How does compression benefit employees of Air Canada?

Compressions actually benefit everyone from Flight Attendants, Customer Service Agents, Station Attendants to Pilots. As long as you are standing and sitting for a long period of time.

Why Do Pilots Wear Compression Socks?
Pilots wear compression socks because of the dangers of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a blood clot that forms in the leg and can travel to the lungs, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. Compression socks help to prevent DVT by promoting blood flow in the legs and keeping the blood from pooling, which can be a serious problem for pilots who spend a lot of time sitting in one position.

Why Do Flight Attendants Wear Compression Socks?

Many flight attendants spend most of their weeks up in the air. Some may work as many as three short flights on a typical day. This means their bodies must endure three take-offs and three landings. During flights, it’s common for some people’s feet and lower legs to experience swelling. During take-off and landing, there are pressure changes that affect the body’s circulatory system. This change in blood flow pattern can cause an increased risk of developing blood clots or deep vein thrombosis. On flights it is also common for flight attendants to spend a lot of time on their feet. They must assist passengers, aid in stowing luggage properly, and tend to other matters requiring them to be up and moving around. Prolonged time on the feet can cause blood to pool in addition to being 40,000 feet in the air, which leads to swelling, discomfort, and gradually other venous conditions. There are many reasons why flight attendants should wear compression stockings during flight.

Who Should Not Wear Compression Socks?

Compression socks should not be worn by anyone who has circulation disorders in leg arteries or for those with serious heart conditions. Always consult with your physician with these conditions. Compression socks may aggravate ischemic conditions.