Fears of Flying, and DVT

Download the PDF   DVT and Flying

DVT can occur after and during flights, but is relatively rare. The risk depends on the person and the flight.

Individual risk factors for DVT include:

  • Shortness
  • Obesity
  • Female

Higher individual risk factors:

  • On the “Pill”
  • Have a condition that makes it more likely to develop DVT-genetic predisposition, family history, metabolic condition
  • Previous DVT
  • Recent Surgery
  • Medical conditions – Congestive Cardiac failure, Active Cancer, Varicose veins

Flight factors incurring greater risk

  • Flights of more than 4 hours in duration, or more than 4000km
  • Window seats
  • Dehydration
  • Immobility
  • Frequent flights in a short period of time
  • a number of flights together

There are things you can do to reduce the risk of DVT.

Advice for Low Risk Travelers ie none of the above risk factors

  • Increase the fluid intake in the 24 hours prior to departure
  • Mobilize by walking every 2 hours
  • High fluid intake during flight
  • Extension and flexion of calves once per hour
  • Watch a comedy
  • No excess alcohol during the flight leg

Advice for High Risk Travelers ie one or more of the above individual risk factors

  • Increase the fluid intake in the 24 hours prior to departure
  • Aisle seat to allow and encourage free unhindered movement
  • Antiembolic stockings in flight help prevent DVT
  • Extension and flexion of calves once per hour is important
  • Mobilize every 2 hours most important
  • High fluid intake during flight to prevent dehydration
    • MEl to DXB 2l of water (13 hour flight)
    • DXB to LHR 1l of water (6 hour flight)
    • MEL to LAX 2.5l of water (15 hour flight)
  • Minimal alcohol 1 glass per flight leg
  • Avoid sleeping medications
  • Watch a comedy
  • If more than 2 factors and not on long term anti coagulants;
    • clexane sc 1mg/kg
      • pre flight 4 hours
      • (provided no contraindication)