Flight Attendants Reveal the Most Impractical Travel Outfits They've Seen—and What to Wear Instead, From $13

Travel + Leisure

5 hours ago

Flight attendants have a front-row seat to every travel faux pas, especially when it comes to what people wear on planes. So, I asked two seasoned pros to weigh in on the most impractical outfits they've seen—and more importantly, what to wear instead. According to two flight attendants—Karen Young, who has 47 years of experience, and Crista Treat, who takes her airport outfits just as seriously as her vacation looks—far too many travelers still fall short. From sky-high heels and stiff business attire to bulky belts and even barefoot passengers (yes, that happens), these in-flight missteps can lead to unnecessary discomfort—or worse, a hygiene horror story.
Their expert advice? Dress smart. With the right pieces, you'll feel cozy, look put together, and breeze through security with ease. Ahead, Karen and Crista share the common outfit mistakes they see on board—and what they recommend wearing instead, from stylish athleisure to foldable tote bags and cozy compression socks. Prices start at just $13.
Cabin temps are notoriously unpredictable, and if you're seated by the window, prepare for a deep chill. Flight attendants unanimously agree: the biggest travel mistake they see isn't what people wear, but what they don't . "It's always cold on airplanes, particularly next to the window," Karen shared. "Layering is super important."
Crista echoed that sentiment, adding that a layered outfit isn't just functional—it can actually elevate your entire look. 'Dress in layers is my biggest tip,' she says. 'A sweater dropped over your shoulders elevates any look and also gives you the ability to warm up as well.' She advises you to remember: 'You can control your temperature versus relying on the airplane for temperature.'
Sure, if you're heading straight into a business meeting from the gate, that pencil skirt or blazer might make sense. But for the rest of us? 'Impractical outfits to me, are the all-nighter flights where people are in suits and ties and business attire,' Crista said. 'It's time to go to sleep.' Her go-to travel outfit is a blend of comfort and style: leggings, a cropped zip-up, and a tank underneath. And when it comes to brands? She's loyal. 'I always wear Lululemon or Vuori,' she added.
Barefoot on a plane? That's a hard no—and a surprisingly common offense, according to flight attendant Karen. 'Underline this: never, never go barefoot walking around an airplane,' she warned. 'There's always broken glass. Plus, the floors—particularly in the bathroom—are filthy.' Going shoeless isn't just unsanitary; it's inconsiderate. 'I've had to tell people to put their shoes back on because other passengers were complaining that their feet stink,' she added.
Instead, both Karen and Crista recommend wearing compression socks, not only for hygiene but also for circulation. Karen noted they're especially important for travelers with heart or circulation concerns, while Crista praised them as a simple in-flight wellness hack. 'They're so great for you,' she emphasized. 'I have a couple of pairs that I wear on longer flights. I also do calf raises while sitting to help with blood flow.'
You won't score any points with flight crews by boarding in stilettos—especially on a red-eye. 'Wearing high heels on an all-nighter flight is just ridiculous,' Crista claimed. Not only are they impractical for dashing through terminals, but they can also be downright uncomfortable once you're in the air.
'Wear shoes with plenty of room in them—especially on long flights, because your feet can swell up,' Karen added. Swollen feet and sky-high heels? That's a recipe for in-flight misery. Instead, Crista recommends the ever-comfy Adidas Sambas. They're stylish, supportive, and easy to slip off at TSA. Keep scrolling to shop these kicks and other comfy shoes we swear by.
Belts might look polished, but they're more trouble than they're worth when flying. Not only can they be uncomfortable under your seatbelt for hours, but they also tend to set off alarms at security. 'Belts always go off at security,' Crista points out, which means you'll likely end up fumbling to remove it in line or getting pulled aside for a second screening.
Instead, opt for drawstring bottoms or pull-on pants that don't require a belt. They're more comfortable for long stretches in the air and will help you breeze through TSA without extra hassle.
Jewelry might elevate your outfit, but wearing it through the airport isn't worth the hassle. 'I pack my jewelry in my backpack or carry-on instead of wearing it, so I don't risk setting off security,' Crista said. Beyond triggering alarms at TSA, traveling with bulky or expensive pieces can increase your chances of losing something valuable, or worse, having it stolen. A better strategy? Stow your accessories in a compact, zippered travel case so everything stays organized, secure, and easy to access once you land.
When it comes to carry-on extras, flight attendants know a thing or two about practicality, and Karen swears by the iconic Longchamp tote. 'They fold up to nothing,' she explained, making them perfect to stash in your personal item until you need extra space. 'If you buy duty-free items or grab food at the airport, you can just unfold it, and it opens into a really nice bag.' According to Karen, it's practically a uniform accessory: 'Longchamp tote bags are the number one tote for most flight attendants.'
She also called out another flight crew favorite: the Baggalini Carry-all Expandable Tote Bagi. Designed with plenty of compartments and thoughtful organization, 'it's very popular with all of the zippered compartments,' she noted—especially for travelers who want easy access to passports, earbuds, and other essentials mid-flight.
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