I love to travel, and that often requires flying, but I usually dread the entire airport/flight experience. Even if you don’t have a fear of flying, flying can be very stressful. Airports can be crowded, chaotic, and confusing; security lines can be long (and the TSA agents can be grumpy); and the planes themselves are usually cramped and congested. If you’re planning to fly, what you decide to wear for your flight can help alleviate some of that stress and make your flying experience more enjoyable and comfortable. Yes, a lot of people decide to go strictly the “comfort” route and choose to wear their gym clothes or what looks like pajamas, but you can look professional or stylish and be comfortable at the same time. By the way, if you ever want to get upgraded to first class or business class, what you are wearing can make a difference.
I am all about comfort. Do I own any clothing without at least some spandex in the fabric? Maybe, but if I do, not much. Wear clothing that “gives” when you have to bend and reach. Usually these fabrics don’t wrinkle much either, so you can step off an overseas, overnight flight without looking like a rumpled mess.
Choose slip-on clothing, so you don’t have to deal with removing belts at security. Also, you won’t have to deal with buttons and zippers in the bathroom (the less time spent in an airplane lavatory, or any bathroom, the bet
ter). I recently bought a pair of travel pants that look like dress pants, but feel like pajamas. I can honestly say that they are the most comfortable item of clothing that I own.
I am usually cold in airports and on airplanes, so I always wear a sweater or jacket no matter what season it is. You can always take it off if you get too warm, and by wearing it, you save a little space in your luggage. I avoid wearing a hoodie. For me, it’s easier to slip off a jacket or sweater than trying to pull a hoodie over my head without my shirt coming off too, messing up my hair, or knocking my glasses off. I’m not the most uncoordinated person in the world, but when the grumpy TSA agent is glaring at me along with all of the other passengers in the long security line, I can get a little flustered. It’s also difficult to gracefully remove a hoodie if you are sitting in the middle seat of an airplane. Also, don’t wear large jewelry or clothing with excessive metal embellishments in order to avoid slow-downs at security scanning.
Comfortable shoes can make a big difference too, especially if you are changing planes and running through huge airports trying to make connecting flights. I purchased a pair of leather ballet flats and wore them on a flight from Edinburgh to St. Louis through 4 airports and for a period of about 24 hours. I didn’t realize until after the fact that I hadn’t taken my shoes off once, except going through security. They are so comfortable; I didn’t even take them off while on the long overseas flight. Choose a shoe that can be easily removed at security. If you are wearing shoes without socks, remember to bring a pair of socks to put on while you go through security or to slip on in case your feet are cold on the flight.
Personally, I’m not a fan of flying, but I do it because of the time saved and the accessibility to overseas destinations. I am, however, a fan of taking as many steps as possible to make the experience more comfortable and convenient.
Give me a call to help you make all of your travel easier! ~Julie Tapp
Julie@dwbvacations.com
