Nothing is worse than getting settled during a long flight and then realising that you are wearing uncomfortable footwear or clothing. In this guide, we'll discuss what we recommend wearing to stay comfortable during a long flight and some common pitfalls that passengers encounter.
When you are planning your outfit for any flight, comfort is king. To ensure you can relax, we recommend you wear loose-fitting, soft, breathable clothes that allow for free movement and help regulate your body temperature.
People often forget about jewellery, which can become uncomfortable if worn for long periods. We also advise you to avoid jeans or other hard-material trousers, as these can be irritating when you have to sit in them for a long time.
In any case, we suggest footwear that is comfortable in all temperatures, such as trainers, instead of heels or boots, which may become inconvenient if you ever need to move around during your flight.
An important consideration when travelling to a new destination is the temperature change. Travelling from Europe to Africa? You might want to wear a breathable shirt for when you land, but put a sweater over it so you aren't cold when you leave.
The opposite is also true. Maybe you're visiting Iceland to see the northern lights, if so, you're going to need a parka for when you get off the plane, as temperatures during their peak tourism season land between -2 and +3 degrees Celsius.
Wearing layers which can easily be put on or removed helps mitigate these problems. So, we recommend a breathable shirt, a comfortable hoodie and soft trousers such as sweats or shorts depending on the climate of your destination.
There are also some other things you might want to think about when preparing for your long-haul flight, such as the following:
Compression socks - Compression socks help improve circulation and prevent blood from pooling in the legs during long flights. It is recommended for people who suffer from low blood pressure or DVT to wear these during your flight.
A blanket - A blanket can be a nice inclusion to your carry-on, especially if you are doing an overnight Red-Eye Flight. It is an easy piece of comfort which can be packed up and stored on the go.
A bottle of water - Staying hydrated will help keep you happy and healthy on your flight. Keep in mind you will not be able to bring a bottle of water through the airport with you, so you will need to get one either onboard your flight or on the air side of the airport.
Headphones - If you are bringing your own in-flight entertainment (such as electronic devices) onboard then consider bringing headphones, so that you can listen to music, movies and other multimedia at your desired volume without frustrating other passengers.
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We recommend a pair which are easy to take on and off, both to expedite your passage through airport security, and for comfort on your flight. This means the best variety of shoes are sneakers, loafers, or slip-on shoes. We would suggest avoiding heels or boots as these can become uncomfortable if worn idly for long periods.
When trying to get comfortable on a flight, your considerations should begin when you are booking your ticket. If you want some peace and quiet, try to book a seat at the front of the plane, where noise from the engine is reduced. For reduced effects of turbulence sit just above the wing. If you would like to avoid tight legroom, opt for an aisle seat.
Once you have your seat of choice, there are some things to remember:
Bring entertainment - Some long-haul planes such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner have inbuilt entertainment systems for passengers, however, not all of them do. We suggest bringing a personal device with your choice of games movies or music to keep you entertained during your flight.
Stay hydrated - Dehydration can lead to headaches, dizziness and general fatigue. To maximise your comfort keep hydrated by taking advantage of the on-board service, or water purchased at the airport.
Move frequently - Remaining sedentary for a long time can cause an uncomfortable aching in the muscles. We suggest moving around once every while on your flight to stretch them out. Take a walk to the bathroom, or just stretch in the aisle.
Yes, long-haul flights may be cold. Aircraft cabins are usually kept at a temperature of 71–75°F (22-23°C) to counteract the freezing conditions at cruising altitude. The air inside the cabin is treated and temperature regulated so it will also probably be quite dry. While this might not seem too cold, since you are going to be sitting still for the majority of the flight, you are likely to feel the cold more.
Yes. During long periods of immobility blood can pool in the legs and feet, which can increase the risk of blood clots and complications relating to deep vein thrombosis. If you think you are at risk of suffering, consider wearing flight socks to mitigate this risk.
