Oh, the thought of a cold plane! That would be heaven. Every plane I take is heated like a nursing home.

Wear something comfortable but not sloppy. I always bring my cashmere blanket in case the plane gets too cold for me and on long overnight flights I change to my joga pants so that I can sleep better. And don't forget to drink lots of water.

Have a good trip.

Hi

When it comes to long haul flights I try to wear something that is very comfy...normally I don't care if it looks good or not as long as I know I will be confortable in it on a long flight And it is best not to overdress...if it gets cold you can always ask for a blanket.

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Slip-on shoes, usually black or navy slacks with a bit of stretch in them & either a white blouse or T-shirt with a pull-over cashmere sweater since I usually get cold on planes also.

Dark colors help hide any stains from spills. I find jeans uncomfortable.

It's just a theory of mine but I tend to think you're treated better if you look more presentable rather than if you've just finished washing your car.

A 'nicer' sweatpant with tee and matching jacket for any chills.

A nice sweatpant? - doesn't exist. Sorry, sweatpants should not be worn in any public place but the gym. They're tacky.

Try to shop at Chico's and look for their knit pieces. They come in black and are stretchy and very comfortable for travel. They don't wrinkle and look pretty good!

Oh, just what we need...airline fashion police.

Not wear but to bring is my own pillowcase w/pillow (use theirs for
lower back support) & socks w/treads
to walk around in.

I always wear a long, comfortable skirt (much better than wearing pants on a plane for 12 hrs), a cashmere hoodie, and bring a large wrap. I wear sandals while walking around on the plane or going to the bathroom but bring socks to change into while in my seat.

i plan on wearing my jeans onto the plane and changig into sleep pants for the overnite....will change back before we land. comfort always wins with me!

I like to wear natural fibers on a plane. I've been "scarified" by the stories of synthetic fabrics melting into people's skin when planes have caught fire, even though I know perfectly well these are extremely rare occurrence and at any rate, in such a case, my clothes would probably be the least of my concerns. But anyway, I go with natural fibers and layers...linen blend pants, short sleeve or sleevless cotton top with a cotton sweater. Warm enough for chilly plane AC and cool enough for warm temps on arrival. Always slip on shoes with socks, my feet would freeze on the plane without socks...if I'm flying to someplace hot, I stick a pair of lightweight sandals in my carryon (along with a change of clothing in case my suitcase goes AWOL).

Sounds good but I have never changed clothes on a plane thinking the space in the bathroom is just too tiny, Or do you have a secret changing place?

lol....i will just do a balancing/ squeezing act in the bathroom....not putting bare feet on those floors,,,will change into slipper sox at my seat after

Pants that are thin and comfortable cotton or linen--elastic or draw string waist essential. Light-weight hoody over sleeveless tank, so layers can be added or removed. Pashmina can serve many purposes and is great to have along. Slip on and off shoes, and definitely socks. (Also, you really don't want to have bare feet when you have to go through security.) Sleeping mask and earplugs. Advil or Excedrin in purse, also some Tums or Rolaids. Packets of sanitizing hand wipes, kleenex, and moisturizer or lotion. Something good to read, or new language book or tape. Neck pillow or travel pillow of your own.

Good luck, enjoy!

I'm taking the longest flight of my life in June, heading to Sydney from Chicago (via LAX). I'll be wearing cotton khakis and a long-sleeve polo. If it gets warm, I can push the sleeves up.

I know some don't like them, but I always wear black stretch jeans. I don't wear tight jeans anymore...just contributes to the "muffin top", so with the added stretch, I find them very comfortable, and they keep my legs warm. They also aren't all wrinkled when I get off the plane. I wear a knit top and have a sweater or knit jacket that I can either leave on or take off on the plane. I wear slip on shoes with light weight sox.

Knit tops and pants with a bit of spandex. Not too tight. A large pashmina. Inflatable neck cushion. slip on shoes.

'Oh, the thought of a cold plane! That would be heaven. Every plane I take is heated like a nursing home.'
ditto.
I find most planes too hot!. June in Italy - also hot.
No jeans for me. Like :a long skirt and a nice comfortable top, shoes that are easy to take off, socks.

I always take my sportscoat on board. If I'm in something other than coach it will be hung up for me. Long hauls I bring my plane socks, compliments of AA, if it's coach, if not another pair will be given to me.

I travel a lot in my business, and it's a common joke when the Greyhound season starts on a plane. Tacky clothes, bags of McDonalds onboard,usually someone carrying a plastic pink flamingo (see these about once a year)and other absurd carryon items.

My parents have told me about the times when people dressed well on planes, but it's now worse than 'casual Fridays' on a plane.

There is no reason why one can't be comfy and still look good.

I usually wear black slacks or capris in a wrinlke resisant fabric, a good ( fabric)long sleeve T-shirt or blouse, and a black blazer. It's an intregal peice of m travel wardrobe. I usually have the attendent hang the blazer. Haven't been cold on a plane for several years. I do snag a blanket or sometimes put a pashima in my carry on. To complete the outfit I wear a scarf. It's so simple but looks great.

As for shoes it depend on the time of year. Loafers in the fall/winter and a sandal type for spring/summer. Travel shoes MUST always be comfy.

Dukey, don't you know that you get better service from the flight attendants if you are dressed properly?

Wear anything that can accommodate your swelling up slightly over the many, many hours of sitting crammed into a too-small seat with no elbow room. I suggest shoes that you can tighten or loosen easily (my mary janes with a velcro strap were perfect). The problem with other slip-ons is that your feet may swell and make it impossible to slip them back on (this happened to me even when I was in my twenties, so don't think it can't happen to you). If you wear a skirt and you don't have an aisle seat, you have to drag your skirt over somebody every time to try to emerge from your seat, or make that person get up (which he or she may have to do anyway). My last four flights (intercontinental) were ovens, and the planes do have blankets, so I wouldn't worry about being cold (I did have a pashmina squeezed into my purse, but certainly didn't need it). My best outfit was comfortable, somewhat stretchy black slacks (I undid the button at the waist), a non-wrinkle white shirt that hung over the unbuttoned waistband, and mary janes with trouser socks. You will have virtually no room for anything else except a jacket (which you will either sit on for hours or have to stow overhead or under the seat in front of you along with your purse and carry-on). Next trip, I'm bringing my own headphones so I can actually hear the movie!

I travel quite a lot for my job... log a lot of miles. So I thought I'd add my two cents.
First, there are some really good posts here. But I especially agree with those who said: 1) Ladies: Chico's Travelers collection... you can look good, and be so much more comfortable than if you were wearing in jeans. Layer, by using a smaller, thinner shell or blouse under another blouse, sweater or jacket (weather appropriate). If I'm in a colder climate, I wear the knit shell underneath another shirt or sweater... that way you don't have to be alone to "change;" you just take the outer layer off/on over the shell. I agree 100% with the very comfortable black slip-ons, but would also advise they have a walker's sole, if you know what I mean. I try to carry a mid- to larger-sized purse, and like it to be in dark colors, like my clothes. I always bring a beautiful pashmina or other shawl... make it a pretty color and you will look good, and be warm when the air is flowing.

Here is my new "uniform": stylish but comfortable jeans, with a black sweater set. When we had our "involuntary day in London" last summer due to a missed connection, I ended up wearing this outfit two days in a row and I felt great in it. So much so that when we went to Barcelona, I did the same thing - different jeans and different black sweater set, but same concept. Black so it won't show small spills. Sweater set so I can layer. Knit top so no wrinkle worries.

I have found that my hiking pants from Columbia are very comfortable for long plane trips. They look presentable - are a simple style without a bunch of pockets and all of that. They are reasonably wrinkle-resistant, thin enough that I wont bake on a hot plane, but will keep me warm on a chilly plane, and they have a bit of a drawstring in the waist. I wear that with a tee, hoodie, and tennis shoes. It is comfortable and the tennis shoes come in very handy when running between gates or treking across an airport. Plus they are my bulkiest shoes, so by wearing them, they don't take up room in my luggage.

Velor or cashmere sweatsuit, socks. Comfort with out looking sloppy....

I wear my biggest shoes and my coat if I'm bringing one. I love to pack VERY lightly.

Four things will get one better service on a plane.

Dress Well
Be Polite
Smile
Say Please and Thank You.

Please remember, flight attendants are working. Anything that makes their day better will make your day better.

We're also traveling that weekend to Italy. I always wear either a velour or cashmere track suit, depending on the season (Juicy has some nice ones). To dress it up, I layer a long sleeve T-shirt, with a cashmere short sleeve T-shirt. I can always take off the cashmere if its too hot. But usually, its too cold. Also, I always carry with me a cheap slipper for bathroom runs. My husband brings a change of clothes to sleep in. Have a great trip.

Long black knit skirt; wool in winter, with cashmere twinset.

Another vote for Chico's travel knits. I wear either the slacks or skirt with a shell top and cardigan/blazer in travel knit over it. The key is layers. And yes, I seem to get better service when dressed nicely. The other nice thing about travel knits is when I get there I can put them in a corner of my suitcase and when it's time to go home they still look terrific!

Cotton knits... black pants, a patterned top of some sort, cardigan sweater or lightweight jacket, comfortable shoes that slip off easily, worn w/ socks (1 pr extra socks and 1 new t-shirt in the carry on to change to freshen up).

I like Chico's travelers pieces, but not for on a plane! They are 100+% synthetic and do not breathe properly.

Black slacks in a breathable, soft knit, or s longish skirt. Short sleeve top, with a v neck or cardigan to go over it. A pashmina style shawl for warmth or sleeping in style.

Usually the cabin I'm in has socks for the trip which work great for the duration.

I am really appreciating my ipod, because I often don't watch the movie.

I'm determined to bring saline nasal spray on my next trip as well.

Contrary to some fashion police, all "sweat suits" are not the same. Most celebs, models and younger hip people wear "Juicy" sweats, espeically on long flights. They're cute, very IN fashion and comfy. As for what I wear, it depends on what I'm doing after I land. For our upcoming trip, we'll arrive early in Rome, transfer to our hotel, drop the bags and start touring. So, I'll wear likely wear something black to hide any potential stains and have a sweater in my carryon. I've may opt for my own travel blanket like from Travelsmith. I always get cold on long international flights and you just never know how clean those blankets on the plane are. Hmmmmm Anyway, it's easy to dress comfy without being sloppy. I also like to wear shoes I can slip off. If your feet or ankles tend to swell on long flights this helps. You'll likely find MOST people on an international flight dressed for comfort. You're essentially settling in for hopefully some sleep, so being ALl dressed up isn't very practical. Have a great trip.

Juicy Couture is so late 90's. All those moms climbing out of their SUV's in the parking lot of Costco...

If I know I will need to hit the ground running, I definitely put a clean shirt and fresh undies/socks in my carry-on and freshen up at the arrival airport or in the hotel lobby if you're dropping bags then going back out.

I also like to take my own blanket for overnight flights - I wanted a very lightweight one, so I hemmed two yards of dark blue flannel on either end, and it comes in surprisingly handy on the plane, or sometimes in B&B's when it's a little chilly, plus it folds up very small.

I bring my own blanket because one time my husband and I opened the hermetically sealed plastic bag, took out our blankets and mine reeked of someone who must have had a bad case of air sickness! We called over the flight attendant and he was appalled when he smelled it.

I usually wear black boot-cut yoga pants, black Chico's Traveler (lightweight) top, a cardigan, socks and Dansko slip-on shoes of some type. Sometimes, in colder weather, I also wear a light-weight London Fog raincoat. And I bring a pashmina shawl.

Soft stretch cordoroy pants, comfy sneakers (carrying pair of clean socks with me in carry on), a polo and a lightweight sweatshirt for chills.

Talking to the in-laws' last night and mother-in-law told me when they used to travel (domestic and international flights) they ALWAYS dressed up, he in a full suit and tie, dress shoes, her in a formal dress with hosiery and pumps. Hmm, doesn't that sound comfy? They still fly even now but dress much more casually.

On one of my long flights last year, I wore lightweight black cotton pants with a bit of lycra, a dark t-shirt and black cardigan. Very comfortable and hides everything. But, then I discovered that in a darkened cabin, it was apparently too easily confused with a flight attendant's uniform--several times when I got up to walk around, people tried to hand me their trash. I've had to re-think that combination...

That's true about everyone dressing up to fly in the past. When I was a kid, we had to wear "Sunday best" which meant dresses over starched petticoats, little white cotton gloves and patent leather mary janes. No wonder we squirmed the whole flight! Of course, in those days your meal came on real plates and with real silverware too.

I'm cold more often than warm on planes, but you never know so layers are key. I usually go with black stretch cotton twill slacks, a nice t-shirt, slip on shoes, a cashmere cardigan and pashmina. Comfy enough to sleep in but "street ready" for when I arrive at my destination.

I was told that disgusting "puke" smell you some times get with airline blankets is due to the fire retardant. That's why I always travel with a pashmina.

As most of my flights are around 24 hours, I always take a clean set of underwear and always take advantage of showers on stopovers if available at the Qantas/BA lounges. Makes such a difference.

I'm another Chico's/Eileen Fischer fan. Broke my arm on 2nd day 3 week trip to Japan. Packed up everything else and wore those two outfits plus an extra tee-shirt for the whole trip. Black and white clothes, something that can easily be washed and we are set to go. I also bring pashima for plane and cool evenings. Why, oh why do we bring so much with us? But, now that my arm is fine, I will overpack for our week in Paris and our three weeks in South Africa.

I used to dress up to fly (and I've been flying since I was a newborn). However, there are several phenomena that have caused me to change my ways.

Now I wear black yoga pants and a comfortable knit top, usually with a hooded cardigan/sweatshirt. I do think it's important to be neat & clean, but I don't think anyone expects people to get on a long flight in a business suit. Clean is so important though because your thighs might be touching my thighs. Shorts - gross! It's also usually freezing on planes.

1.) Overnight flights, if you want to sleep, it's better if you're comfortable.
2.) it can get messy in a plane, with the small spaces, people lowerng their seatbacks while you're eating - why risk ruining a good outfit?
3.) waistline expansion. some people's feet get bigger. For me, it's my whole body. I can increase up to 2 inches in the air. Not sure why. So, that's why I wear yoga pants.
4.) someone else mentioned running through the airport - I've actually done that. So best to wear flats (and easily removeable ones, but do wear socks!).

Crocs.
It's an inside joke.

j 999 9- Crocs clogs or Crocs flip flops?

By slip on shoes plus socks, do you mean loafers or mules, please?

I've never received better/less service on a plane based on how I'm dressed, so I say go for comfort without looking like you just got out of bed. There is a solid medium ground there.

Who cares what you look like on the plane anyway? We're all going to be sprawled out, have our heads back on the seat backs, mouths wide open, drool coming down the side of our mouths, snoring... Don't say no - we've all been there.

My new favorite travel clothes include black cargo pants (black for all the obvious reasons stated above). I'd never worn cargo pants before but will never again get on a plane without them! I can run through airports with everything important ON MY BODY -- ticket, passport, money, PDA, phone, etc. It is also all 100% handy and accessible. And it stays on my body on the plane, always going to the bathroom with me, etc. -Ronda

jodeenyc~ no we haven't

i've never "been there" because I can't sleep on a plane. never have, doubt i ever will!

I've re-read the posts and did not see that anyone has mentioned eye mask and/or ear plugs. Many say that they can help you to sleep. Personally, I'm always afraid that I'll miss something important that I should be seeing or hearing.

LOL on the Juicy/90s/SUV mom comment. How true, they were, and still are apparently, just younger versions of the ancient Floridians toddling around in sweats.

It wasn't THAT long ago that people dressed up a little on the plane, although I wasn't there for starched petticoats. I'm taking a 3-week trip this fall and have 4 travel days, so I was thinking lightweight wool/lycra flannel pants and cotton/lycra top in the same charcoal color, with a short cashmere cape that can be the blanket. Earplugs, good socks, a book and beverage...can't wait!

I've never noticed a change in service level based on what I wear either. I have flown in slacks, blouse, jacket, and pumps. I have flown in jeans, sweatshirt, and tennis shoes. I have flown in a sweatsuit, tee, and tennis shoes. I have flown in hiking pants, hoodie, and hiking boots...

It all seems the same to me from a service perspective. Service is more a function of how polite and courteous the passenger is and the mood of the flight attendent, gate agent, or whoever.

jgarvey- I remember when they used to put little eye masks in the seat pockets. Buy one that is not silky, so it won't slip. I bought a pair of those noise reduction headphones & then I forgot them. Until 2 am, 1 1/2 hrs of a dog barking. Got up, took them out of the box, flipped the switch. Blocked almost all noise. I used to use the little foam ones like labs use. Much prefer these to something IN my ear and they fold almost flat.

drawstring pants and a blouse in a natural fabric like silk or linen, large slip on shoes, and a silk or cashmere sweater. I wore my leather slip ons light over and I won't do that again, halfway through I had to take them off ( and couldn't get them back on easily)

Well, I for one have gotten better service based on clothing. Back in the late 80's when this was possible, a gate attendant at the Dallas airport came up to my husband and I as we were waiting to board a flight to London and told us that the flight was overbooked and would we mind flying first class. She said that she chose us because of the way we were dressed! Oddly enough, on that very same trip we were very late to arrive at Gatwick Airport for our flight home and the gate person told us to go into first class because we were so late and the flight was overbooked! That was the first time I had ever been to Europe and spent both ways in first class. It's been downhill all the way since! Nine more trips to Europe, all cattle class!

After getting advice on this topic last year, I wore Chico's Zen Pants (black, jersey knit with wide stretchy waistband - yoga style pants) on a long flight. They were perfect for comfort and sleeping. Layers of cotton T's (short sleeve, long-sleeve), and a light-weight fleece top. Thick comfy socks. This is now my standard travel outfit. Looks nice enough, too.

Another vote for the travel knits. I've got quite a collection from Coldwater Creek. Those, and my mary jane Crocs make it pretty comfortable

amwosu: Neither, according to some posters here. It apparently is the footwear equivalent of the nehru jacket.

I read somewhere that when traveling by airplane, to never wear synthetics, especially nylons, whether hosiery or clothing. The reason is, if the plane catches on fire, the nylon melts into your skin and is very painful and difficult to remove in the hospital. Wear natural materials like cotton. If you are lucky enough to survive an airplane crash and/or fire, you do not want to add trauma to your wounds by having your nylons melt into your skin. Have a great time in Italy! We are leaving for Alaska next month and we are really excited!

I'll add my tacky insight to the excellent suggestions from many above:

Yes, I pack a "next day" change in my carryon in case I get stuck or need refreshing, i.e. fresh top, fresh underwear, ziploc of makeup/moisturizer I can't live without.)

However, since the gymnastics of changing underwear can be tricky in small bathrooms (and some airport bathrooms are not amiable for being in at all,) I wear a narrow panty liner in my panties when I travel. As the flight wears on, or before arrival, I remove the liner and feel like I have a relatively fresh pair of panties.

And I'm in the club of comfy-not-sloppy knits; skirts; socks for the plane; ballet flats; layers for who-knows-what temperature on the plane AND airports! A few times, I think I got the upgrade over others because I dress relatively nicely, not ready for the gym.

I'm a bit claustrophobic, a problem that's exacerbated by a too-warm cabin as well as turbulence. So in addition to wearing (usually) comfortable, slightly stretchy dress pants and dress shoes that I'll be able to slip in and out of (just bought a great new pair in France, nearly flat black leather mules with a pointed toe), I pretty much always wear something very, very lightweight right next to my skin, typically a camisole with a built-in bra (comfortable for sleeping). That way if I get too warm I can get down to that layer without scandalizing my fellow passengers.

Over the camisole I usually wear something pretty structured like a blazer: dresses up whatever I'm wearing, nice layer of warmth if I need it, and since it's relatively bulky I wouldn't have wanted to pack it anyway.

I also take some sort of shawl that I can use a bit like a blanket around my shoulders (leaving the airplane blanket for my legs and feet). I usually take a pair of socks to change into for the flight (and sometimes just throw them away when the flight is over). I've recently started using noise-cancelling headphones and love them. I don't like eyeshades, as I find them uncomfortable.

Wraparound dress (allows for expansion) eg DVF - and a pashmina.

If its winter - I wear high heeled boots (room for expansion). If its summer I wear high heeled sandals.

I just don't do casual.

I do occasionally wear dresses on flights, and go one better than Lawchick, choosing dresses that have no waist at all. I've got a cool black sleeveless knit that can go either summer or winter that I particularly like. I wore it to Lisbon in March with a jacket over it in a contrasting color and a paisley shawl to tie the colors together. Black boots (low heel rather than high heel).

The only drawback to the dress approach is that I typically wear tights with boots, so then I've got to make sure that they're not support stockings, as otherwise the waistband is less than ideally comfortable. No problem in summer, when I'd go with slingback pumps.

Wear some thin socks, just until you get past security. Walking bare-foot across those floors? Yuck!!

I would not wear a dress nor heels on a long haul flight.

A knit or microfiber pair of nice black slacks with a twin set is my personal choice, worn with low heeled mules. I carry a pair of thin socks in case my feet get cold.

Most recent flight home from Italy wore a cotton dress in a flowered print with tan dressy mules (low-ish heel). Very comfortable (no binding anywhere, full skirt let me move around very easily, even crossing my legs since I was sitting with my thirteen year old daughter and we could invade each other's space at will) and attractive enough to prompt positive comments from two different flight attendants.

We got bumped up to First on a BA overnight flight and the first thing they hand you as you get on the plane is a pair of pyjamas.
Now if it is acceptable in First....

Coming in late here... First of all, I never wear white or light colors for a plane flight. One little bump and you've got coffee or red wine all over you. And eschewing both doesn't help; it can be your neighbor or the flight attendant who does the spilling. Last month at Heathrow I saw a woman dressed totally in white linen. Not a good idea.

I too wear shoes with velcro closures to allow for swelling at high altitudes.

But I like to be a little better dressed. Not only for service at the airport and on the plane. I have a theory if you arrive at a hotel well-dressed, they'll give you a better room.

These days it is almost impossible to be upgraded for free, (and if you are, it's usually based on FF status, or how much you paid for your ticket. The way they stuff you into the plane with so little space, I think I should be able to wear whatever is comfortable. I choose to wear cotton (fear of fire), plus it breathes.

We missed a flight in Frankfurt,due to weather. We then were waitlisted on a flight to Chicago. We were on pins and needles as they were calling passengers onboard. We were among the last to be called, because they seated us in business class!! I am convinced they chose us to be in business class, because we dressed the part. We looked like we belonged there!

Winter: Khaki trousers with lycra and elastic waistband, and long or 3/4 sleeves black or navy stretchy cotton top (no T-shirts), and light black ankle socks and black slip-on mules.

Summer: Capris, also with lycra and elastic waistband, and black or navy tops (again no T-shirt) or collared polo shirt, and slip-on sandals that are loose and comfy. I take a lightweight cardigans for the "air-conditioned" planes!!

All freshly laundered and ironed before flight - so I do not stink!!

No t-shirts because of fashion or some other practical reason? Just curious.

I like to dress and look reasonably good so I do not wear T-shirts.