Compression socks may be helpful. Be sure they are not t ight around the knee. You can decrease your risk for problems buy contracting and relaxing your leg muscles several times every hour. Getting up and walking around. Wiggling your ankles.

@DonnK, Hi Donna, You sound like me! I am travelling to the Philippines from Florida for the summer to visit family. Since this is not my first trip I believe I can give you some helpful tips. Wearing compression stockings or panty hose is a good idea. I don't wear them, because I perspire too much; but it is certainly a good idea. Just make sure you know the proper technique. You Tube has great instructions. It's important to put them on before you sit up in the morning. This is the best way to avoid fluid in your body pooling in your legs and feet. Once you sit up and especially stand up, putting on the stocking or panty hose will defeat the purpose. Compression hose act as an extra layer of vessels. The problem with weak veins is the valves that prevent blood from sinking down (gravity) are weak. The effect is not all the blood that should travel upwards in your feet and legs and towards your heart doesn't get there. It slides down and pools in your feet and legs.The first thing I do is, order premium economy air fare ticket. You need to move in your seat. It is vital you purchase "Low Salt" meals and do not eat snacks(nuts, ice cream) or drinks (soda). They contain high amounts of salt. I make sure I stand up and walk up and down the isles 5 minutes every hour. I like to set my watch so I don't forget.You may be inconveniencing your neighboring passengers, but health comes first! They will survive! Lol. Drink plenty of water or juices. Yes you do WANT to pee every 2 to 3 hours. It will help your circulation to drink and pee. Move around in your seat and change your position side to side and straight as often as you can. And when you wake up drink and definitely pee.You can also tap your feet to music and just exercise your legs and feet in your seat. Since I do Tai Chi, I do some Tai Chi forms in my chair. Tai Chi can be done in a chair. There are many people that practice Tai Chi in wheel chairs. "Paul Lam" is a world renowned Tia Chi instructor and rheumatologist. He has a program. Tai Chi for Health. You can view them free on You Tube. It's healthy, gives me energy, it's aerobic and it's just plain fun. Yes, people may look at your strangely, but they also are curious and sometimes my travel neighbors actually try and do it with me. Lol.. I can think of any other ideas. I think I'm long winded enough. Lol. I hope you do well :) Blessing and the best of luck :)

As ive gotten older, anytime i sit for extended amouts of time my feet and legs swell. Compression hose would help, move as much as you can, watch salt intake, elevate your feet as often as possible, wear loose clothing. I always get a 40 mg taper of prednisone when i travel because i will flare from stress.

Some thing else to consider is your medications. Last time I flew medications needed to be in the original bottle. I also got printed copies of my prescriptions in case my medications were lost or stolen.

I have worn non-medical grade compression socks and they do help with swelling and also made my feet feel like they had more energy. Always a good idea to speak with your doc before hand. I buy mine from nursemates.com