If you are traveling on a flight from Florida to Russia, should you wear summer clothes to combat the Florida heat, or should you bundle up for the arctic chill?
Each traveler has to battle myriad temperature changes, including sweating while waiting to clear TSA, the humid airport terminal, the suffocating pre-takeoff moments in the cabin, and the icy cold flight time.
No matter which class you fly, business or economy, you will still be required to make smart attire choices for the best inflight experience.
This guide will tell you everything you should not wear on flights, especially long-haul flights. Read on to learn the biggest don’ts in the inflight fashion world.
1. High Heels
Sure, they look stunning and make you seem taller, but aside from being generally uncomfortable to wear, they are also a security hassle.
High heels, especially some of the taller ones, are often flagged at airport security because of the nails in the actual heel of the shoes.
These nails frequently set off the metal detectors, and will result in airport security checking your baggage, which could slow you down by up to 30 minutes.
The same is applicable for shoes with metal studs.
2. Slides, Flip-Flops and Slippers
They don’t provide any grip on those slippery airport floors, and they aren’t exactly useful if you need to sprint to catch your flight, or in a worst-case scenario, evacuate your plane.
In place of flip flops, almost every veteran traveler swears by some sort of lace-up sports shoes, which can be tightened (or loosened) upon requirement.
It is also beneficial to wear shoes with orthopedic insoles, as they are the most comfortable to wear, especially on flights that last over five hours.
3. Jewelry
Aside from being cumbersome, jewelry tends to set off the metal detectors, making you an easy target for thieves, and is a security risk in general.
Wear a simple bracelet or necklace that can be taken off should the need arise, and split the rest of your jewelry between your handbag, check-in, and carryon luggage to minimize the loss should any of the abovementioned bags get lost or misplaced.
Since luggage does get lost and delayed on occasion, and flights can be delayed and cancelled, it’s a smart idea to always purchase travel insurance before your trip. A travel insurance plan can reduce the monetary loss involved in these unfortunate travel situations, and allow you to fly with additional peace of mind.
4. Warm Clothes
The air on the flight is going to be cold. However, wearing a sweater is not the only option if you want to keep warm.
The way around this is to wear layers. Dressing in layers has a twofold benefit: it allows you to save weight and space while packing luggage for your trip, and it allows you to moderate your body temperatures by adding or removing one layer at a time.
A good rule of thumb is to wear summer clothes as the first layer, followed by a light jacket, followed by a heavier jacket that you can carry over your arm to throw on mid-flight, should the need arise.
5. Overwhelming Fragrances, Perfumes, and Colognes
This is not only detrimental to your nasal sensitivity, it is also rude, as strong smells and fragrances can set off other passengers’ allergies, and even trigger their asthma.
Instead of bathing in your perfume, wear freshly laundered clothes so that you don’t smell plain, but aren’t inconveniencing your fellow passengers with your powerful musk either.
6. Clothes That Don’t Breathe
Clothes that don’t breathe trap your perspiration on your body, making you sweat even more, and giving you an uncomfortable experience overall.
You should wear clothes that are made of cotton or linen, and layer up using these fabrics to avoid freezing to death in the icy temperatures of mid-flight cabins.
While wearing t-shirts, it is best to avoid ones that have offensive or lewd slogans and phrases on them, as you could get deplaned for wearing these.
7. Contact Lenses
The humidity level inside the cabin of an airplane is way less than what it is back on the ground, so wearing contact lenses of any kind will not only be uncomfortable, but possibly painful.
This is because contact lenses require constant lubrication, which our tear glands normally provide. But, because the humidity levels drop so much in the air, our lacrimal glands stop functioning properly, and the lenses tend to get hard and crusty after a while. Avoid contact lenses for a painless flight.
Follow these guidelines to have the best and most comfortable flight possible. Prioritize comfort, not style while in the air, as there will always be time for a fashion show once you reach your destination.
