Managing Swollen Feet On Long Flights

Long flights do strange things to feet. The cabin pressure and the hours of sitting leave them swollen, tight, and two sizes larger than when you boarded.

Swelling is normal, but you can blunt it. Movement, loose shoes, and a few simple habits keep your feet from feeling like balloons by the time you land.

• Stand and walk the aisle once every hour when possible.
• Wear shoes that loosen easily as your feet expand.
• Do ankle circles and toe flexes in your seat.
• Stay hydrated and skip tight socks on the flight.

I board in shoes a half size roomy and bring compression socks for the long haul. Landing with feet that still fit my shoes makes the first day of the trip far more pleasant.