What Not to Wear on a Flight This Summer
As the summer school holidays begin, millions of families are preparing to fly. Some common travel choices, including tight leggings, flip-flops and contact lenses, may not be the most comfortable options for a long journey. Choosing breathable clothing, secure footwear and practical accessories can make time in the air easier.
What to Choose Before Boarding
- Clothing: Choose loose layers and natural fibres
- Footwear: Wear flat, secure, closed shoes
- Under-seat bag: Avoid woven or basket-style beach bags that take up extra legroom
- Contact lenses: Carry glasses and suitable eye drops
- Power bank: Keep it in cabin baggage, protect its terminals and check capacity limits
- Dress rules: Avoid bare feet and clothing likely to be judged offensive
Tight jeans and other restrictive clothing can become uncomfortable during a long flight, especially when passengers remain seated for several hours. Loose clothing, regular movement and simple leg exercises are generally recommended on longer journeys. Fabric choice can matter in an emergency too, as aviation writer Christine Negroni warns that some synthetic materials may melt against the skin when exposed to fire.
Footwear matters most when passengers need to move quickly. Flip-flops and high heels can be awkward on stairs, across a crowded cabin or during an evacuation, while bare feet may breach an airline’s conditions of carriage. A soft bag placed beneath the seat can leave more room for your legs than a woven or basket-style beach bag, which keeps its shape and cannot be compressed. Contact lens wearers may find glasses more comfortable in dry cabin air.
A practical flight outfit can still be simple: flat shoes, breathable layers and trousers that do not press tightly against the waist. Glasses may also be a better option for passengers prone to dry or irritated eyes. Power banks, however, are subject to baggage rules and must stay in hand luggage rather than the hold. Checking battery limits and dress policies before departure can prevent last-minute issues.