Large%20(4).jpg "Castle Connolly Top Doctors emblem")](https://castleconnolly.com/)

 

©2019, Vein Institute of New Jersey. All Rights Reserved. [Privacy Policy](http://veininstitutenj.com/privacy-policy/) |  [Terms and Conditions](https://veininstitutenj.com/terms-and-conditions/) |  [Non-Discrimination](https://veininstitutenj.com/non-discrimination-notice/) |  [HIPAA Notice](https://veininstitutenj.com/hipaa-notice/)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Dr. Clifford Sales, MD, MBA, FACS",
    "url" : "https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/author/clifford-sales-md-facs-mba"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2019-04-03T12:28:01.514Z",
  "datePublished" : "2019-04-03T12:28:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Air Travel and Blood Clots: What You Should Know",
  "image" : [ "https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hubfs/iStock-868580500.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/air-travel-and-blood-clots-what-you-should-know",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hubfs/New-VINJ_Logo.png"
    },
    "name" : "Vein Institute of NJ at The Cardiovascular Care Group"
  }
}
```