January 13, 2026 | 07:28 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Comfort is the priority in modern air travel. However, not all comfortable clothing is suitable for a flight. Travel experts and airline crews provide guidance on what to avoid. They also share safer, more practical alternatives for your journey.
Some recommendations focus on safety rather than just comfort. The following clothing types should be avoided when flying.
Things You Should Never Wear on a Plane
1. Tight Clothing
Experts agree that tight clothing, such as leggings or slim jeans, is unsuitable for flights, especially on long-haul routes. Natalie Houston, an airline employee, notes that the body swells at altitude, making tight clothes uncomfortable.
Etiquette expert Lisa Mirza Grotts shares this sentiment. While tight jeans look neat at the airport, circulation is more important in the air. "Loose, layered clothing not only helps prevent deep vein thrombosis but also keeps you comfortable when cabin temperatures fluctuate," she said, as quoted from Travel+Leisure on Monday, January 12, 2026.
2. Floor-length Attire
Clothing that drags on the floor, such as long skirts or oversized pants, is not recommended. Although it may look clean, cabin carpets and toilet areas are not thoroughly sanitized daily. These areas often harbor dirt.
3. Impractical Rompers
Rompers may look stylish on the ground, but they are impractical on a plane, particularly in cramped toilets. Rompers can be the "biggest opponent" when navigating limited space in an airplane restroom.
4. Thick Outerwear
Heavy coats may feel cozy, but bulky outerwear can hinder movement during emergency evacuations. Travis Turner, vice president of guest experience for Cirrus Aviation Services, recommends lightweight layers. These are easy to remove and provide warmth if cabin temperatures change.
5. High-heeled Shoes
High heels are not ideal for airports or planes. Besides being uncomfortable for walking long distances in terminals, they hinder quick movement in emergencies. Recommended alternatives include flat-heeled shoes, sneakers, or loafers.
6. Flip Flops and Thin Sandals
Sandals lack adequate foot protection and can easily come off during an emergency. Steve Schwab, CEO of Casago, suggests wearing closed-toe shoes that provide better support and safety.
7. Airline Dress Codes
Some airlines enforce specific dress codes. Ari Wohl, founder of Tribeca Jets, stated that airlines can refuse boarding to passengers whose clothing is deemed offensive. Clothing with provocative language, political messages, or inappropriate images should be left at home.
Clothing Recommendations
Experts suggest choosing versatile layers, such as elastic tops and pants. Use soft, wrinkle-resistant fabrics and neutral colors to look neat on long journeys. This choice increases comfort and facilitates adaptation to temperature changes at the airport and in the cabin.
Putri Az Zahra Suherman contributed to the report
Read: Dates to Avoid When Traveling to Japan in 2026
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