If the multitudes of Pinterest inspirations are believed (I am also guilty of having one with 500+ airport outfit ideas – tap HERE), airport outfits can be chic, comfortable, and can get you through airport security like a breeze. But while the inspiration *inspires* you on what to wear to a flight, it seldom tells you what not to wear on a plane. To help you with 

This is the first thing that anyone with barely any knowledge of airport outfits will recommend. But sometimes, in the effort to look your best self, this little detail can be missed. Skintight jeans or any lower that’s tight on your waist can restrict movement and can make you uncomfortable in an already cramped seat of the plane. Similarly, tight tops, shirts, and waistbands also constrict the movement and are a bad idea for a long flight. 

Flying can also make you feel bloated due to changes in air pressure and water retention, making a lower with an elasticized waist a necessity. If baggy sweatpants aren’t your style and make you feel less chic, then go for form-fitting joggers or ponte knit pants instead. They will make your airport outfit elegant and feminine, without compromising comfort. 

Statement jewelry pieces can elevate any basic outfit and turn your look from drab to fab in a matter of seconds. The issue with upgrading airport outfits with jewelery is security. While smaller metal pieces like dainty hoops, a simple layered necklace, or slim rings won’t tick off the detector, chunky metal pieces will set them off. The detector is looking for anything magnetic that fashion jewelry pieces often contain. Similarly, anything that can be perceived as a weapon (like the pointy edges of some big earrings) will also not make it past TSA security checkpoints.  

It’s important to know that fine, real jewelry pieces – made with gold, silver, or platinum – like your wedding band or engagement ring will not bother the scanners. But again, substantial jewelry pieces – like the Cartier love bracelet in bigger sizes – can set them off. Since it can only be removed with a screwdriver, it can become a hassle at the airport. A whole Reddit thread discussing the details of how you can carry the Cartier is abuzz with comments. My take is that airport security is used to it, and you will likely be fine most times. But if you’re in a rush, it’s best to keep it in a case in your carry-on bag and put it on afterward. 

During an emergency, you will want your shoes to stay put and help you slide down the evacuation exit without slipping off. Besides a situation with chances as low as a dozen flights in one year, you will need footwear that you can easily take on & off during security check-ins. Shoes or boots with laces and high heels can slow you down during airport formalities. The latter is also a bad choice for sprinting through the airport when you’re late for the flight. 

Another drawback of high heels is some of them can have prohibited items inside them, like thick soles or metal, that can buzz off the security alarm. Slip-on sneakers or uggs, on the other hand, are a stylish, comfortable, and easy choice for airports. They are easy to take on & off, you can find one that fits your fashion choice, and they’d also make a great match for your vacation outfits. With sneakers, you also have a choice to put on warm socks in case it gets cold on the airplane or you’re landing somewhere with lower temperatures. 

A further case in withdrawal for open-toe shoes is hygiene and safety. If a suitcase is going to be rolled over your ankle or a person is going to step up on your foot, it will likely happen at the airport or on the flight. Airport washrooms also aren’t the cleanest and closed-toe shoes just make sense when all factors are taken into account.

An elaborate hairstyle with lots of clips, bobby pins, or barrettes is cute and chic, but they can set off the metal detectors at the airport. Plus, claw clips are effortless to whip up your hair and get it out of your way, but they are the most uncomfortable accessory when you lean back against the headrest. Because of their ease, they can easily sneak into your airport outfit without as much thought. 

Save yourself this ordeal on a long flight and opt for silk scrunchies or hairbands instead. Keep some extra bands in your toiletry bag so you can take them out when you do tie your hair with clips instead. The comeback of baseball caps in the romantic aesthetic has made them popular for airport outfits. You can also consider a smart baseball cap but remember you have to remove it before going through security. 

A tip that you will not find in many places is to always wear underwear with soft, breathable fabrics on a flight. It can be easily missed if you have a collection of synthetic underwear or shapewear ready to be worn! My research for suggestions on “what not to wear on a plane” also led me to some weird discussion threads suggesting going commando on a long-haul flight. Please don’t do it. Travel involves going to the bathroom, sitting beside strangers, and having a higher hygiene quotient, which all leads to wearing underwear as a necessity. 

Underwear made of merino or cotton is an excellent choice. These materials are breathable, anti-bacterial, and have higher moisture-wicking than other fabrics like polyester, nylon, or spandex. If you’re about to get on a long-haul flight, try to shower as late as you can before going into the airport and carry an extra pair of underpants to keep you fresh. Panty liners are a great option as well. 

I’ve been on several long-haul flights (12+ hours), and I can tell you a full face of makeup is never a good idea for an airplane journey. The air inside the flight is drying and dehydrating. No matter how hydrating your foundation is, it will start caking after a while. 

“I got FIVE massive zits on a flight from Newark to Dublin because of my makeup, and my eyes almost dried out to the point of not being able to open them because of my concealer and mascara. I’d skip it if I were you,” wrote a Reddit user on a thread titled ‘Wearing makeup on flights.’ Other contributors (including a former flight attendant) recommended minimal makeup (if you absolutely have to!) with lots of hydration for longer journeys. 

Start by doing sheet masks, then applying a soothing serum, followed by a moisturizer to get ready for flights. Top it off with some tinted foundation, lightweight mascara, and lip tint to enhance the natural look. If you’ve full-face makeup on, clean it off with a cleanser and do a hydrating skin-care routine before take-off. Sunscreen is a must! UV is at its strongest because there’s no atmospheric filter when the Sun’s rays enter through plane windows. Re-apply sunscreen every 3 to 4 hours. 

Cargo pants are great for traveling and excursions at the destination. Their multiple pockets provide convenience and safety for all your important belongings. But keep them folded inside the suitcase for that purpose only. At the airport, cargo pants can trigger the security alarm due to their multiple pockets. When being told by an officer to remove all the items, there is always a set of keys or lighter that you’ve forgotten to remove – increasing your chances of pat down. 

Shorts as a lower, on the other hand, can make you uncomfortable in the lower temperatures at both airports and flights. International flights are notorious for cold aircraft cabins, and not all airlines carry a blanket for comfort. A comfortable option is rather pants, leggings, or smart joggers with minimal pockets. 

Long airplane journeys are already tedious enough. Why make them more tedious by wearing a bra you’re sure will dig into your underboob and leave an uncomfortable mark? Instead, opt for comfortable bras and bralettes with broader straps and breathable material to stay relaxed on the flight. I’ve listed five amazing options on my Amazon storefront under “airport outfits,” and you can get them in varied sizes. It’s a small airplane outfit hack, but just like you can take out synthetic underwear in a hurry, this can easily be overlooked while getting dressed for the flight. 

Chances are, if you’re going to spill some coffee on your clothes or someone else is going to do it, it will likely happen at the airport. Crammed-up spaces, chaotic kiosks, and hurried fliers are common at airports and on flights. I’d always suggest wearing something in darker shades for your journey. Anything delicate (check the label for dry-clean only to see if the clothing items count as delicate) should be left at home or kept folded safely inside the suitcase. Airport outfits should be easily washable. Include a small stain remover pen if you are hard stuck on wearing an outfit in lighter shades. 

Rompers, jumpsuits, and overalls have made a fashion comeback, and their put-together, chic look can’t be denied. But I’d suggest saving their elegance for the vacation – not for the flights. The case against them is simple – they make bathroom breaks cumbersome and unhygienic. Airplane and flight washrooms aren’t the cleanest places, and the fact that your outfit will be touching the floor or even the toilet seat, isn’t worth it. It will happen with an overall – no matter how you try to go to the bathroom wearing it. 

To replicate the same look, go for a matching loungewear option instead. It gives the same vibe, has the same comfort, and will be a hygienic choice for your bathroom breaks. You can even mix and match to create your own matching set. 

While still on the subject, I’d also like to include two more important points to dress up for the plane. First, layer. When you travel, you don’t know whether it’s going to be hot or cold. A light cardigan or a lightweight pashmina scarf adds style to the outfit and keeps you comfortable – just in case the temperatures become uncomfortable on the flight. 

Second, compression socks. Sitting for longer hours can restrict blood flow and cause swelling in the legs. Good-quality compression socks keep the circulation flowing so you land with lessened fatigue in your legs. Thankfully, compression socks come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, so you don’t have to compromise fashion for comfort. 

Find them listed on my Amazon storefront, along with other airport outfits’ inspiration – ALL linked. 🙂

Find all of them listed and linked on my Amazon storefront, along with other inspiration under “Airport Outfits”.