7 Airport Outfits Approved by Flight Attendants

Flight attendants have a front-row seat Every travel faux pas is a big one, especially in terms of what people wear when they 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.

What is their expert advice? Dress smart. You’ll look stylish, feel comfortable, and be able to 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 The following are some of the ways to get in touch with us: foldable tote bags The following are some examples of how to get started: cozy compression socks. Prices start as low as $11.

Skip: Just wear a T-shirt or tank top

Wear instead: Layers

The cabin temperature is notoriously unpredictable. If you are seated near the window, be prepared for a cold blast. Flight attendants all agree that what passengers wear is not the biggest mistake. don’t. Karen said, “It is always cold in airplanes, especially next to the windows.” “Layering” is crucial.

Crista agreed, and added that a layered outfit isn’t just functional—it can actually elevate your entire look. She says, “My biggest tip is to dress in layers.”A sweater Dropping a blanket over your shoulders can elevate any look, and you’ll also be able to warm yourself 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 Open Front

Skip: Business attire

Wear instead: Comfy athleisure

You might be able to wear a blazer or pencil skirt if you have a business meeting right after leaving the airport. What about for the rest? Crista stated that “Impractical attire, to me is the all-nighter flight where people are dressed in suits, ties, and business clothing.” It’s time to get to bed. She always wears a combination of comfort and fashion when she travels: leggings. 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

Vuori Energy Top

Vuori Daily Leggings

Skip bulky fleece socks

Wear instead: Compression socks 

Are you barefoot on the plane? That’s a hard no—and a surprisingly common offense, according to flight attendant Karen. She warned, “Never ever walk around an aircraft barefoot.” “There is always broken glass.” Plus, the floors—particularly in the bathroom—are filthy.” Not only is it unsanitary but also rude to leave your shoes at home. She added, “I have had to tell passengers to put on their shoes because they complained that their feet smelled.”

Karen and Crista both recommend that instead, wearing compression socksThey are important not only for hygiene, but for circulation. Karen mentioned that they were especially important for those with circulation or heart problems, and Crista said they are a great way to stay healthy on flights. She said, “They are so good for you.” “I have two pairs of socks that I wear during long flights. I also raise my calf muscles while sitting in order to improve blood circulation.

Charming Compression Socks

Skip: 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 claims that wearing heels on a red-eye flight is ridiculous. They aren’t only unpractical to wear in airports but can be uncomfortable as well. 

“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? This is a recipe for misery on the plane. Crista suggests 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 the belt 

Wear instead: Pull-on pants

While they may look nice, belts are more trouble than their worth when you’re flying. They can be uncomfortable for long periods of time under your seatbelt, and they tend to trigger alarms at the security checkpoint. Crista says that belts are always a problem at security, and you may end up having to remove them in line. 

Instead, opt fThe following are some examples of how to use drawstring bottoms or pull-on pants That don’t require you to wear a belt. You’ll be more comfortable on long flights and can breeze through TSA without any hassle.

Libin Women’s Athletic Joggers Pants

Vuori Women’s Performance Joggers

Lululemon Men’s ABC Joggers

Skip: Bulky jewelry

Wear instead: Minimal accessories

While jewelry can add a touch of elegance to your look, wearing it at the airport isn’t worth the hassle. Crista says she puts her jewelry in a backpack or carry-on bag instead of wearing them to avoid triggering security. Traveling with expensive or bulky pieces increases your risk of losing valuable items or worse, have them stolen. 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 Organiser

Skip heavy bags

Instead, use a folding tote bag

Karen swears by this carry-on accessory. Flight attendants are experts when it comes to practicality. iconic Longchamp tote. 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 almost a standard accessory for flight attendants: “Longchamp is the top totebag of most flight attendants.”

She also named another favorite flight crew member: Baggalini Carry-all Expandable Tote Bag. 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 Expandable Tote Bag

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