Eight Tips for Surviving Flights When You Have Knee Pain

Lisa Williams

Air travel can be stressful enough with long security lines, cramped cabins, and less-than-ideal meals. Add knee pain into the mix, and a long flight can feel endless. Pre-flight preparation can help you keep the worst of your pain at bay and make your journey more comfortable. Here are eight practical tips to help you get through your next flight with less pain.

1. Know Your Knees

Before you board, it is important to know what is causing your knee pain and what might make it worse. Arthritis, injuries, or other medical conditions may all play a role. If you haven’t been diagnosed yet, start by reviewing your symptoms here, and be sure to check with your doctor before your trip. That way, you will know how best to manage your pain and avoid unnecessary flare-ups.

Pro tip: Long travel days can leave you stiff and sore. Pack a hot or cold therapy pack in your check-in bag so it’s ready to use when you settle in - perfect for easing tight muscles, calming soreness, and helping you recover faster for the next day’s adventures.

2. Choose Aisle Seats

Aisle seats can be your best friend and make a significant difference when dealing with knee pain. If you fly with an airline that lets you reserve seats ahead of time, make sure to reserve an aisle seat early. You will be able to extend one leg, so make sure to choose the side of the aisle that benefits the knee that most needs the relief.

3. Spring for Extra Leg Room

Airlines seats keep shrinking; however, most flights have seat upgrades that can drastically extend the distance you can stretch out. With airlines continuing to shrink seat space as they look for ways to squeeze out more profit, it may be worth it to spring for a seat upgrade, the added comfort can make a world of difference.

4. Stretch Out

While you probably will not be able to fully extend your legs, you can take advantage of the space beneath the seat in front of you. Try to avoid stuffing a carry-on under the seat in front of you so you can take advantage of every inch of legroom.

5. Take Advantage of Layovers

Layovers are not always convenient, but layovers offer the opportunity to take a break and stretch your stiff knees, stretch, and improve circulation.

6. Get Up and Move

Sitting in your seat for hours on end can cause even the healthiest knees to feel stiff and sore. Aim to stand up and walk the aisle every hour or two. Even short stretches – like flexing your legs while standing near the galley can help keep stiffness to a minimum.

7. Wear a Knee Brace

If you normally wear a knee brace, don’t leave it behind. A supportive knee brace not only provides stability but also makes getting through travel days easier; it can help reduce pain and keep your knees more comfortable throughout the flight. A metal-free knee brace provides additional convenience at the airport, as you won’t have to remove it to go through security.

8. Request a Wheelchair

Airports provide wheelchair assistance to help travelers get through security, reach their gates, or board flights. If walking long distances causes you pain, do not be afraid to ask for help. Wheelchair service can also get you priority boarding, which means more time to get settled without rushing. You can request one in advance or ask at the airport.

How to request wheelchair assistance at the airport