How to Dress for the Airport

With all the controversy in the news lately on this topic, and from my recent airport experiences (getting held up from passengers that aren’t prepared in front of me, in turn causing panic from those running late in line), I thought it was a good topic to address.

We've certainly come a long way since flying was a luxury event that could cost you up to 5% of your salary, and was was a rare thing for people to do. In the 1950s people got all dolled up for the event, and documented every moment because it was likely the only time that year, or even that decade they would get the opportunity to fly. Luckily, these days flying is significantly more common, and you aren't expected to dress to the nines just for a flight. Still, flying often has people wondering what they should wear for the occasion. With this in mind, I thought I'd offer up a quick guide to how to dress for the airport...

First, Think TSA Compliance
As frustrating as it is to go through the TSA Screenings, this minor inconvenience is worth it for the safety it's intended to provide. Of course, there are some things you need to consider when dressing for your flight including:

• Wear non-complicated shoes: Your shoes should be easily removable since most airports require removing them to be screened. In other words you want shoes that slip on and off easily without a bunch of straps, or the need to loosen and untie only to re-tie on the other side.
  
  
• Avoid lots of accent jewelry/belts (and bobby-pins in your hair): They'll probably make you remove it all for screening any way. And, let's be honest, all that clunk could get frustrating on your neck, arms, and ears during a long travel day or when running to make a connection.
  
  
• Opt for a jacket or sweater that can be easily removed: Not only does TSA want to ensure you're not concealing anything, it's a good idea to wear layers because if you do get warm in transit and cold on the flight - it will be nicer to have the option to take it off when needed.
  
  
• Leave the knives and pocketful of coins in your checked bags: No one hates the guy (or girl) with too much metal in his pockets more than a feisty line full of travelers in the TSA screening!

For a full list of TSA prohibited items click here.

Keep it Comfortable, Yet Fashionable
According to Business Insider, a person that is more dressed up is much more likely to be upgraded should their flight be overbooked. Although this doesn't mean you need a blazer and a gold watch, dolling up a little might not hurt. For ladies, a comfortable maxi dress could be the perfect outfit complete with a sweater because, let's face it, flights can get really cold. Men can get away with khakis and a nice polo shirt, and still look fashionable and relaxed.

What you wear for a flight doesn't have to be complicated. All you need is an outfit that provides the perfect blend of cozy, trendy, and airport-friendly. Safe travels!

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