Whether you’re going on a business trip or to study overseas, air travel requires a ton of planning.
There are tons of factors to consider, ranging from the TSA guidelines to the airport procedures, boarding, departure times and more. But one that a lot of travelers forget to consider is the outfit they’ll wear during the flight.
This brings us to the question, “are passengers allowed to wear shorts on a plane?” Unfortunately, there’s no clear-cut answer to this question. The TSA doesn’t have any regulations regarding flight dress codes, and neither do most airlines.
However, there was a recent instance where flight attendants threatened to kick passengers off a plane for wearing shorts. Such is the case of 26-year-old Deniz Saypinar. Mid last year, the renowned Turkish bodybuilder came close to being kicked off her flight for wearing shorts and a crop top.
To be on the safe side, the best thing to do is to call the airline ahead of time. Find out whether they allow passengers to travel in shorts and any other outfits you’re looking to wear.
What Should You Wear on a Flight?
The outfit you wear will have a massive impact on how comfortable you are during the flight. To help you make the best decision, here are a few things I recommend:
Comfortable and Stretchy Pants
When traveling in an aircraft – especially if you’re taking an economy flight – then you probably have limited space. The last thing you want to do is to wear a pair of skintight jeans. To avoid feeling even more confined, consider wearing some comfy, stretchy pants.
Breathable Shirt/Blouse
Whether you wear a shirt or blouse, look for one that’s made of natural fabric. Think linen, wool, cotton or silk.
The greatest benefit these fabrics offer is that they allow air and moisture to pass through freely. Their breathability makes you feel very comfortable, especially when you have to remain seated for long hours.
One fabric that’s very popular is merino wool, and understandably so. Not only is it breathable but it’s also resistant to moisture and odor.
At the same time, steer clear of fabrics such as rayon and polyester. Although they’re breathable, they have a tendency to retain body odor.
Warm Cardigan
Even if you’re traveling on a budget, the one clothing item that you shouldn’t skimp on is a cardigan or sweater.
The environment inside the cabin can get very chilly. If you don’t have anything to keep you warm and toasty, you can feel quite uncomfortable. To err on the side of the safety, be sure to bring something warm. Alternatively, dress in layers so you can easily add on/ take off clothes as desired.
Comfortable Footwear
When choosing your flight dress code, pay attention to your footwear as well. Look for the most comfortable flat shoes that you like.
The flight probably won’t be the end of your journey. You might have to walk for a long distance to get to your actual destination. And a pair of flat shoes will make walking much easier.
Another point you should consider is the ease of removing your shoes. This is crucial as you’ll have to remove your shoes during the screening process. Here’s what TSA says on its website:
“Travelers are asked to remove shoes so TSA officers are able to identify whether there is anything suspicious or dangerous concealed inside of the shoe. It is helpful to wear slip-on shoes so that they can be easily removed for screening.”
For maximum convenience, invest in footwear that’s easy to slip on and off.
