Air travel can be glamorous in theory, but comfort is king when squeezed in a coach seat for hours on end. While airlines rarely enforce strict dress codes, some clothing choices can turn a pleasant journey into a nightmare. To avoid discomfort, delays, and potential embarrassment, avoid these 15 travel wardrobe offenders.
Open Toed Shoes
Flip-flops and sandals seem perfect for a beach vacation, but they could be a better idea on a plane. Planes are not known for their pristine floors, and encountering spilled drinks or unknown substances is possible. Closed-toe shoes, like sneakers or loafers, provide better protection and support for navigating the narrow aisles and cramped legroom.
Offensive shirts
This one’s a no-brainer. Shirts plastered with expletive or offensive imagery are a quick way to get flagged by security or even denied boarding. These outfits might raise suspicion and create tension, not exactly the vibe you want when crammed into a flight with hundreds of strangers. So, leave the statement shirts at home and avoid an unwanted runway showdown.
Jeans
Frequent flyers know legroom is a battleground. But beyond seat choice, your trousers make a big difference in how comfortable your flight is. An altitude medicine expert explains that gas in your intestines expands at higher altitudes. As planes climb, cabin pressure changes can lead to bloating, a fun little phenomenon known as “jet belly.” So, those restrictive jeans around your waist can make bloating worse.
Complicated Clothing
Ensembles with multiple layers or complex fastenings can be cumbersome on an aircraft. They make using the restroom more challenging. Simplify your travel attire with easy-to-remove layers. It allows for quick adjustments to cabin temperature changes. Avoid outfits that require extensive effort to put on or take off.
Bulky Outerwear
That heavy winter coat might be necessary for your destination, but it’s a nuisance on a plane. Cabin areas tend to get warm, especially with limited ventilation. Packing a light jacket or cardigan lets you layer and adjust to temperature fluctuations throughout the flight. Bulky coats can also be cumbersome when storing carry-on luggage.
Jewelry
One accessory you should reconsider for your next flight is chunky jewelry. While small earrings or necklaces usually sail through security without a hitch, those bold statement pieces can set off metal detectors and slow down the security line.
Pajamas
We all love comfort, but there’s a line between cozy and inappropriate, especially at airports. While pajamas might seem like the ultimate comfy outfit, they’re best left for the bedroom. Pajamas, often made from thin materials, can easily tear or snag in crowded airport environments. Opt for more durable clothing that can withstand the hustle and bustle.
Contact Lens
Dry cabin air can irritate your eyes, especially when wearing contact lenses. Consider switching to eyeglasses for long flights to avoid dry, itchy eyes. If you must wear contacts, bring along rewetting drops to keep your eyes feeling comfortable.
Tank Tops And Shorts
Are you dreaming of a beach getaway? While packing your swimsuit is a must, ditch the shorts and tank top for your flight. Airliners see a lot of traffic, and those seats don’t get deep cleaned between every flight. Long pants and sleeves offer a barrier between you and potentially germy surfaces. Bare arms and legs on those seats ask for an unpleasant surprise—a sticky patch, or mysterious stain is nobody’s idea of fun.
Perfume
A spritz of perfume might seem like a good idea, but strong scents can be a nightmare for fellow passengers. Since the area is small, fragrance can easily trigger allergies or headaches. If you’re worried about feeling fresh, pack some travel-sized body wipes for a quick refresh after landing.
Belts
Belts can be restrictive and inconvenient during flights. These accessories can dig into your waist and cause discomfort over long periods. Additionally, removing belts at security checkpoints can be time-consuming. We recommend clothing with elastic waistbands for comfort and ease.
High Heels
Airports are notorious for delays. Imagine sprinting to catch a connecting flight or waiting hours for a rescheduled one—all in uncomfortable heels! High heels can slow down evacuations and potentially damage emergency slides. Sitting with heels for hours is no picnic, especially for your feet and back.
Underwire Bras
Avoid wearing underwire bras during flights for several reasons. The metal in the underwire can trigger airport security alarms, leading to unnecessary delays. Underwire bras can also be uncomfortable during long periods of sitting. The pressure changes during a flight cause the metal to dig into your skin, increasing discomfort.
Earbuds
Headphones are fabulous for drowning out noise or enjoying entertainment, as in such circumstances, earbuds fall short. Their sound quality could be better, and more importantly, they offer less protection from airplane noise. Takeoff can reach 120 decibels, which can damage your hearing. Regular headphones block this out better.
Itchy Fabrics
Cozy fabrics like wool, bamboo, and polyester might seem ideal, but they can turn into torture chambers at 30,000 feet. Wool is a champion offender, known to trigger eczema and dry skin woes. Skip the irritation and potential mid-flight meltdown by packing softer materials. Your skin and seatmates will be much happier!
