How to Dress for the Airport

Airline travel is a very efficient way to get from here to there, but it can still be frustrating to navigate. Between the check-in area at your departure and the baggage claim where you arrive, traveling by air can be very uncomfortable. Long walks through the airport, squeezed-together seats on the plane, and hauling all that luggage around isn't anyone's favorite way to spend a day.

Many people complicate the travel process further by wearing the wrong clothing to the airport. Though this is an easy mistake to make, it's one you never have to make again. By choosing comfortable, appropriate clothing, you'll arrive at your destination feeling relaxed rather than miserable. Here are a few tips on how to dress for the airport.

These Shoes Were Made for Walkin'....and Peeling Off in Public

One of the most common fashion mishaps at the airport is simply wearing the wrong shoes. When you're traveling by air, you can expect a nice long walk getting to your plane, and getting to your bags after you land. There's lots of standing around, and that can be murder on your feet. Dressy or unforgiving shoes just aren't going to cut it. Airports are also busy, messy places, so it's smart to wear shoes that can handle getting wet, scuffed or otherwise damaged.

It's also smart to keep the security checkpoints in mind. When going through the security area, you'll need to remove your shoes before walking through the metal detector. For this reason, it's smart to wear shoes that can easily be slipped on and off. Forget fashion for the time being, and go with what's quick and convenient. For many people, the ideal shoe is an old, worn-in pair of sneakers or other casual shoes. With traction and comfort plus the ability to be slipped on and off, your feet will stay happy throughout your trip.

Keep it Comfy

Again, forget fashion. Unless you're one of those unlucky souls who needs to go directly from the airport to a business meeting, there's no reason to be all dressed up. Your trip will feel like much less of a hassle if you're traveling in comfortable clothes. Go for basic, breathable fabrics like cotton and twill, and clothing pieces you can move in.

Though comfort is key, don't go overboard. Many airline travelers go for all-out comfort by wearing sweats or pajama pants to the airport. Depending on the temperature in the airport, this could leave you sweaty or cold for hours while you wait. Some airlines also have dress codes for their first class or business class passengers. Even if you fly coach, it may benefit you to dress like a first class passenger, since this will improve your chances of getting bumped up to a better seat if there are extras available.

How's the Weather?

Don't just dress for where you are - dress for where you're going! The weather may be drastically different at your destination, so it's smart to dress accordingly. With the Internet and the Weather Channel, there's no excuse not to get a weather report for wherever you're flying to. Take note of the temperature and any other weather conditions. If it's going to be raining when you get to the Windy City, make sure you've got an umbrella in your carry-on.

Make sure to pack the appropriate clothing for wherever you're going. If you're traveling between areas that have extreme weather differences - such as going from somewhere snowy to a tropical island - you may want to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on bag. Once you get into the airport, you can always duck into a bathroom for a quick outfit change.

There's no reason to suffer through your travel experience. By learning how to dress for the airport, you can stay comfortable even through the tedium of waiting to board.