7 Airport Outfit Tips Approved By Flight Attendants

Flight attendants have a front-row seat Travel faux pas are many, but the most common is what people wear to fly. So, I asked two seasoned pros to weigh in on the most impractical outfits they’ve seen—and more importantly, what to wear instead. According to two flight attendants—Karen Young, who has 47 years of experience, and Crista Treat, who takes her airport outfits just as seriously as her vacation looks—far too many travelers still fall short. From sky-high heels and stiff business attire to bulky belts and even barefoot passengers (yes, that happens), these in-flight missteps can lead to unnecessary discomfort—or worse, a hygiene horror story.

Who are the experts? Dress smartly. The right pieces will make you feel comfortable and stylish. They’ll also help you breeze through security. Ahead, Karen and Crista share the common outfit mistakes they see on board—and what they recommend wearing instead, from stylish athleisure You can also find out more about the following: foldable tote bags The following are some examples of how to get started: cozy compression socks. Prices start as low as $13.

Skip: just a tank-top or T shirt

Wear instead: Layers

Cabin temperatures are unpredictable. Sitting by the window can be a chilly experience. Flight attendants agree that the most common mistake they see in travelers is not what they wear but what they do. don’t. Karen said, “It is always cold in airplanes, especially next to the windows.” Layering is important.

Crista added that she echoed this sentiment. a layered outfit isn’t just functional—it can actually elevate your entire look. “My top tip is to wear layers,” she says.A sweater It elevates your look and allows you to warm up. She says to always remember that you can control your own temperature and not rely on the temperature of an aircraft. 

Newshows Lightweight Cardigan

Zeagoo Button Down Shirt

Amazon Essentials Cardigan with Open Front

Skip the Business Attire

Wear instead: Comfy athleisure wear

If you are heading straight to a meeting, then a pencil skirt or blazer may make sense. What about for the rest? Crista stated that “all-nighter flights with people in suits, ties, and business attire” are impractical outfits. It’s now time to go to bed. Her favorite travel outfit is the perfect blend of comfort, style and convenience: leggings, A cropped zip-up. a tank underneath. When it comes to brands, what about her? She’s loyal. “I always wear Lululemon, or Vuori,” said the woman. 

Lululemon Align No Line High-rise Pants

Vuori Halo Mini Full-zip Hoodie

Lululemon Henly Tank Top Hold Tight

Vuori Energy Top

Vuori Daily Leggings

Skip: Bulky fleece socks

Wear instead: Compression socks 

What about flying barefoot? That’s a hard no—and a surprisingly common offense, according to flight attendant Karen. “This is important: Never, ever go barefoot around an airplane,” she warned. “There is always broken glass.” Plus, the floors—particularly in the bathroom—are filthy.” It’s not just unsanitary, but also inconsiderate to go shoeless. “I had to remind people to wear their shoes again because other passengers complained about the smell of their feet,” she said.

Karen and Crista both recommend that instead, wearing compression socksNot only are they important for hygienic reasons, but also circulation. Karen said they were especially helpful for those with circulation or heart problems, and Crista called them a simple way to improve your health on a plane. She said, “They are so good for you.” “I wear a pair of these on long flights. I do calf lifts while seated to increase blood flow.

Charming Compression Socks

Skip the High Heels

Wear instead: Comfortable sneakers

You won’t score any points with flight crews by boarding in stilettos—especially on a red-eye. Crista said that wearing high heels for an overnight flight was ridiculous. High heels are not only uncomfortable in the air, but also impractical when you have to rush through airports. 

“Wear shoes with plenty of room in them—especially on long flights, because your feet can swell up,” Karen added. Foot swelling and high heels? It’s the perfect recipe for inflight discomfort. Crista recommends that you use the ever-comfy Adidas Sambas. These are fashionable, supportive, easy to take off, and they’re also very comfortable. Scroll down to shop for these shoes and more comfortable footwear we love.

Adidas Unisex Samba Sneakers

New Balance Women’s Sneakers 515

Project Cloud Sneakers

Skip: Wearing belt 

Wear instead: Pull-on pants

While they may look nice, belts are more trouble than their worth when you’re flying. Belts can cause discomfort under your seatbelt and set off alarms when you go through security. Crista points out that “belts always set off alarms at security”, which can lead to you having to remove your belt in line, or being pulled aside for another screening. 

Instead, opt fYou can also find out more about drawstring bottoms or pull-on pants They don’t need a belt. You’ll be more comfortable on long flights and can breeze through TSA without any hassle.

Libin Women’s Jogger Pants

Vuori Women’s Joggers for Performance

Lululemon Men’s ABC Joggers

Skip: Bulky jewelry

Wear instead: Minimal accessories

Wearing jewelry through airport security is not worth the hassle. Crista explained that she packs her jewelry into a bag or carry-on to avoid alarming security. In addition to triggering TSA alarms, traveling with large or expensive jewelry can increase the risk of losing or having something stolen. What’s a better strategy? Storing your accessories in a compact, zippered travel case Once you land, everything will be organized, secure and easily accessible.

Bagsmart Travel Jewelry organizer

Skip: Bulky bags

Wear instead: A foldable tote bag

Karen, a flight attendant, swears by her iconic Longchamp bag. She explained that they fold down to almost nothing, which makes them ideal to store in your personal item when you need more space. You can use it to carry duty-free products or food from the airport. Just unfold it. It opens up into a very nice bag. Karen said that Longchamp totebags are the preferred bag of most flight attendants.

She also praised another favorite of the flight crew: Baggalini Carry-all Expandable Tote Bagi. Designed with plenty of compartments and thoughtful organization, “it’s very popular with all of the zippered compartments,” she noted—especially for travelers who want easy access to passports, earbuds, and other essentials mid-flight.

Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote Bag

Baggallini Carry All Expandable Tote Bag

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