Traveling through the air comes with a massive set of rules and regulations, and you don't want to make it any more complicated than it already is. Outside of the mandated policies put into place by TSA and airports, there are unwritten practices that should help you as well. For example, you're going to have a tougher time going to the bathroom if you're wearing a romper or onesie, and if you're wearing sandals at the airport, you probably haven't thought about all of those germs... yuck.
In this article, you'll uncover many "don't wear" items when it comes to flying. Keep reading through, you'll thank us later!
Shorts
If you're on your way to a hotter climate, it might sound like a bright idea to put on some shorts for your journey. Sure, they're comfortable, but you have to remember the climate in the airport and mid-flight.
Planes become cold, and the person next to you might turn their air vent on full blast, making you colder. Your best bet would be to throw on some warmer clothes while you fly the friendly skies.
Leggings
Leggings are one of the most in-demand fashion options. Men, women, and kids all like to sport the comfortable style no matter where they're headed. If you're flying with United Airlines, we think you might want to reconsider.
Not long ago, the airline kicked two girls off for wearing leggings. Their rules to general customers allow them to refuse traveling "for passengers who are barefoot or not properly clothed." We're telling you to read guidelines before you hop on a flight.
Pajamas
Wearing your pajamas to the airport and on your flight might sound like a great idea for you, but what about the passengers? You're bound to get a handful of stares walking down the aisle wearing your PJs.
Your best bet will be athletic attire if you want to retain some comfort. Since athleisure attire is a pretty big trend at the moment, you can't wrong sporting that style for your air travels. You might even get a few compliments on your outfit.
Nice Jewels
We know you probably look fabulous in that new watch, or necklace you own. The thing is, you're about to be in the air for an extended period of time, so you don't need to sport all your nicest jewelry.
Not only will you have an easier time getting through security, but you'll also have a better chance to keep things safe. Unless you wish to have added attention and a difficult time getting through metal detectors, keep your favorite jewels locked and packed away, or better yet, at home!
Tight Clothes
Even if your flight is only one hour, it'd be best not to put on tight clothes. Much like with uncomfortable fabric, tight clothes in close-knit spaces isn't the best idea.
Did you know that your feet naturally swell while flying? That's one reason to ditch the tight boots you thought you'd wear. Also, the longer the flight, the more irritable you could become, and you don't want that crying baby or loud passenger to ruin your mood.
Large Handbags
If it completes your outfit, then you might have a hard time denying this one, but hear us out, please. A larger than average handbag that isn't a duffel doesn't need to be on your person while flying.
For one, you're taking up space. You need all the room you can get in the tight seating. Secondly, you won't be susceptible to folks trying to steal. The bigger your bag, the easier it is for theft.
Uncomfortable Fabrics
While wool tops might be stylish, they aren't the best to wear while traveling via airplane. That goes for any uncomfortable fabric that might cause you to itch or feel out of place.
You don't have much room in your seat (unless you went for first-class), so why would you want to make it less enjoyable? A regular cotton sweater will get the job done, so you can save the fashionable attire for after you land.
A Brand New Outfit
As tempting as it might be, the last thing you want to do is sport a brand new outfit you plan to wear out on the plane. If you purchased the new clothing specifically for the flight, that's a different story.
What you don't want to wear on the flight is an outfit that you bought to look your best while on your trip. Keep the fresh threads packed and save them for after you arrive.
Too Much Perfume
If you're sitting on a long flight, one of the last things you want is a strong alcohol fragrance entering your nostrils the whole way. That's what happens when someone decides to spray too much cologne or perfume on their body.
One or two sprays is all you should apply when you're about to fly on a plane. Carrying around a strong scent isn't appealing to those around you, even if it's their favorite smell!
Contacts
If you wear contacts and glasses, your best bet will be the glasses while traveling through the air. You might also want to consider leaving your contact kit at home as well, so it's less of a hassle.
Since airplanes can get pretty dry, the humidity won't be kind to your eyes while wearing contacts. Its easier to take off and put on your bifocals as well, so it's overall a better decision in the long run.
Not Enough Layers
While traveling, you'll want to have an option of adjusting layers for different temperatures. Whether you're going from a cold climate to a warm one, or you're in for a heavy day of moving around, your clothing choices can help out a lot.
If you layer up, you can decide to take something off it gets too hot or if you're on the run when you get to your destination. Conversely, if it's cold, you're already in luck!
Religious Attire
This one is more about being sensitive to others and less about your personal and religious views. You can feel free to praise whoever you wish, but try to keep it on your terms, like when you're at church.
Walking through the airport then boarding the plane with attire focused on religion can be offensive to some. You never know who might disagree with what you believe in and how it could affect them. Also, if you're traveling to some Asian countries, they won't let you in if you have a shirt or tattoo of a Buddha.
Sweaters With Metal Accents
Wearing those ugly sweaters around the holidays is an annual tradition for many. They have all kinds of designs, but the type you need to be careful of is the metal kind.
The sparkles or bell might seem harmless, but if they're made of metal, you're going to end up setting off the detector. Do you want to take off your whole top before going through the machine? Probably not.
Oversized Coats
Okay, unless you're headed to Alaska in the winter or any other place that's unbelievably cold, you don't need to wear an oversized coat on the plane. It lessens your mobility and the space you have.
You don't want to impair your movement or give yourself any less room to move around. If it means packing an extra bag to fit your large jacket, you might have to do it or sacrifice the freedom we mentioned.
Baggy Clothing
Yes, it's a smart idea to wear loose clothing that is comfortable while traveling but don't overdo it. A loose-fitting top won't bring much attention your way, but if your whole outfit looks like a clown suit, then prepare for some suspicion.
You don't want TSA to have another reason to pull you aside for a check, potentially putting you at risk of missing your flight! Figure out the best balance of not too baggy and you'll be fine.
High Heels
This should be a no-brainer, but we'll include it. You don't want to run late for your flight with a pair of high heels on, or you might end up rolling an ankle sprinting to your boarding gate.
Wear your favorite comfortable sneakers, and if you must look sharp stepping off the plane at your destination, keep the heels in your carry-on bag. That way, you'll be able to take off your shoes and slip into the fancy option.
One Pieces
Having a difficult time using the restroom isn't fun when you're attempting to get to your flight or even if you're already on the plane. It's especially rough when you're in the air, and the bathrooms don't give you much room to operate.
Take the smart route and wear pants that can easily slide down. Who wants to take off the majority of their outfit when they have to relieve themselves? It's even more inconvenient in a public bathroom.
Flip Flops
We understand that flips flops provide an extra level of comfort for your feet, which would make them a great option while flying, but being aware of others would be more considerate. Do you think everyone likes the sight of feet?
Also, who knows if your feet won't start to smell unexpectedly. Wearing flip flops sounds good on paper, but once you do it, you're bound to receive some type of flagging energy from others around you. Not to mention all of the germs around the airport and plane.