luxing

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.

travelbug05

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

travelbug05

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.

ms_go

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...

Deja_Sue

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.

Sarvowinner

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.

Elainee

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.

nypintha

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!).

j_999_9

Crocs.
It's an inside joke.

amwosu

j 999 9- Crocs clogs or Crocs flip flops?

Shanghainese

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

jodeenyc

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.

RondaTravels

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

suze

jodeenyc~ no we haven't ;-)

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

jgarvey

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.

Fidel

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!

J_Correa

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.

ninasdream

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.

ninasdream

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)

rbnwdln

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!