As of: April 3, 2024, 3:00 p.m
By: Anne Hund
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On the way to vacation you should make sure you get enough exercise. If you reserve a seat in the aisle on the plane, things are usually a little easier.
If you have a window seat on the plane, you may not want to constantly disturb those sitting next to you - but you should still get up regularly, especially on longer flights, and take a few steps up and down the aisle. According to doctors, if you sit in the same place for a long time on a plane or, for example, on a bus, this can lead to a lack of exercise, which can promote the formation of dangerous blood clots. A thrombosis occurs when blood flow is blocked in the veins.
If you sit on a plane for a long time, you should get up every now and then and take a few steps up and down the aisle. (Symbolic image) © kasto Panthermedia/Imago
Preventing thrombosis: What can help on longer trips?
“On the other hand, if you have the aisle seat, you often have to let the person sitting next to you out. The movement helps to prevent blood congestion,” says Prof. Tomas Jelinek, scientific director of the CRM Center for Travel Medicine, in a report by the German Press Agency. “Even young, healthy people and athletes can get a thrombosis from sitting for long periods of time,” says the travel doctor. The legs often hurt and are swollen.
In addition to compression stockings, a few steps in the hallway on the plane, foot exercises on the pitch and comfortable clothing can make traveling easier. You should also make sure you drink enough fluids and exercise when traveling.
“Drinking a lot, such as water or tea, as well as exercise helps,” advises the travel doctor in the dpa report, among other things. Travelers should also wear thrombosis stockings. “This is generally recommended for everyone if a trip lasts longer than four hours - definitely for six hours.” And: “People at increased risk should also wear them on shorter trips - for example, those who have damaged blood vessels or a weak heart, or already had a thrombosis.” People at risk should definitely clarify all medical questions with a doctor at an early stage and in which cases a longer trip should be avoided. The ADAC also provides information about this on its website. For all vacationers who are planning a trip lasting several hours by plane, car or train, the automobile club also lists some “general measures” that can help with prophylaxis:
ADAC: Tips for longer trips by plane, car or train
Make sure you exercise regularly: “When traveling by car, take an exercise break every one and a half to two hours,” advises the ADAC in the article. “On a plane or train, it makes sense to do foot exercises every half hour: for example, rock your feet or stand up for about ten minutes every hour.”
Drink enough water: “One cup per hour
(approx. 0.1 liter, preferably more),” says the ADAC article – and “it’s better not to have coffee. You should avoid alcohol.”
Also pay attention to your sitting posture: “Try to sit comfortably and upright, not crossing your legs and not bending your knees too much.”
Make sure there is enough space in the footwell: “It is ideal if you reserve an aisle seat so you have a little more legroom,” says
ADAC.de.
“It is also advisable not to restrict the foot space unnecessarily, for example with luggage.”
Make sure you wear comfortable clothing, for example on the plane: “Wear
comfortable, loose-fitting cotton clothing and flat, light shoes that allow you to roll properly while running. If you sit, you can take off your shoes.”
If you prefer to plan a short trip instead of a long trip, the following city trips in this country could be suitable, for example.