Never cross your legs on a plane — here’s why

Flying often feels uncomfortable, with cramped seats, limited legroom, and long hours of inactivity making it hard for passengers to sit comfortably.

Many travellers instinctively cross their legs during flights, but health experts warn this habit can cause harm.

Physiotherapist Bethany Tomlinson told the Daily Mail why crossing your legs is a bad idea and shared safer alternatives to keep travellers comfortable on their next trip.

Why crossing your legs on a flight is risky

Tomlinson explains that crossing your legs while flying raises the risk of joint pain and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

DVT, a type of blood clot, can develop when you sit still for long periods. Cramped seating and reduced movement during flights already increase vulnerability, and crossing your legs makes circulation worse.

To protect your joints and lower the risk of DVT, Tomlinson recommends:

• Keeping legs slightly elevated: If your seat has a footrest, use it to raise your legs and improve blood flow.
• Sit back and relax your shoulders: Proper posture supports your back and reduces strain.
• Move every 1–2 hours: On long-haul flights, walk around the cabin to prevent stiffness and swelling in your knees, hips, and ankles.

The physiotherapist also revealed a few mobilising exercises that passengers can do from their plane seat, including neck stretches, shoulder rolls and knee hugs.