Why You Shouldn’t Sit Cross-Legged on a Flight

Staying in a single position for hours ,especially on long-haul flights ,can lead to stiff, swollen joints

Digital Desk : Many airline passengers instinctively sit cross-legged during flights, often due to limited space and the comfort it provides. However, health professionals caution that this apparently harmless activity can pose major health risk.

According to Bethany Tomlinson, a physiotherapist with AXA Health, sitting cross-legged can negatively impact blood circulation and significantly increase the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) — a condition where blood clots form in deep veins, often in the legs.

To increase healthy circulation, Tomlinson advises that ones legs be kept slightly elevated whenever possible. Putting your feet up can help relieve pressure on the heart, so Darla suggests using the footrest found under the seat in front of you to raise your legs.

The right posture is also an important aspect to practice When sitting passengers should recline in the back of the seat and keep the shoulders down. Tomlinson prescribes attempting light seated exercises to avoid stiffness in joints or knee pain as the exercise when performed in light effort will keep the joints active.

To promote healthy circulation, Tomlinson suggests keeping your legs slightly elevated whenever possible. “If there's a footrest under the seat in front of you, use it to keep your legs elevated,” she advises.

Maintaining good posture is also key. Passengers should sit back in their seats to support the spine and keep their shoulders relaxed. To prevent joint stiffness or knee pain, Tomlinson recommends doing light seated exercises, as even small movements help keep the joints active.

The result of prolonged exposure to one position, as seen on a long-haul flight can result in stiff, swollen joints which a significant portion of the adult population in the UK, of over one in ten adults suffer.

Therefore,  next time you're on a flight, remember: a little movement can go a long way in preventing joint pain and improving overall comfort.