How Often Should I Walk Around on a Flight?

How Often Should I Walk Around on a Flight?

While most people love travelling, not many like the actual journey to the destinations, especially the long flights. Sitting for long hours on a plane is not exactly fun, and it can lead to some issues.

You might feel stiff, uncomfortable, or even get some swelling in your legs. These problems are pretty common and can make your journey less enjoyable. That is why walking around, stretching, and doing some exercises is important.

A little movement can go a long way in keeping you comfortable and healthy while travelling in the air. But how often should you walk, what should you do when you walk, and when should you not walk? 

Image: A photo of passengers seated in a narrow aisle of an aeroplane.

How Often Should You Walk Around on a Plane?

A good rule of thumb is to get up every 1 to 2 hours during your flight. If you are on a short flight, you might not need to move around as much, but on a long flight, stretching your legs is important.

To help you remember to get up and move, you can set a timer on your smartphone or watch, so every hour, or two, when the timer goes off, you can take a quick walk up and down the aisle, allowing your legs to stretch and your muscles to loosen up.

Another opportunity to move around is during meal service. When the flight attendants come around with snacks or meals, it is the perfect time to get up from your seat. Not only does this give you a chance to grab something to eat, but it also provides a natural break in your sitting time.

If, for some reason, you can't get up or walk around, don’t worry. You can still do some stretches right in your seat. Even small movements can be beneficial. Try moving your legs and wiggling your toes to keep the blood flowing.

You can also roll your shoulders and do gentle neck stretches to ease any tension that may have built up during the flight. These little stretches can help keep your body comfortable, allowing you to arrive at your destination feeling much more refreshed and ready for your adventure.

What to Do When You Walk Around

When you get up, you don’t have to do anything fancy. Just a simple walk down the aisle will do the trick. Here are some ideas for what to do while you are up;

• Walk to the back of the plane and back to your seat. Take your time, and enjoy the little break.
• Talk to a friend on another seat or even strike up a little chat with an attendant by asking a question. A quick chat can make the time go by faster.
• Even if you don’t need to go, using the bathroom is still a good excuse to get up and stretch your legs.

Image: A photo of a flight attendant standing between passenger seats in an aeroplane, engaging with the travellers.

When Not to Walk

While walking around during a flight is generally a good idea for staying comfortable and active, there are certain times when it is best to remain seated. For example, when the seatbelt sign is on, it means that everyone should be buckled up for safety, and it is essential to follow this guideline. 

It is a signal that the aircraft may be experiencing turbulence or changes in altitude, and staying seated helps keep you safe. If the plane starts to shake or feel unsteady, getting up to walk around can increase your risk of injury.

Other circumstances that require you to remain in your seat include during takeoff and landing. Always pay attention to the flight crew and listen to their instructions.