A TRAVEL expert has revealed the horror moment a calamitous airplane wardrobe mistake almost killed her.
Shelly Marmor, a seasoned travel advisor, has spent her life flying all over the world and thought she had perfected the airport chic look.
She would always aim for classic and comfort.
But Shelley went rogue on a fateful flight from Cancun to Madrid, and almost paid the ultimate price.
The cabin was warm, she was trapped in a middle seat, and her once-trusty jeans turned into circulation-cutting corsets.
By the time the plane touched down, her ankles had ballooned into the kind of swelling that doesn’t fade after a few steps off the plane.
It was the type which needed immediate hospital treatment.
“Halfway through the flight, I felt like I was being shrink-wrapped in denim,” she told The U.S. Sun. “By the time we landed, my ankles looked like they’d been soaking in a bucket.”
The swelling lasted for two days, although thankfully a bout of panic and manic Googling symptoms at 2am was the worst it got for Shelley.
It could have been much worse though – and experts say she’s not alone in learning the hard way about the hidden health hazards of poor in-flight clothing choices, including the threat of deep vein thrombosis.
DVT is a serious condition where blood clots form in the deep veins, often in the legs, and can be life-threatening if not treated.
The risk skyrockets when circulation is restricted — something tight waistbands, rigid denim, and too-snug leggings can silently cause midair.
STERN WARNING
Medics maintain that tight leggings or jeans reduce the blood’s ability to flow into and out if the legs “especially when sitting for long periods.”
That eventually leads to blood pooling, swelling, or worse — DVT.
Shelley, who works as a travel consultant for DiscoverCars.com, won’t be making the same mistake twice. Those skinny jeans, however, stay at home or in her luggage whenever she flies overseas.
Now, her must-have items aren’t high fashion, but ultra-sensible.
“Now I don’t take chances. For anything over four hours, it’s soft joggers or stretch leggings. They’re not runway-ready, but neither are sausage legs,” she laughs.
“I also swear by Comrad Compression Socks. I wear them on every flight over two hours — even long car rides. They don’t scream ‘medical,’ and they actually look cute in ombré and bold colors.”
Compression socks apply gentle pressure that helps keep blood flowing and reduces swelling.
Vascular surgeon Dr. Peter J. Pappas says compression wear “prevents swelling and provides pain relief to your calf muscles,” and may even reduce the risk of clots in travelers with varicose veins or circulatory issues.
The next time you pack for a flight, take it from Shelley: that “effortless airport look” can come at a steep cost — one that could follow you off the plane and straight into a medical crisis.
“Looking put-together isn’t worth risking your health,” Shelley says. “Now, I dress like someone who respects both fashion and blood flow!”
DVT RISKS
What is DVT?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs. While DVT can occur in anyone, certain risk factors, especially prolonged immobility, can increase the likelihood of its development.
How Travel Increases DVT Risk
Long periods of sitting still, such as during a long-haul flight, car ride, or train journey, are a primary risk factor for DVT. This immobility can cause blood to pool in the lower legs, making it more prone to clotting.
Symptoms of DVT
- Swelling, pain, and tenderness in one leg (usually the calf or thigh)
- A feeling of warmth in the affected area
- Red or discolored skin on the leg
- The Dangerous Complication: Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
- The most serious complication of DVT is a pulmonary embolism (PE). This occurs when a part of the blood clot breaks off and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, blocking a major blood vessel. PE can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of a PE
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing
- Rapid heart rate
- Dizziness or fainting
Who is at Higher Risk?
- Individuals with a history of DVT or PE
- Those with certain blood clotting disorders
- People who have recently had surgery, especially on the hips, knees, or legs
- Pregnant women or those who have recently given birth
- Individuals with cancer
- People who are overweight or obese
- Smokers
- Those using estrogen-based medications (e.g., oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy)
Tips to Reduce Your Risk While Traveling
- Move Around: Get up and walk around the cabin of a plane or take frequent breaks during a car trip.
- Stretch and Flex: While seated, perform ankle circles and point and flex your feet every 30 minutes to improve blood circulation in your legs.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine, which can lead to dehydration.
- Wear Loose Clothing: Tight clothing can restrict blood flow.
- Consider Compression Stockings: For those at higher risk, these specialized stockings can help improve blood circulation in the legs. Consult a doctor before use.
- Talk to Your Doctor: If you are at high risk for DVT, your doctor may recommend other preventive measures, such as blood-thinning medication.
- If you suspect you have DVT or PE, seek immediate medical attention.
