Let’s face it: Air travel isn’t what it used to be. Gone are the days of dressing to the nines for a flight, with passengers donning their Sunday best just to board a plane. These days, comfort is king—and who can blame us?
With cramped seats, unpredictable temperatures, and the prospect of hours spent in the air, it’s no wonder many of us reach for our comfiest clothes before heading to the airport.
But is there such a thing as being *too* comfortable when it comes to your in-flight attire? According to travel etiquette experts, the answer is a resounding yes—and your outfit choices might be raising a few eyebrows (or even noses) among your fellow passengers.
The Great Debate: Comfort vs. Courtesy
Travel expert Zarife recently weighed in on the topic, urging travellers to think twice before boarding a plane in outfits better suited to the beach or the bedroom. ‘Please don’t get on an aircraft looking like you’re about to step onto the sand or like you’ve just jumped out of bed and thrown on a tracksuit,’ she told nine.com.au.
Now, before you panic and start ironing your best suit for your next Jetstar flight, rest assured: no one’s expecting you to dress like you’re heading to a board meeting. But Zarife’s point is clear: aeroplanes are shared spaces, and a little effort goes a long way in showing respect for your fellow travellers.
Pyjamas at the Airport? Maybe Not…
While tracksuits and leisurewear are generally considered fair game (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good pair of stretchy pants?), Zarife draws the line at pyjamas. ‘I think you should wear a tracksuit or some leisurewear that you’re comfortable in, but it isn’t your lounge room,’ she said.
If you’re on a long-haul flight and want to change into your pyjamas once you’re in the air, go for it—just don’t rock up to the airport in your flannel best. After all, you never know who you’ll bump into at the boarding gate!
What About ‘PJ-Coded’ Outfits?
Some argue that as long as you’re comfortable and covered, it shouldn’t matter what you wear. ‘You can wear a PJ-coded outfit. So not officially PJs but stuff you would sleep in,’ one traveller said. Another added, ‘I’ll usually wear some baggy pants and a hoodie—not quite pyjamas but definitely comfortable. But I seriously don’t understand why people would have an issue with someone else wearing pyjamas? Like it doesn’t affect you at all, let people wear whatever they want to wear.’
It’s a fair point—after all, air travel can be stressful enough without worrying about a fashion police crackdown at 30,000 feet. But as with many things in life, it’s all about balance.
The Footwear Faux Pas
If there’s one thing that unites travellers everywhere, it’s a shared horror of bare feet on planes. Zarife warns that walking around barefoot or wearing open-toed shoes with no socks is a definite no-no. For long-haul flights, it’s fine to slip off your shoes and relax in your socks, but for shorter journeys, it’s best to keep your shoes on.
And whatever you do, please—don’t pad around the cabin barefoot. Not only is it unhygienic, but you never know what’s lurking on those carpets (and trust us, you don’t want to find out).
Hygiene Matters—For Everyone’s Sake
Perhaps the most important piece of advice? Good hygiene is non-negotiable. ‘When you sit beside someone, and you’ve got maybe body odour… we are very cramped in on aircraft,’ Zarife said. ‘Just general hygiene and tidiness are very important.’
A quick shower before your flight, a dab of deodorant, and a fresh change of clothes can make all the difference—not just for you, but for everyone sharing that recycled cabin air.
Extra Tips for Savvy Travellers
- Layers are your friend: Aeroplane temperatures can swing from freezing to stuffy in a matter of minutes. Bring a light jumper or scarf you can easily add or remove.
- Avoid strong perfumes: While you might love your signature scent, others might not—especially in close quarters.
- Choose breathable fabrics: Natural fibres like cotton and linen are comfortable and help keep you cool.
- Keep it tidy: Even if you’re wearing casual clothes, make sure they’re clean and in good condition. No one wants to sit next to someone in stained or torn attire.
The Bottom Line: Respect and Comfort Can Coexist
At the end of the day, your in-flight outfit should strike a balance between comfort and consideration for others. You don’t need to dress up, but a little effort goes a long way in making the journey pleasant for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Airline staff and etiquette experts advise against boarding a flight wearing pyjamas or clothes that look like you’re heading to the beach or just rolled out of bed.
- Comfortable attire such as tracksuits or leisurewear is acceptable, but it’s best to avoid actual pyjamas until after take-off if you want to change to sleep.
- Going barefoot or wearing open-toed shoes without socks on flights is strongly discouraged, especially when moving around the cabin.
- Keeping up good personal hygiene and ensuring you smell fresh is essential when flying, given the close quarters on aircraft.
What’s your go-to travel outfit? Have you ever been shocked by what someone else wore on a flight? Or do you think people should be able to wear whatever they like? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories—share them in the comments below!
