Can I fly after a hip replacement?

Last reviewed: September 29, 2026

Often within the first weeks, but the evidence is limited. The main concern is a blood clot in the leg or lungs. Both surgery and long flights raise that risk.

In one study, people who flew home about three days after a hip or knee replacement had no more blood clots than people who did not fly. A review of the studies found the same pattern, mostly for flights in the first week. Another study found more blood clots in people who took short flights to and from their surgery. All of these studies combined hips and knees, and none were trials.

Flights longer than about four hours carry more risk of a blood clot than shorter ones. No study has shown when flying becomes safe after surgery. In a UK survey, surgeons’ advice on how long to wait ranged from two weeks to six months. Some airlines and travel insurers have their own rules after a joint replacement.

Compression stockings have the strongest evidence. In trials of airline passengers on flights longer than five hours, people who wore them had far fewer small leg clots that caused no symptoms. Those passengers had not just had surgery. According to the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, walking the aisle, ankle pumps and drinking fluids may also help, though these have not been tested in trials. Blood thinners prescribed after surgery are continued while traveling.

A replaced hip may set off airport metal detectors. In a Japanese survey, detectors picked up about one in four people with one replaced hip on domestic flights, and most people with both hips replaced on international flights. Telling security staff does not exempt you from screening.

In general:

Ask your surgeon before you book a flight, especially a long one.
If your flight falls after your blood thinner is due to stop, or you have had a blood clot before, ask your surgeon whether you need extra protection for the flight.
Check your airline’s and travel insurer’s rules before you book.

Drafted with AI assistance from published sources, reviewed and edited by Babak Sheikh, MD.

Sources:

Cooper HJ, et al. Risk of Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism Associated With Flying in the Early Postoperative Period Following Elective Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2014.01.005
Mahmood F, et al. Perioperative Air Travel Increases the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism Following Lower Limb Arthroplasty. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-022-03229-8
Elmenawi KA, et al. When Is It Safe for Patients to Air Travel After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Comprehensive Review. JBJS Rev. 2025. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.RVW.25.00014
Oputa TJ, et al. Is There a Consensus on Air Travel Following Hip and Knee Arthroplasty? Cureus. 2023. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.43814
Clarke MJ, et al. Compression Stockings for Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis in Airline Passengers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004002.pub4
American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. Traveling After Hip Replacement Surgery. https://hipkneeinfo.org/hip-care/traveling-after-hip-replacement-surgery/
Kimura A, et al. Detection of Total Hip Prostheses at Airport Security Checkpoints. J Orthop Sci. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jos.2019.04.004

This is general information about what published research shows. It is not medical advice and it is not about your situation. Reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship with me. I am a retired orthopedic surgeon and I do not see patients. Talk with your own doctor before changing anything about your care. If something feels suddenly or seriously wrong, get medical care promptly rather than waiting.

This page is provided as is. I make no guarantee that it is accurate, complete or current, and medical evidence changes. Use of it is at your own risk.

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