What to Wear on a Long-Haul Flight
Women’s Fashion Travel Tips for Looking Glamorous In-Flight
Jul 12, 2008
Summer is here again, which means that for many, taking annual vacations in exotic-far-away-places is the order of the day. However, getting there can be a strain. What to wear on a flight depends very much on who you are traveling with, or who is meeting you at the other end (if you want to look glamorous!)
If you are meeting the man-of-the moment on arrival at the airport, then you’ll want to look your best on arrival. If you are traveling with a young family in tow, then practicality comes before fashion, although that doesn’t mean you should look like a wreck when you finally emerge from the plane.
Your In-Flight Outfit
Comfortable but presentable are the keywords here! Many stylists also advise that you wear your best outfit, to increase your chances up being bumped-up to Business Class, should the need arise. Other women prefer wearing a comfortable outfit (and hang the appearance) to endure the long and often uncomfortable flight, (especially if you are traveling Economy (or Cattle) Class. Whatever your choice, make sure you wear an outfit that is nonconstrictive, allowing you to be more relaxed in-flight.
Some seasoned travelers take an extra set of clothing/sleepwear to change into the moment they are on the plane. There were media reports this week of an embarrassing moment for Victoria Beckham on a 9th July 2008 flight from LA to London, when passengers were asked to leave the aircraft, after a runway scare due to a bird becoming lodged in the plane’s engine. Ms Beckham has already changed into pajamas and removed all her make-up, in preparation for the long-haul flight: whoops!
What to Wear on a Flight
In their book Full Frontal Fashion, the Full Frontal Fashion team (of the U.S. TV series of the same name), suggest that being overdressed for a flight is likely to score you extra points in more ways than one. Says Suze Yalof, fashion editor of Glamor magazine, it doesn’t matter if “you’re 23 or 75, you should always dress up when you travel because you’ll never know who you’ll bump into.” She adds that your chances of getting an upgrade are also increased, should the airline have to make a choice of who to place in Business Class. No airline is going to bump-up someone from "Cattle Class" or the cabin of the great unwashed, if their appearance is not in keeping with the image of the Business Class section.
- To avoid showing unsightly stains or wrinkles, its best to go monochromatic, or at least wear something that is not likely to show coffee stains at 33,000 feet.
- Sleek trousers (but choose a comfortable pair) will take you the world over, rather than sloppy sports pants or cargos. Trousers are infinitely better than skirts, as you cover your modesty whilst contorting into all kinds of positions, when trying to sleep.
- Try and go for comfortable flats or loafers, which combine fashion and function. Teetering along lengthy airport walkways or negotiating aircraft steps in high heels is not something to be recommended whilst balancing a carry-on bag, and other in-flight paraphernalia. This may mean adapting the length of your outfit to suit your shoes. Make sure you choose a pair which can be slipped on and off easily, if you are anticipating frequent trips to the toilet. Be wary of wearing trainers (difficult to coordinate with other outfits and troublesome to take on and off), as should your luggage get lost, a chic pair of flats may be all you have to wear for a few days!
- If you insist on wearing your Manolo or Jimmy Choo stilettos then you can always take a pair of (cute) slipper-socks with rubber soles — to slip-on during the flight.
- Always wear something to cover your shoulders. A pashmina shawl keeps your arms warm and doubles as a blanket on overly air-conditioned flights. Pashmina is always a chic option too.
- If luggage weight is an issue, it’s advisable to wear some of your bulkiest items, and heaviest shoes.
- Dress in layers if going from a cold to hot climate, so you can peel off items at will.
What to Take in Your Carry-on Bag
What to pack in your hand luggage has also become an issue, with airlines tightening their regulations, given the rising cost of fuel and increased security risks. Some, like the Austrailian airline, Jet Star, give price reductions for those only traveling with carry-on baggage.
For anyone who was recently caught up in the Heathrow Terminal 5, lost luggage debacle, (think Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell), never was a lesson so well learned that trying to fit everything you need into a carry-on, should the duration of your trip allow. As the late comedian, Bob Hope lamented, “ I love flying, I’ve been to almost as many places as my luggage!”
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