Tips to make your travel home more comfortable

• Be active. Get an aisle seat and take a walk every half hour or so.

• Wear elastic anti-embolism stockings. These should be as long as possible and be careful not to let them roll down and act as a tourniquet. Used incorrectly they can be dangerous and cause problems.

• Don't sit with anything pressed against the back of your legs for a long time.

• Talk with your surgeon about using aspirin or other blood thinners for a few days around the time of travel.

• Travel lightly. Heavy bags are a nuisance. The more bags you carry the more difficult is the security check and the longer the delays. This may not be a problem before surgery but afterwards you will want a speedy transfer to the departure lounge.

• Tell the airline you have had surgery. This may help when boarding or disembarking.

• If you have obvious swelling or bruising, have a medical certificate from your surgeon to show to airline personnel.

• Fly business class or first class on your return.

See also some of the useful products we suggest to make your travel more comfortable.