Short summer clothes or casual comfort wear? Travelers often wear clothing on flights that is comfortable and suited to the expected temperatures. However, this is not always the right choice. Some clothing choices can even become life-threatening in an emergency.
When flying on vacation, many people wonder: What is the right outfit for the flight? Comfort is a major factor, as seen in the masses of air travelers in comfortable leggings and sweatpants. The crowds of vacationers already flying in flip-flops and shorts suggest that the destination is also a criterion in clothing choice. Yet, all these garments can become a liability. TRAVELBOOK explains what you should never wear on a plane.
What Not to Wear on a Plane
Clothing Made of Synthetic Fibers
Many travelers wear leggings and sweatpants when flying to maximize comfort during long periods of sitting. However, these garments are often made of synthetic fibers, which can be a safety risk in an emergency. Aviation safety expert and author Christine Negroni explained to “The Sun“: “Everyone is wearing yoga pants on planes now, but I avoid any synthetic fibers because they are more likely to catch fire and stick to you when they burn.” In addition to leggings and sweatpants, many sweaters and cardigans are at least partially made of synthetic fibers, such as polyester.
A children’s clothing burn test by Stiftung Warentest from 2009 shows that pure cotton, except for thick jeans, burns faster than pure polyester, but the latter melted and dripped. This can cause deep skin damage. According to the test, fabric blends are particularly dangerous “because they show both reactions–intense burning and hot dripping,” as stated by Stiftung Warentest. Clothing made of polyacrylic, polyacrylic blends, and wool blends also poses a double fire hazard.
“It would only be safe if the clothing were made of flame-retardant materials,” says Professor Dr. Ulrich Kneser from the Severe Burn Center in Ludwigshafen. However, he also adds, “But that is unrealistic.” However, those wearing clothing made of cotton and synthetic fibers on a plane can at least pay attention to the order. According to Stiftung Warentest, this plays a significant role: “Laboratory tests show that synthetic outerwear can prevent cotton underwear from igniting by melting. Additionally, it generally burns more slowly. This gives the affected person more time to remove the burning clothes. Cotton over polyamide & co. can act like a wick and cause it to melt on the skin. The damage may then be greater.”
At the same time, T-shirts and shorts can even become dangerous in an emergency. If the emergency slide is deployed, the skin is barely protected, and injuries can occur quickly.
Flip-Flops, Sandals, and High Heels
Even footwear can quickly become a life-threatening issue on a plane. In the event of an unplanned evacuation, it is better to wear closed and sturdy shoes. In an emergency, the floor may be covered with oil or water, making it easy to slip in flip-flops. In the worst case, the floor may even be on fire, making open shoes generally problematic.
To ensure you can wear your shoes in any situation, a spokesperson for the Independent Flight Attendant Organization (UFO) suggests choosing models with flat heels. What you should never wear on a plane are high heels. And if you didn’t know this before the flight? Then, in case of doubt, leave them behind. If flight attendants have enough time to prepare for an evacuation in an emergency, “guests with high heels will be asked to remove them and not take them along,” says the UFO spokesperson.
Less dramatic but much more common for air travelers: Open shoes often compromise comfort because it gets cold. Whether on short or long-haul flights, the air conditioning on board can cool the cabin to chilly temperatures. As a result, it is significantly colder on the plane than the perhaps expected temperatures at the destination.
Shorts, Tops, and Loose Clothing
Speaking of cold: “I often see guests in shorts. That would be too chilly for me,” says the UFO spokesperson. There is only a limited number of blankets on board, and eventually, they are all distributed. “Having a scarf, shawl, sweater, cardigan, or knit jacket in your carry-on is always a good idea,” advises the expert.
Another point: It is rare for a plane to need to be evacuated quickly. But if it does, clothing should not become an obstacle for passengers. Guests should not wear anything that could get caught. Avoid loose clothing or tops or jackets with chains.
Even if it’s warm outside, you shouldn’t dress too lightly for the flight–and it’s wise to have a jacket on hand just in case.
Inappropriate Clothing for the Destination
Besides personal comfort, the destination is also an important criterion for clothing choice. The UFO spokesperson advises: “The question you should ask yourself before a flight and in front of the closet is always: Where am I flying to? What is the most appropriate attire for my destination?” For example, stepping off the plane in the Middle East in a miniskirt and bikini top might not be the smartest idea.
Often, there is no opportunity to change quickly at your destination airport. A good tip is to dress on the plane in a way that suits the location. It also helps the passenger “for general well-being on board if you are not approached by other passengers about your appearance.”
No Overly Revealing Outfits
It is unlikely that a passenger will be denied boarding for violating dress codes, at least for paying guests, says the flight expert. However, there are incidents where passengers are not allowed on the plane because of their outfits. For instance, a woman was denied boarding on an American Airlines flight from Jamaica to Miami because her jumpsuit was deemed too revealing. In another case, Thomas Cook refused to let a young passenger board because she wore a crop top–only after she put on a jacket was she allowed to fly.
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