A pilot’s wife, who shares travel advice on Instagram under the handle Travel Tips by Laurie, has issued a cautionary note to those fond of wearing dresses at airports. She warned that long, flowing clothing could potentially cause problems at security checks and even lead to unpleasant hygiene issues.
Laurie advised: “Do not wear a dress through airport security for these two reasons.”
She explained: “The pocket of air a flowy dress makes COULD cause a dense area to show up that the machine cannot see through.
“A flowy dress – in my opinion – should be packed. Then you do not worry about it brushing against a seat in boarding that has pizza sauce stains or spilled coffee stains… or a seat in the airplane lavatory.”
For those planning to wear a dress during their holiday, she recommends packing it instead, citing cleanliness as the primary reason. This way, one can avoid carrying any dirt from the airport or plane with them.
Laurie’s Instagram video has gained attention, bringing in over 3,700 likes and sparking a lively discussion in the comments section.
One user commented: “I would never wear a dress. Agree.”
Another shared: “I feel this, I wore a great maxi dress and while it was so comfortable SO stressful worried about it dragging on yucky things and in the bathroom I stuffed it all into my bra.”
But one traveller claimed the opposite: “Totally disagree. We travel extensively and I love a loose travel dress. The airline bathrooms are so small… it’s so much easier to pull up a dress! My dress has pockets, is travel-friendly material and can be layered with a jacket or sweater.”
Top tips for what to wear on a flight:
1. Comfortable layers – With the unpredictable temperatures on planes, dressing in layers allows you to adjust easily to both the in-flight chill and your final destination’s climate.
2. Breathable and stretchy garments – For ultimate comfort during long-haul flights, choose clothes that won’t restrict movement, like stretchy leggings or joggers.
3. Practical footwear – Opt for trainers for their convenience and comfort while you’re rushing through the airport and getting on and off the plane.
4. Minimal jewellery – To avoid a hassle at security, it’s best to keep jewellery and accessories to a minimum to prevent setting off alarms.
5. Essential extras – Don’t forget to bring a travel pillow, compression socks, or a scarf to enhance your comfort during the flight. These small additions can significantly improve your travel experience.
