Frequent flyers have various strategies to simplify their travel experience. They accrue airline miles to gain status, breeze through TSA while others are weary, and have mastered the art of airport attire. To some extent, practice makes perfect. The more flight miles they accumulate, the more time they spend learning what works and what doesn’t. Just one long-haul flight in an uncomfortable underwire bra, or walking barefoot through a metal detector once, teaches a lesson – never again.
So, what are the considerations for airport attire? Insights from four seasoned travelers suggest that comfort is key. While each of their flight uniforms varies slightly, they share some essential standards. These outfits aim to minimize discomfort from squeezing into narrow airplane seats through soft materials and layering. These experts also recommend dressing smartly, especially when traveling for business. This way, if your luggage gets lost, you can still head straight to meetings without worrying about your attire. Gabrielle Katz, founder and head of PR agency Accent PR_ojects, explains, “I really hate looking like I’m about to get on a plane.” “I love looking at old photos of people boarding and contrasting that with what you see when you’re checking your luggage.”
Keep reading to learn about the airport essentials for four flying women, as well as the items they would never wear on a plane.
Nicole Kliest, Freelance Writer
What’s your usual airport attire?
For short-haul flights, my go-to is typically a loose-fitting button-down shirt, jeans, socks, and sneakers, topped with a draped sweater or a lightweight jacket. I joke that if I’m not traveling for work, I’m traveling for weddings, but that’s not really a joke… if I’m not traveling for work, I’m traveling for weddings, and I’m always traveling.
For long-haul flights, I’ll skip the jeans and opt for a coordinated tracksuit in soft fabric. Lastly, I tie my hair back with a silk scrunchie for sleeping.
What’s your thought process when getting ready?
When planning travel outfits, polish without sacrificing comfort is my top priority. I want to feel and look relaxed but still put together enough that I wouldn’t feel unkempt if I had an opportunity to interact with someone before getting to a hotel room.
Is there anything you would never wear while traveling?
I absolutely wouldn’t wear heels while traveling! Nor do I wear bulky coats or scarves on the plane because they take up too much space, and the weather never gets cold enough to need lots of layers—a cozy sweater or a travel wrap is plenty for me.
I have to say, I’m not a fan of sandals while traveling. Going barefoot through TSA or exposing toes on the plane feels a bit too much!
What types of bags or shoes are best for TSA?
I like to carry a small travel bag for my flight essentials (laptop, toiletries, etc.), and then I consolidate my wallet into my carry-on.
As for shoes, if you’re like me and have TSA PreCheck, that’s obviously not a consideration, but just in case PreCheck isn’t available at the airport, I’d skip shoes like my high-top Chucks that require more effort to put on and take off. I’m also a loyal fan of two-tone socks and Birkenstocks combo!
While I enjoy my elegantly casual ensembles, I’m always appreciative when I see people dressed to the nines at the airport. I think many of us long for or romanticize back to that golden era of travel when flying felt a bit like being in a movie. If I spot a fellow traveler dressed to impress (even in heels), I always think, more power to them!
When flying from cold to warm climates, I always stash sandals in my carry-on, so I can switch into them en route to the hotel upon landing. It’s a silly tradition, but transitioning quickly into more appropriate footwear for hot weather can feel a bit luxurious.
Wear this sweater on a cold flight, or throw it over your shoulders in transit.
Wide-leg jeans offer maximum comfort.
“I’m currently loving a matching set of a cotton long-sleeve T-shirt paired with a matching oversized, non-stretchy sweatpants. You could easily swap it out for something like a cashmere set. I just tend to prefer warmer clothes, so I stick to breathable cotton,” Kliest said.
Kliest’s go-to accessory for her hair.
Comfy socks are a must.
A neutral sneaker is so versatile.
Kliest’s carry-on duffel.
Choose a tote that can carry all your travel essentials.
Gabrielle Katz, Founder & Principal, Accent PR_ojects
What’s your usual airport outfit?
I joke that if I’m not traveling for work, I’m traveling for weddings, but it’s not really a joke… If I’m not traveling for work, I’m traveling for weddings, and I’m always traveling.
When I go on business trips to Europe, I almost always fly in and then arrive at my destination, so I try to wear clothes that will make me feel comfortable during meetings.
Sometimes I might be on the road for weeks at a time, so anything I wear on the plane also has to be something I can wear every day.
What’s your thought process in getting ready?
While I like to stay comfortable during long flights, I have a real “no-fly” rule: no clothes that I could sweat in. No leggings, no sweating, no sneakers. Ever. Honestly, I rarely wear jeans on planes. I like to think, if my luggage got lost and this was all I had, could I wear it to lunch?
Is there anything you would never wear while traveling?
I’ve had some airport outfit missteps in my day (I recall a sunny, warm day at Art Basel in Miami, rushing to catch a return flight to New York in a blizzard), but the worst was wearing shorts on a plane. Shorts or a skirt. I like to keep my legs covered.
What types of bags or shoes are best for TSA?
I just discovered the brand Little Liffner, and it’s by far the best carry-on option yet. If I’m [just] carrying on, I’ll have the Rimowa Cabin bag and the Ola Canvas tote, which is the best multipurpose canvas tote I’ve used for holiday travels.
As for shoes, I usually wear Church’s boots in winter and Adidas Sambas in summer, but with no laces needed!
“Gap makes the best white tees I layer under [my sweater],” says Katz.
“My black cashmere Khaite Marion sweater is like a weighted blanket.”
“The Renggli Work Pant is relaxed but so chic. Set your calendars for the next drop because they sell out as soon as they restock.”
“Ever since High Sport came into my life, that has been a huge game changer. I am here to tell you they are the best pants on the planet and worth every penny and then some.”
Comfy socks are essential.
Katz’s go-to travel boots.
“I packed a straw tote inside [this tote bag], with my laptop and regular plane essentials in it, then folded my garment bag, but it still counts as the TSA-approved second item!”
“I bought the chestnut Mega Sprout tote bag; it’s large enough to fit my laptop, an airport tote, another Little Liffner bag (I got the mini tote, no, I’m not even doing PR for this brand), two books, and some extra space.”
The carry-on suitcase of choice for Katz.
