Sitting for long periods of time with limited mobility, or the inability to move, is a risk factor for dangerous blood clots. If you are sitting in a car, plane, bus or train for long periods of time, you could be at risk for a blood clot.
My tips to help you prevent blood clots when sitting for long periods of time when traveling:
If you are traveling by airplane, there are some additional precautions you can take:
- Get an aisle seat, bulkhead (front of the main cabin) seat, or upgrade to extended leg room
- When you get to your Gate, ask the airline attendant if you can board early. Some airlines offer pre-boarding, either for a fee or at no cost. For me, this helps to relieve anxiety and ensures I can get settled, or get an aisle seat, before everyone else gets on the place.
- Take your medications on board with you. Here are the TSA Guidelines for flying with injections (you can take them on board with you)
- Take your medication in the prescription bottles. If you do not have them in prescription bottles, take a printed list of your medications from the pharmacy with you. Any pharmacy will provide you with this list, if you ask for it. I carry a list like this with me every time I go on a trip away from home.
More Information & Resources
- Safe Travel Tips from the National Blood Clot Alliance
- New (2019) Travel Guidelines from the American Society of Hematology
- More Safe Travel Tips from the American Society of Hematology
- Safe Travel Tips from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- In-Flight/In-Car Fitness (for those times when you can’t get up and walk around)
- How to Make Flying with Disabilities Less Stressful
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