Heading to the airport? What you wear can make or break your travel experience.
Some clothing choices can slow you down at security or make you uncomfortable on the plane.
From flip flops to bulky jewelry, certain items can even pose safety risks.
Let’s look at things to avoid wearing and some better options. I hope you find them useful for your next flight. 😊
1. Flip Flops and Sandals
a. Safety concerns
- Unsafe in emergency evacuations: You might need to walk or run quickly over unknown terrain
- Open-toed shoes expose feet to hazards like broken glass and hot surfaces during evacuations
- Increased risk of tripping or slipping
b. Security checkpoint problems
- May require removal, exposing bare feet
- Expose feet to dirty airport floors
- Increased risk of fungal infections
- Risk of small cuts or abrasions from debris on the floor
c. Comfort considerations
- Lack of support during long walks
- Cold feet during flight
d. Better alternatives
- Slip-on sneakers
- Comfortable loafers
- Supportive sandals with back straps
e. Tips
- Wear socks for hygiene if shoes must be removed
- Choose shoes easy to remove and put back on
2. High Heels
a. Discomfort and Injury Risks
- Increased risk of ankle sprains
- Difficulty on escalators and moving walkways
- Potential tripping hazard in crowded areas
b. Comfort issues
- Uncomfortable for long periods of standing or walking
- Can cause foot pain and blisters
- Difficult to remove quickly if needed
c. Practical concerns
- Impractical for rushing between gates
- May get stuck in aircraft carpeting
d. Better choices
- Supportive flats
- Low-heeled comfortable shoes
- Stylish yet comfortable options prevent limping and foot pain during delays
e. Tips
- Pack heels in carry-on if needed at destination
- Choose wedges over stilettos if heels are necessary
3. Brand New Shoes
a. Comfort concerns
- May cause blisters or sore feet
- Not broken in, leading to discomfort during long walks
b. Practical issues
- New soles might be slippery on smooth airport floors
c. Better options
- Well-worn, comfortable shoes you trust
- Shoes you’ve worn several times before
d. Tips
- If you must wear new shoes, bring band-aids and backup shoes
- Break in new shoes for several days before traveling
4. Open Tote Bags Without Zippers
a. Security risks
- Easy target for pickpockets in crowded airports
- Items can fall out during security screening or turbulence
b. Practical issues
- Difficult to keep organized during travel
- Contents may spill if bag tips over under seat or in overhead bin
c. Examples of problematic bags
- Canvas tote bags
- Open-top leather handbags
d. Better alternatives
- Backpacks with multiple secure compartments
- Crossbody bags with zippers
e. Tips
- If using a tote, add a bag organizer with zippered sections
- Use small pouches within the tote to group similar items
- Consider a tote with at least one zippered pocket for valuables
5. Light-Colored Clothing
a. Practical concerns
- More likely to show stains from food, drinks, or dirt
- Can become see-through when wet or in bright light
b. Travel-specific issues
- Airplane seats and tray tables may leave marks
- Increased visibility of sweat stains during long travels
c. Maintenance problems
- Harder to keep clean during extended trips
- May require more frequent washing while traveling
d. Examples of problematic light colors
- White pants or shorts
- Pale yellow or light blue shirts
- Light gray sweaters or jackets
e. Better alternatives
- Dark colors like navy, black, or deep green
- Medium shades that don’t show stains easily
- Patterned fabrics that can hide small marks
f. Tips
- If wearing light colors, bring a stain remover pen
- Layer darker items over light-colored basics for protection
- Choose light colors in stain-resistant fabrics if available
6. Flowy Clothing
a. Safety hazards
- Long skirts or wide-leg pants can get caught in escalators or moving walkways
- Loose fabric may snag on armrests or seatbelt buckles
b. Practical issues
- Can be difficult to manage in tight spaces like airplane seats or bathrooms
- May drag on dirty floors, picking up germs and stains
c. Comfort concerns
- Loose fabrics can bunch up uncomfortably during long periods of sitting
- May not provide enough warmth in cold airplane cabins
d. Privacy risks
- Flowing skirts or dresses might blow up in windy outdoor areas
- Can expose more than intended when bending or stretching
e. Better alternatives
- Fitted but comfortable clothing
- Layers that can be easily adjusted
- Knee-length skirts or dresses if preferred
f. Tips
- If wearing flowy clothes, bring a belt to cinch them when needed
- Consider wearing bike shorts or leggings underneath for added coverage
7. Clothing with Many Pockets
a. Security checkpoint issues
- Multiple pockets can slow down the screening process
- Easy to forget items in pockets, triggering additional checks
- Small items like coins can trigger body scanner alarms
b. Practical concerns
- Small items may fall out during flight or while reclining
- Difficult to remember which pocket contains what
c. Comfort problems
- May create bulky silhouettes, making it hard to sit comfortably
d. Examples of problematic clothing
- Cargo pants with numerous side pockets
- Fishing or photography vests with multiple compartments
e. Better alternatives
- Pants or jackets with just a few secure, zippered pockets
- Using a small travel bag or pouch for organizing items
f. Tip
- If wearing multi-pocket clothing, use only one or two pockets for essential items
8. Tight or Restrictive Clothing
a. Health risks
- Reduced blood circulation during long flights
- Increases risk of deep vein thrombosis during long periods of sitting
- Can exacerbate existing circulatory issues
b. Comfort problems
- Difficulty sitting comfortably for extended periods
- Restricts movement and stretching
- May cause overheating
c. Practical issues
- Difficult to adjust or remove layers
- Challenging for bathroom use
d. Examples of tight or restrictive clothing
- Skinny jeans or jeggings
- Body-con dresses
- Tight shapewear or corsets
e. Better options
- Loose, breathable fabrics
- Comfortable dresses or skirts
f. Tips
- Choose clothing with some elasticity
- Layer loose items for easy temperature adjustment
9. Pants Requiring Belts or Suspenders
a. Security checkpoint issues
- Belts often need to be removed, slowing down the screening process
- Suspenders may trigger metal detectors, requiring additional checks
b. Comfort concerns
- Tight belts can be uncomfortable during long flights
- Suspenders may dig into shoulders when seated for extended periods
c. Practical problems
- Risk of pants falling or sagging when belt is removed
- Difficulty adjusting in cramped airplane bathrooms
d. Better alternatives
- Pants with elastic waistbands
- Drawstring pants or joggers
- Well-fitted pants that stay up without support
e. Tips
- If you must wear a belt, choose one that’s easy to remove and put back on
- Pack belt in carry-on and put it on after security check
10. Clothing with Metal Embellishments
a. Security concerns
- Will trigger metal detectors
- Leads to additional screening and pat-downs
- May require removal of clothing items
- Additional screening slows you down
- Can be stressful if you’re close to boarding time
b. Practical issues
- Can be uncomfortable when sitting for long periods
c. Better alternatives
- Clothing without metal decorations
- Outfits with plastic or fabric embellishments
d. Tips
- Save decorated clothing for your destination
- If wearing metal-embellished items, be prepared for extra screening
11. Excessive Jewelry
a. Security checkpoint issues
- Slows down screening process
- May trigger metal detectors, leading to additional checks
- Risk of items getting lost or damaged during removal
b. Practical concerns
- Can be uncomfortable during long flights
- Risk of loss or theft during travel
- Stressful near boarding due to extra scanning
c. Better approach
- Wear minimal, simple pieces
- Choose non-metallic jewelry if possible
- Pack valuable or sentimental pieces in carry-on
d. Tips
- Remove jewelry before security and store in carry-on
- Consider temporary storage in a small pouch or container
12. Strong Perfumes or Colognes
a. Consideration for others
- Can be overwhelming in confined spaces
- May cause allergic reactions in fellow passengers
- Potential to trigger headaches, nausea, or respiratory issues
b. Personal comfort
- Scents can intensify due to cabin pressure and recycled air
- May cause personal discomfort during long flights
c. Alternative options
- Use unscented deodorant
- Opt for lightly scented body lotion
- Bring scent-free wet wipes for refreshing
d. Tips
- Apply any fragrances lightly and well before the flight
- Save stronger scents for after landing
- Be aware of airline policies on strong odors
13. Complicated Outfits
a. Security checkpoint problems
- Time-consuming to remove and put back on
- May require extensive unpacking or disassembling
- Can hold up lines and frustrate fellow travelers
b. In-flight discomfort
- Difficult to adjust or remove layers in cramped seats
- May have parts that dig in or become uncomfortable over time
c. Practical issues
- Challenging for quick bathroom breaks
- Potential for parts to snag or get damaged
d. Better choices
- Simple, layered outfits
- Clothes without multiple fastenings or accessories
- Easy-to-remove outer layers
e. Tips
- Opt for slip-on shoes and simple jackets
- Avoid outfits with multiple belts, scarves, or removable parts
14. Oversized or Bulky Clothing
a. Storage problems
- Takes up excessive space in overhead bins or under seats
- Difficult to store properly, potentially inconveniencing others
b. Comfort issues
- Can be too warm during flight
- Challenging to move around in tight airplane spaces
c. Security concerns
- May require more thorough screening
- Could be seen as suspicious if excessively bulky
d. Examples of bulky clothing
- Heavy winter coats
- Thick wool sweaters
- Puffy jackets or vests
- Oversized hoodies
- Knitted sweaters or oversized pullover sweaters
e. Better options
- Wear multiple thin layers instead of one bulky item
- Choose compressible outerwear (e.g., packable down jackets)
f. Tips
- If bulky clothing is necessary, wear it onto the plane to save luggage space
- Be prepared to remove and store large items separately
15. Offensive or Controversial Clothing
a. Potential problems
- May offend fellow passengers or airline staff
- Could lead to denied boarding in extreme cases
- Might attract unwanted attention or confrontations
- Could result in additional screenings and questioning
b. Cultural considerations
- What’s acceptable in one country may not be in another
- Could cause issues at your destination
c. Better choices
- Neutral, inoffensive clothing
- Culturally appropriate attire for your destination
d. Tips
- Research cultural norms of your destination
- Save statement pieces for appropriate settings
16. Skimpy or Revealing Clothing
a. Comfort issues
- Can be cold in air-conditioned cabins
- May lead to skin contact with unclean surfaces
b. Consideration for others
- Might make fellow passengers uncomfortable
- Could be seen as inappropriate, especially on certain airlines or routes
c. Practical concerns
- Lack of pockets or storage options
- Difficult to adjust or cover up if needed
d. Better alternatives
- Modest, comfortable clothing with good coverage
- Layers that can be adjusted for temperature control
e. Tips
- Bring a light jacket or wrap for coverage
- Consider destination cultural norms when choosing outfits
17. All-in-One Garments
a. Bathroom difficulties
- Challenging to use airplane lavatories
- Time-consuming to remove and put back on
- May cause delays for others waiting
b. Comfort issues
- Can become uncomfortable during long flights
- Difficult to adjust for temperature changes
c. Examples of problematic all-in-one garments
- Full-length jumpsuits
- Denim jumpsuits
- Short rompers
- Overalls or dungarees
d. Better options
- Two-piece outfits for easier bathroom use
- Separates that can be mixed and matched
e. Tips
- If wearing a jumpsuit, choose one with easy fastenings
- Layer with a cardigan or jacket for versatility
18. Chunky or Platform Shoes
a. Safety hazards
- Increased risk of tripping or falling
- Difficult to remove quickly in emergencies
b. Comfort issues
- Can cause foot swelling during flights
- Uncomfortable for long periods of walking or standing
c. Security checkpoint problems
- May need to be removed, slowing down the process
- Can be cumbersome to take off and put back on
d. Better choices
- Comfortable, flat shoes with good support
- Lightweight, easy-to-remove footwear
e. Tips
- Wear socks if you need to remove shoes at security
- Choose shoes that can accommodate potential foot swelling
19. Clothing without Pockets
a. Practical issues
- No easy storage for essential items (phone, boarding pass, ID)
- Increased reliance on carry-on bags, which may be stored overhead
b. Security checkpoint inconvenience
- Difficulty accessing necessary documents quickly
- May require more fumbling and searching through bags
c. Better alternatives
- Clothing with multiple, secure pockets
- Travel vests or jackets with built-in storage
d. Tips
- Look for travel-specific clothing with hidden pockets
- Use a small cross-body bag for essential items if pockets aren’t available
20. Non-Breathable Synthetic Fabrics
a. Comfort issues
- Can cause overheating and excessive sweating
- May lead to unpleasant odors in confined spaces
b. Health concerns
- Increased risk of skin irritation or rashes
- Can exacerbate existing skin conditions
c. Examples of non-breathable synthetic fabrics
- 100% polyester clothing
- Nylon windbreakers or jackets
- PVC or vinyl materials
- Cheap “pleather” or faux leather items
d. Better choices
- Natural, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen, wool blends)
- Moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics designed for travel
e. Tips
- Layer breathable fabrics for temperature control
- Bring a change of clothes for long flights or layovers
21. Fabrics that Wrinkle Easily
a. Appearance concerns
- Arrive at destination looking unkempt
- Difficult to look presentable for business or events upon landing
b. Practical issues
- May require immediate ironing or steaming at destination
- Can make packing more complicated to avoid wrinkles
c. Better alternatives
- Wrinkle-resistant fabrics
- Knit fabrics that bounce back easily
d. Tips
- Roll clothes instead of folding to minimize wrinkles
- Hang clothes immediately upon arrival at your destination
22. Shorts or Short Skirts
a. Comfort issues
- Can be cold in air-conditioned cabins
- Skin contact with potentially unclean seats
b. Cultural considerations
- May be inappropriate in certain destinations
- Could limit your activities upon arrival, like visiting religious sites, riding rollercoasters, or entering places with dress codes
c. Practical concerns
- Lack of pockets or storage options
- Limited protection from sun or insects at destination
d. Better alternatives
- Lightweight, full-length pants or maxi skirts
- Convertible pants that can be adjusted to shorts if needed
e. Tips
- Bring a light blanket or wrap for the flight
- Layer with leggings under shorts or skirts for versatility
23. Contact Lenses
a. Comfort concerns
- Can dry out during flight due to low humidity
- May cause eye irritation or discomfort
b. Health risks
- Increased risk of eye infections due to prolonged wear and touching eyes with unclean hands
c. Practical issues
- Difficult to remove or adjust in cramped airplane bathrooms
- Risk of losing lenses during turbulence
d. Better options
- Wear glasses during the flight
- Use lubricating eye drops frequently if wearing contacts is necessary
e. Tips
- Bring a contact lens case and solution in your carry-on
- Consider daily disposable lenses for travel days
