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Why Should I Walk Around on a Flight?

Why Should I Walk Around on a Flight?

If you have ever been stuck in your seat for hours on a long flight, you know how stiff your legs can feel. Your entire body feels tight too, and it even gets really uncomfortable. But it is tempting to just stay put, especially if you don’t want to disturb anyone.

However, getting up and walking around during a flight is not just about stretching your legs. It is actually important for your overall health and comfort. Here are more reasons you should walk around on a plane.

Image: A photo of the interior of an aeroplane cabin from the middle of the aisle, looking forward toward the cockpit, filled with passengers seated in rows.

Get the Blood Flowing

One of the biggest reasons to walk around during a flight is to keep your blood circulating. When you sit for a long time, especially in a tight space like an aeroplane seat, blood can pool in your legs, making them feel heavy and stiff.

Worse, it can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a type of blood clot that forms in the legs. While the risk is generally low, it is still something to be mindful of.

Getting up and walking around a bit helps keep the blood moving, which can lower the chance of clotting and reduce that awful heavy feeling in your legs.

Stretch Out Your Muscles

Sitting in one spot for a long time can make your muscles tight, especially in your back, neck, and legs. You might notice that after a while, you start feeling achy or stiff. Walking up and down the aisle for even a few minutes helps loosen things up and gives your body a nice little stretch.

You don’t need to do anything extra. Just get up, move around, and stretch your legs. This can make a big difference and will help you feel more relaxed and less sore when you finally land.

Image: A photo showing an aeroplane cabin with passengers boarding and getting settled.

Avoid Feeling Stiff and Cramped

As we all know, aeroplane seats are not the most comfortable seats in the world. Unless you are flying in business or first class, you are probably sitting in a cramped space with limited room to move. After a while, your legs and back may start to feel uncomfortable, and this is your cue.

Walk to get rid of that stiffness and give your body a much-needed break from being squeezed into one spot. Even if it is just a lap or two around the cabin, your body will thank you.

Break the Boredom

Long flights can get boring. You can only watch so many movies or read so much before you start getting bored and restless. Walking around the cabin gives you a break from the same old view out of the window or the tiny screen in front of you.

Even if you are not feeling stiff or tired, taking a little stroll can break up the monotony of the flight and give you something different to do for a few minutes. It is also a great excuse to check out what is going on in other parts of the plane.

Reduce Swelling in Your Feet

If your feet swell during a flight, it may be because you have been sitting for a long time. This can cause fluid to build up in your lower legs and feet, causing swelling. This is normal for many people, but it can be annoying and uncomfortable.

Walking around helps reduce that swelling by encouraging fluid to move through the body instead of settling in the feet. 

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