How to Dress for a Long Haul Flight

16/12/2015


plane travel



Having done long haul flights, mainly from South Africa to the UK, from the age of 1yrs old I have a fair amount of experience when it comes to packing and thoughts I would share some top tips with you, if your planning on a trip this festive season.

Choosing what to wear when going on a long haul flight can make what is often a long, boring and gruelling experience a little more comfortable and less hassle if you choose wisely. If like many of us you dress for the destination that you’re going to, you’ll probably find that half-way in you’re shivering thanks to the fact that planes turn their air-con up pretty high. This might not be too bad on a quick flight to Spain, but a 22-hour flight to Australia and you’ll feel like a block of ice. But, if you wear warm clothes on the plane, you’re going to be sweating as soon as you step off.

What to Wear on Top

When it comes to picking tops, it’s all about the layers. You’ll want to be able to layer up on the plane if it gets a bit chilly, but still be able to be comfortable and cool as soon as you get off. A vest top or a t-shirt is a good idea followed by a cardigan, light jacket or sweater that you can take off once you reach your destination. Choose something that’s comfortable such as an oversized jumper and avoid clothes that are tight or restricting which could dig in and cause discomfort during the flight. 


backpacking


What to Wear on the Bottom

When picking bottoms to wear for your flight, steer clear of anything like tight jeans with buttons that are going to dig in and be uncomfortable when sat down for long periods of time. Leggings are an excellent choice as they are stretchy and comfortable, or if you’re not a fan of wearing leggings, jeggings are a good alternative – just make sure that you choose a pair with a stretchy waistband and a bit of room. Cotton stretch trousers are also an ideal choice as they’re comfortable and breathable as well as smart looking. 


aeroplane



Shoes

The shoes that you wear should be comfortable and not too restricting as your feet might swell on the flight especially if you’re sat down for hours at a time. Flat leather slip-on shoes are an ideal choice, as they’ll expand if your feet do swell up a bit, making sure that you stay comfortable. Sneakers or ballet pumps are good alternatives, but it might be a good idea to take an extra pair of socks along for if your feet get cold thanks to the air con. Or, you could just pack a comfortable pair of slippers in your handbag and change into them during the flight. 

Accessories

An oversized scarf or pashmina is a good accessory to take as it can double up as a blanket and help to keep you warm and cosy if the air con gets too cold. Most airlines provide travel pillows on long haul flights, however you might find it’s a good idea to take your own as well. Since the air on planes can get quite dry, lip balm is a must.

Are you boarding a long haul flight from Gatwick? Check out IHG hotels Gatwick.

Associated Post

22 comments:

  1. Some great tips Laura, I always get cold on flights and love to wear layers so I can adjust my own temperature x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great tips. I often layer on long haul flights but find that I get cold quite quickly so a pashmina sounds like a great accessory to take.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I do like the idea of taking slippers in hand luggage. I always take a huge water bottle and get it filled up airside so I stay hydrated.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I usually go with just leggings and an oversized jumper with some flip flops so I can put some big cosy socks on when we take off.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Brilliant tips. I always dress in layers on a flight and keep a pack of socks in my bag too especially when I am returning from a hot country. If your feet are cosy then you feel much more comfortable :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great list I have never been on a long haul flight before but I will keep these tips in mind.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I learnt the hard way to always wear comfortable shoes on a flight when my feet swelled up so much I couldn't get my shoes back on. These are really useful tips for nipping problems in the bud.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I always wear leggings or something with a stretchy waist when travelling. nothing worse than a tight pair of jeans squeezing you to death

    ReplyDelete
  9. Can't wait until I can next get on a plane haha, but dressing right definitely makes the flight more comfortable :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm actually going on a long haul flight in January so your post has been a help to me, thank you! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  11. These are great tips. I'll be going on a long haul flight with my family in a few months time so this will come in handy x

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great post. Thanks for the tips. Dressing comfy is important when flying.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great tips - I haven't flown long haul for years. I find it chilly on short haul ones though! Kaz x

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great tips! My husband is also from SA, I have been over twice so far. The journey over is so long - I did the mistake of wearing jeans first time I flew over. Won’t be making that mistake again!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ive had a fair few long haul flights in my 21 years and I have to say that you are spot on with everything in that list!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Comfy cotton top, leggings and a trainers always work for me... plus my special flight socks :-)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Some really good tips here, I always ensure I have some skincare in my bag and a spare pair of knickers, I dont know why, but I always do x

    ReplyDelete
  18. Some great tips! I've never been on a long flight, but if I ever do I know who to ask :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. I fly a lot and I usually wear leggings, a T-Shirt or a long-sleeved sweatshirt and a cardigan on top for flights as well as a pashmere scarf. I also take some slipper socks with me, so that I can take off my shoes during the flight. I will need a hotel when I fly to Las Vegas soon from Gatwick, so will have a look at the website.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Great tips here. I've never been on a long haul flight but I make sure to dress comfy in short haul flights too

    ReplyDelete
  21. I always wear jeans when I am travelling but I don't know why as I know there are more comfort options. x

    ReplyDelete
  22. Really awesome tips, I agree that you should wear some layers uptop because it is very cold in the planes and you want to be comfortable, and I love the leggings tip it works well as well if you are in a tight spot, you will be comfortable

    ReplyDelete

Lovely comments

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...