How to Dress for an Airline Flight in the Era of the Panty Bomber

What is the best way to dress for a commercial airline flight now, in the era of "panty bombers," taking into consideration your comfort as well as issues of safety and security?

In December of 2009, a Nigerian man on a Northwest Airlines flight from Amsterdam to Detroit apparently tried to ignite explosive materials sewn into his underwear. Given that passengers boarding airliners in the United States must remove their shoes for screening because a British terrorist tried to explode his shoes on an American Airlines flight in 2001, fliers can expect more pat-down searches during security screening and fewer blankets, books or much of anything else once aboard an airliner in or headed to the United States in the future.

Here are some suggestions to help you dress for your next flight:

How to Dress for an Airline Flight Tip 1

You can dress in a manner that is safety-conscious without buying special or unusual clothing. Wear natural-fiber fabrics such as cotton, wool, silk or leather to reduce some potential fire risks. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester tend to melt when exposed to flame, while natural fibers burn to ash and fall away rather than melting onto (and into) your skin.

How to Dress for an Airline Flight Tip 2

Wear clothing that covers you well. Choose long pants instead of shorts for airline travel. Wear a long-sleeved shirt or blouse, or pair a T-shirt with a long-sleeved sweater or jacket. This will give you some protection in case of fire (including if you participate in smothering a small terrorist-caused fire before it can become a large one).

All-cotton jeans and all-cotton khakis are good choices for pants, and all clothing should be slightly loose-fitting so it is comfortable during the flight and allows freedom of movement in an emergency. Cotton underwear is a good choice under your clothes, too, because of flammability considerations; women may wish to consider wearing a sports bra.

How to Dress for an Airline Flight Tip 3

Wear low-heeled, protective shoes constructed of materials such as leather, wool and cotton canvas. Sandals or flip-flops won't protect your toes from dropped luggage or stumbling children. Leather loafers or mules are easier to slip off and on in the security screening area, but lace-up shoes may give you a little better footing in the event of an emergency evacuation of the aircraft.

Wear cotton or wool socks to protect your feet in an emergency and as you walk around the airport terminal while your shoes are being screened.

How to Dress for an Airline Flight Tip 4

Wear a jacket or sweater to your seat since you might not be allowed access to a blanket during the flight. Keep the jacket or sweater with you unless instructed otherwise by a flight attendant.

How to Dress for an Airline Flight Tip 5

Extra pockets on your clothing may get more attention during a pat-down search but they can also provide another layer of clothing protection at other times. Be sure to empty your pockets before passing through a security checkpoint.

A multi-pocketed vest that can be easily removed for screening and sent through an X-ray scanning device is a good way to carry your passport, glasses, medications and other permitted items aboard an airplane.

How to Dress for an Airline Flight Tip 6

A cotton bandana or handkerchief is a useful accessory. In addition to their usual fashionable or functional uses, bandanas and handkerchiefs may be helpful to cover your mouth and nose in a smoky environment.

Ready, Set, Go

Once you are properly attired for your flight, take a deep breath and summon all your coping skills as you proceed through a boarding process that was once gracious and pleasant but, sadly, is no longer so.

Sources:

Personal experience with airline flights.

U.S. Department of Justice Press Release, Nigerian National Charged with Attempting to Destroy Northwest Airline Flight, 12/26/2009 http://detroit.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel09/de122609.htm

FAA, Fly Smart: An Air Traveler's Guide http://www.safepic.com/general.htm

TSA.gov, TSA Guidance for Passengers on Heightened Security Measures in Place Following December 25 Incident; 12/27/09 http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/dec25_guidance.shtm

CNN, Flight 243 explosive common, easily detectable, 12/28/09 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34607732/ns/us_news-security/

CNN.Com, Exchange between Reid, judge follows life sentence , 12/06/03 http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/01/30/shoebomber.sentencing/