What to Wear to the Airport

Are you heading to the airport and feeling overwhelmed by what you should wear? Don’t worry, it's a common struggle! Finding the perfect balance between comfort and style, especially when considering TSA procedures and different flight durations, can be a bit of a challenge.

In this post, I'll share my travel tips and outfit recommendations to help you prepare what you should wear to the airport efficiently and confidently. Whether you're going on a long-haul flight or a quick getaway, I've got you covered.

The key is to be comfy and efficient. It doesn’t matter whether you’re flying for a long time or a short time, you want to be as efficient as possible. Let's dive in!

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essential items

Comfortable footwear

When traveling, it's super important to wear comfortable shoes that allow your feet to breathe and are easy to take off and put on, especially when going through TSA.

Tight shoes like boots and heels can be very uncomfortable, and sitting for long periods on an airplane without movement can cause your feet to swell due to poor blood circulation.

It's best to wear comfortable sneakers that you can easily slip on and off, such as Hokas, Nike, Adidas, Vejas, or New Balance.

If you prefer to wear boots, opt for ones with a side zip for easy removal.

Avoid shoes that require lacing and unlacing, as they can be time-consuming when going through airport security and boarding the plane.

With that being said, here’s the run-down:

Prioritize comfort: When choosing airport footwear, go for sneakers or comfortable walking shoes that allow your feet to breathe, and to prevent any discomfort and swelling during long periods of sitting on flights.

Ease of removal is essential: Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off, avoiding laces or complex closures. This will expedite the security check process and save you time.

Try to skip the laces: Avoid shoes with laces that you need unlace or complex closures that can slow you down such as Converse or high-tops.

Consider popular brands: Explore comfortable slip-on sneakers from brands like Hoka, Nike, Adidas, Vejas, New Balance, Allbirds, etc.

Balance style and comfort: If you prefer boots, choose styles with side zips for easy removal while maintaining your desired look.

Your feet will thank you for choosing comfortable footwear that allows them to breathe and move freely throughout your journey.

Comfortable-fitting clothing

Heading to the airport at Taichung HSR

Choose breathable, soft fabrics that allow for flexibility in your movement. For instance, go for a breathable shirt that won't restrict your movements, or breathable pants that won't make you uncomfortable when sitting for long periods. Personally, I prefer wearing a tank top, a shirt, yoga pants, or tapered sweatpants so it’s not loose and won’t touch the ground when I’m using the bathroom on the airplane lol.

Choose breathable fabrics: Go for loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Avoid restrictive materials that can hinder your movement and comfort during the flight.

Prioritize flexibility: Select clothing that allows for easy movement, preventing discomfort during long periods of sitting.

Recommended outfit ideas: Consider comfortable options like tank tops, shirts, yoga pants, or tapered sweatpants. These items offer both comfort and flexibility.

Layers

When I travel, I always bring layers with me to the airport because the temperature can be unpredictable. However, it's important to pack light. You don't want to carry heavy layers around the airport and to your hotel. Opt for a light jacket, a light cardigan, a light cashmere sweater, or a light big scarf that can keep you warm without taking up too much space in your bag.

Pack layers for versatility: The airport and airplane environments can be unpredictable, so packing layers allow you to adjust to temperature changes.

Prioritize lightweight options: Choose lightweight fabrics that provide warmth without adding bulk to your luggage. Consider items like a light jacket, cardigan, cashmere sweater, or a large scarf that can be easily folded and packed.

Consider your destination climate: Pack layers appropriate for your destination's weather conditions. If you're traveling to a colder climate, include warmer options like a coat or thermal base layers.

Travel-friendly Accessories

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Headphones

If your flight doesn’t provide these items, I recommend bringing them yourself so you’re prepared.

Invest in a good travel pillow, an eye mask, and earplugs for long flights to ensure you get some sleep. These are essential if you're a light sleeper like myself and need to block out disturbances such as open windows, lights, or crying babies.

Another important thing to have is a reusable water bottle and some snacks. Some airlines don’t provide snacks or water unless you pay for them, which is quite inconvenient.

However, if you bring your own, you'll be prepared. Using a reusable water bottle is also sustainable, and you can refill it at water fountains in airports.

Keep the snacks simple and avoid heavy, salty foods, as flying can dehydrate you easily.

You want to avoid eating salty foods to prevent excessive thirst and frequent bathroom trips, especially if you have a middle or window seat and need to ask others to move for you.

• Check airline amenities: Research your airline's policies regarding complimentary food and beverages.

• Sleep aids: Invest in a comfortable travel pillow, eye mask, and earplugs to enhance your sleep during long flights.

• Reusable water bottle: Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your journey. You can fill up your water bottle at the airport.

• Pack light snacks: Avoid hunger by packing healthy snacks. Go for lightweight and non-perishable options such as pretzels, trail mix, popcorn, etc. Avoid salty snacks like chips.

• Bring entertainment: Pack books, magazines, or a tablet loaded with movies or TV shows.

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factors to consider

Flight length

Long-haul flights

When you’re on long-haul flights—anything over 5 hours—you want to stay as comfortable as possible. You'll probably need to use the bathroom a couple of times, so it's important to dress in a way that keeps you comfortable and clean. Here are some outfit suggestions:

Wear a comfortable shirt and tapered joggers. The reason for tapered joggers is that they're still comfy but not loose at the bottom, so they won't touch the ground when you're using the bathroom.

Bathrooms on planes can be unclean, so it's best to avoid your clothes touching the floor.

Also, wear compression! Don’t forget to layer with comfortable, light, but warm clothing that can be easily put on and taken off.

• Prioritize comfort: Go for loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or silk for warmer weather, and merino wool or cashmere for colder destinations

• Consider layers: Pack layers to adjust to temperature changes during the flight.

• Stay comfortable: Choose comfortable shoes and accessories like a travel pillow and eye mask.

Short-haul flights

For short-haul flights, it’s similar to long-haul flights but for a shorter period. Wear something comfortable and suitable for your destination.

• Focus on flexibility: Pack versatile clothing that can be easily adjusted.

• Consider your destination: Choose outfits appropriate for the weather at your destination.

• Pack essentials: Bring travel-friendly accessories like a water bottle and snacks.

Destination climate

When deciding what to wear, it's important to consider the climate of your destination. Before you arrive at your destination, be sure to check the weather to avoid being unprepared for rain, snow, heat, cold, and so on.

Pack accordingly and wear comfortable, versatile layers at your destination.

• Research your destination's weather: Check the forecast for your destination to pack accordingly. Consider factors like temperature, precipitation, and humidity.

• Pack versatile layers: Choose clothing that can be easily adjusted to changing weather conditions. Layers allow you to adapt to both warm and cool temperatures.

TSA security

When choosing an outfit for the airport, it's important to consider going through TSA security. While not all airports require you to remove your shoes for TSA, American airports unfortunately do.

Therefore, it's best to wear comfortable and easily removable shoes to avoid holding up the line. Many people struggle with this, which can be inefficient and cause delays.

Another important tip is to pack your belongings in a way that makes them easily accessible. Items such as laptops, iPads, or any electronics need to be placed in a separate bin and taken out of your luggage during the security check.

I find it helpful to store my iPad and laptop in the front sleeve pocket of my NORTVI carry-on luggage so that I can quickly retrieve them and place my luggage next to the bin for electronics.

• Consider TSA procedures: When choosing your airport outfit, keep in mind that you may need to remove your shoes for security checks at many airports. Opt for comfortable footwear that is easy to slip on and off.

• Organize your belongings: Pack your belongings in a way that allows for easy access during security checks. Keep items like laptops, iPads, and electronics in easily accessible pockets or compartments.

• Pack strategically: Consider using a suitcase with designated pockets or compartments for electronics to streamline the security process. If not, use your personal item with zippers that you can quickly unzip and grab all your electronics out easily without having to search through your items.

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tips for looking your best!

Flying Cape Air to Culebra

Accessorizing

I love adding some simple jewelry to my outfits to express my personality. Rings and necklaces are my go-to choices, but you can also consider wearing a scarf or a hat to enhance your overall look.

Grooming

When preparing for a flight, prioritize comfort.

Avoid wearing makeup, especially on long-haul flights when you'll want to rest. If you're on a short-haul flight, keep your makeup minimal for a natural look.

For your hair, you can wear it down or put it up, and it's a good idea to bring a hair tie with you.

Before your flight, make sure to shower to stay fresh, and after your flight, shower again to get rid of any bacteria you may have picked up during the journey. 

Confidence

Choose clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Prioritize ease and comfort, and plan your outfits in advance for efficiency.

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check out my travel vlog!

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