What not to wear on a plane
Jewellery or bulky accessories
Metal will slow you down at security – it’s one of the things more likely to get you flagged. Jewellery that can be hard to remove will also slow you down in the security line. Any jewellery shaped like a potential weapon also raises red flags and may be uncomfortable when you’re trying to lean back and get some shut-eye. Be careful with earrings too; they can easily fall off and get lost while you’re putting on or taking off headphones to watch a movie. “You don’t want to wear hoops that can get caught and pull on your ear lobe,” warns flight attendant, Amy Caris. Also avoid wearing your skyscraper heels on an aeroplane. The nails in high heels can trigger security metal detectors to go off, as can shoes that sport large metal adornments or studs.
Anything tight
Tight waistbands, skirts, blouses and shirts are all no-no’s while travelling, for the simple reason that our bodies naturally swell when we fly. Restrictive clothing does not pair well with bloating, also common on aeroplanes. You want to be able to move comfortably, encouraging healthy blood circulation and avoiding deep vein thrombosis. Avoid cramping by doing exercises in your seat and taking a walk to the lavatory, whenever possible.
An uncomfortable bra
One of the top items to avoid wearing while flying is an uncomfortable bra. A bra that digs into your shoulders and chest will only become more constraining in the air.
Skimpy clothing
You know the drill: you’re so excited about that beach holida that you throw on a tank and lightweight shorts only to find yourself freezing in the air-conditioned plane cabin. Plus, Caris points out, you don’t want your skin sticking to the seat when it’s warm. Another concern with revealing outerwear: it can be offensive in certain countries and cultures. Also, in case of fire or evacuation, it’s better to be completely covered.
Fragrance
With the rise of fragrance sensitivities, what you find intoxicating can be torture for others. The shared air can exacerbate the unpleasant exposure for people who are sensitive, possibly triggering allergies or asthma. Be respectful of passengers around you by saving the scent for after you deplane.
High heels, flip-flops and slides
Make sure you choose the right pair of shoes for flying. High heels can slow you down and even puncture the slide in case of an evacuation. Thongs (flip-flops) and slides can fly off your feet in case of emergency; you’ll also find they make life difficult if you have to sprint through the airport to make your flight. Plus, they leave your feet exposed and airports have some seriously germy spots.
Fabrics that are flammable
To be on the safe side, avoid extremely flammable synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon. Those fabrics are not ideal travel companions anyway, because they don’t allow air to circulate.
Bulky jackets
Avoid oversized coats when you fly. They’re cumbersome and can make economy class feel claustrophobic. Plus, they’re tough to squeeze into your carry-on or the overhead bin.
Image credit: Shutterstock
This article originally appeared on Reader's Digest.