Sometimes I have to think long and hard about what attire I should sport when I travel by plane. Usually, I just roll out of bed and put on the first thing that’s clean so I don’t miss my flight, but sometimes I take the time to plan my traveling outfit. Unless I need to dress nice specifically for an occasion I plan to attend after deplaning, I tend to be pretty casual when traveling via aircraft. However, after reading an article about Southwest’s past of kicking passengers off due to “inappropriate dress” it seems that dress can now also dictate not just your comfort level, but your travel plans as well. As an avid Southwest flyer, I want to share my hassle-free travel style secrets that have yet to get me asked to leave from any flight.
My first and perhaps most important style necessity are my sandals. I can always be found in a pair of Reef sandals whenever I travel. First, they make the security line ordeal a lot easier; they just slip right off. Sometimes they won’t even make you take off your sandals if they are discreet enough. (Shhh! That will be our little secret). Secondly, they are the most comfortable footwear I own. You will not catch me dead flying in heels, even if I were in first-class. I know that some of you may be cringing thinking about walking on that security line floor, but I’m not a big germaphobe, and I figure as long as I don’t use my feet to eat, I’m ok. How do my poor tootsies deal with the cold, you may be asking yourself? Well, I always carry a pair of socks or travel slippers in my carry-on for just such an occasion. In October, I was lucky enough to enjoy a first-class trans-Atlantic trip (yes, wearing my sandals). On top of one of those great little travel bags with the lotion, shampoo and other travel necessities, I was also given a pair of travel slippers on each flight. Now, a pair is always stuffed into my carry-on bag.
I am not what anyone would call a graceful or coordinated person, by any means. So with the added stress of a crowded airport or waiting area or turbulence, I become what my dear friends refer to as “Spilly McSpillerson.” Many a-time I have been in the middle of a seven hour plus traveling day when—BOOM—turbulence puts some of the cranberry juice that I had been drinking onto my white tank top. I can’t count the times I’ve seen hurried passengers accidently bump into each other, spilling their $4 coffee all over the floor. Instead of bringing a stain pen, I have opted to go for blacks, or generally dark colors, whenever I fly. Darks will at least mask any spills that may occur in the course of your travels. Accidents can happen anywhere and at anytime. What could be worse than having to spend your two-hour layover and three-hour flight, which is a third of your day, with a stain on your light-colored clothes? Consider bringing a sweater or pull-over in case of a spill. It can also double as an extra layer when the passenger next to you cranks up the air. On top of that, you can never be too sure that your checked bag with your entire trip’s wardrobe will actually show up at baggage claim. Imagine spending your first day in said stained clothes. No thanks!
Ultimately, my chief concern (as with most other people I imagine) is my comfort whenever I travel. That is why I like to wear loose and breathable fabrics. Cotton T-shirts and comfortable jeans are my preferred outfit. If something is too tight, or if it’s not very breathable like nylon, the next few hours of your life in the coach seat is going to be a squirm-fest. Not to mention that airplanes are the most notoriously temperature-manic places your could ever be stuck in. So if you want to look cool and actually feel cool while taking your next aero journey, consider what makes you comfortable, what type of climate changes you may be facing and the hidden dangers that lurk around every corner.
