Airport outfits need to be more than just fashionable. Your attire can impact comfort, security screening wait times, and travel experience. There is no official dress code for flying, but there are certain fashion choices that may make it harder to navigate TSA checkpoints, endure long flights, and move about terminals than it needs to be. Here’s a list of some typical travel outfits to avoid before your next trip and pick smarter ones instead.
Metal-Heavy Outfits
Any clothing items with loose metal studs, chains, oversized zippers, rivets, or decorative hardware may cause undue delays at airport security. They are more likely to set off metal detectors or be screened more thoroughly. A few metal items are not an issue, but anything that is very adorned can make you slower and cause security hassles.
Complicated Boots
High boots, laced shoes, and multi-buckle shoes may be in style, but it’s usually not a good day for traveling with them on. It is often necessary to take off shoes when checking for security, and complicated shoes can make this process slow and cumbersome. They’re also not as at ease walking long distances through the terminals or running between connecting flights.
Tight Jeans
After a while in an airplane seat, tight clothing can make traveling very uncomfortable. Skinny jeans and tight pants can restrict freedom of movement, cause discomfort when sitting for extended periods, and be cumbersome on long flights. Loose, relaxing garments usually make traveling more comfortable.
Excessive Layers
It’s easy to feel like multiple hoodies, jackets, scarves, and sweaters are convenient to wear from one climate zone to another. But having multiple layers can be cumbersome at the airport security checkpoints and when boarding an aircraft. Many travelers experience the problem of having to repeatedly remove and replace clothes due to the changes in temperature during the trip.
Rompers and Jumpsuits
It can be fashionable and comfortable, but one-piece swimsuit ensembles can be cumbersome when traveling. Airport and airplane restrooms are very small and cramped, and jumpsuits and rompers are harder to handle than two separate garments. This can be more apparent when flying for extended periods or through several connections.
High Heels
It can take many more steps to get to the airport terminal than most people realize. Long lines, changes in gates, and big terminals can lead to hours spent standing around. While they might have a nice finish, high heels can become uncomfortable and make it harder to maneuver efficiently through congested airports.
Clothing With Many Pockets
This can pose additional problems while screening for cargo pants, utility jackets, and travel clothing with multiple pockets. Phones, wallets, keys, boarding passes, and other accessories are frequently split between several compartments. The time that it takes to remove all of that before screening can be longer than travelers expect.
Heavy Jewelry
Large watches, stacked bracelets, large-sized necklaces, and rings can trigger metal detectors or need extra screening. Expensive jewelry can draw unwanted attention while traveling, in addition to security issues. Many travelers are accustomed to packing up their bags in New York with only a few accessories to avoid unnecessary clutter in their bags.
