What’s the deal with people who look like they’re going out for a night on the town when they are in the airport? If you are one of those people, please enlighten me. I’m the person sitting down from you, in “workout clothes.”
But then again, maybe you’re wondering why I don’t (ever) wear jeans/a skirt/heels to the airport.
For me, flying is about comfort in every aspect – leg room (I am 5’10” after all), comfy seats (an adjustable headrest is a plus), nobody encroaching on my armrest. Therefore, it is logical (and much more practical I might add) to dress down for the flight.
My usual outfit choice is not only for comfort, but for ease of getting through security, another major part of the “airline experience.” First, I prefer to wear flip-flops. They’re not only convenient for security, but also if you like to take off your shoes during the flight. But Abbie, one might counter, you live in Southern California! Of course you can wear flip-flops. Doesn’t matter. I’ve worn flip-flops to Philadelphia in the winter, and I’m wearing them right now, despite the fact that it was less than 60 degrees outside when I arrived at the airport.
It’s also important to note that while sneakers are a good choice (and the best if you have to sprint through the aiport to make your connection), it’s definitely easier to hike around the terminals in flip flops that in heels. Just sayin’.
Second is pants. No jeans or belts for this traveler, I usually wear stretchy yoga type pants. The organic cotton ones from lululemon are among my favorite, and I get style points. Since my stretchy yoga type pants are usually black, I can pretty much wear whatever top I want, and I like to layer because you never know if the airplane is going to be cold or hot. I usually wear a tank top with a long sleeved shirt on top, and carry a jacket just in case.
What if you really are going out for a night on the town when your plane lands? My suggestion is to pack a nice outfit in your carry-on and change in the airport’s bathroom when you land. Nobody will be the wiser!
Photo Credit: {eclaire}
You don’t have to convince me! I’m right there with you in my comfy pants and slip-on shoes (not always flip-flops, but definitely never heels).
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Abbie Mood Reply:
February 1st, 2010 at 10:06 pm
Slip on shoes work well, too!
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Comment by JoAnna — January 29, 2010 @ 12:44 pm
As someone who used to work for airport security, your airport outfit is perfect. Nothing to make the alarm go off (of course now everyone seems to be getting extra screening now. Lots of people may not realize this, but high heel shoes have nails, and metal shanks, making those alarms buzz, equaling more hassle for you. And if you’re on a plane for a couple hours, why wouldn’t you want to be comfortable? I like to wear my black work pants. They’re nice, but also really comfortable. And a t-shirt, jacket and some runners and I’m good to go.
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Abbie Mood Reply:
February 1st, 2010 at 10:07 pm
I like to do my part for airport security… there’s always those slow people in line, so I try to make up for it
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Comment by Alouise — January 29, 2010 @ 3:38 pm
I’m there with you in my yoga pants and flip flops, plus a long flowy sweater that can double as a pillow.
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Abbie Mood Reply:
February 1st, 2010 at 10:06 pm
The sweater is a great idea!
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Comment by Nancy — January 29, 2010 @ 4:00 pm
I’ve never seen anyone wear heels to the airport! Or at least I didn’t notice. Silly. On my flight back from France, my workplace gave me a pass to the Air Canada Lounge…so I hung ou twith all these business suits while I wore sweatpants and a sweater. It was AWESOME.
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Abbie Mood Reply:
February 1st, 2010 at 10:06 pm
Part of that is because of where you live. When you fly out of LA or the OC, you tend to see things like that. Often!
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Leigh Reply:
February 13th, 2010 at 4:39 am
I’ve seen people in heels in the airport. And short skirts. Yep. High heels. Short skirt. I want to ask them where they’re going.
Then, I want to whip out my camera and take photos, but airports seem a bit weird about people doing things like that.
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Comment by Candice — January 29, 2010 @ 9:22 pm
I’m also a fan of airport/plane comfort. The one exception is for hour long flights between LA and SF if I have to go directly to an event or leave from an event.
I’ve definitely seen some crazy shoes at airports! Especially in So Cal
In my every day life, I rarely wear heels higher than 2 inches so it’s hard for me to imagine wearing fancy shoes around the airport!
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Abbie Mood Reply:
February 1st, 2010 at 10:05 pm
I could see compromising comfort for such a short flight
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Comment by Ekua — January 30, 2010 @ 3:05 pm
Ha! i loved this! I live between Liverpool and Manchester in the UK so its mega footballers wives land especially at the airport, so you see the heels thing a lot! I swear they must get changed into trackies as soon as the curtains close on the first class part of the plane, hehe!
Have you ever been asked the question “what you wearing to travel in?!” bleurgh!
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Comment by katie oakes — February 2, 2010 @ 4:49 pm
I hear you! I also absolutely hate people who wait till the last minute to remove their belts, jackets (and hundred other things), holding up the line.
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Comment by neha — February 4, 2010 @ 1:26 am
Totally with you on the comfort. Yoga pants or sweat pants. T-shirt with a sweater for layering. Socks. Comfortable shoes. I even go with slip ons that are good for hiking.
I find slightly looser shoes are good also for long flights that make your feet swell.
Man, I can’t imagine trying to put on a pair of heels after a 12 hour flight and then run through an airport like MIA (which means an hour walk and going thru security again).
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Comment by Leigh — February 13, 2010 @ 4:41 am
Planes are COLD PLACES. I always have to make sure I layer up in order to stay warm and comfy. Obviously flip-flops are an impossibility for me, no matter where I travel.
Last summer I flew Singapore Airlines and they were amazing, offering a free pair of disposable socks in their welcome packet! Now that’s what I call customer-friendly!
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Comment by bianca — February 27, 2010 @ 1:30 am