What to Wear on a Long-Haul Flight
Comfort is key when traveling on a long-haul or overnight flight. I am not one to wear yoga pants for a flight, but I like to look and feel pulled together while traveling. My ideal travel outfit is a long, cashmere, cozy sweater, a T-shirt, and black pants. I love these from Frank and Eileen with an elastic waist, but the longer sweater fits over them nicely. Another option that I just purchased to try out is from Alex Mill.
What to Wear on a Long-Haul Flight
I stay in hotels for Paris travel, and my room isn’t always ready when I arrive. The sweater and black pants with a coat and scarf can be worn out and about while I visit a boulangerie or pick up lunch. My first-day agenda is usually on the lighter side due to jet lag. A change of clothes is easily accessible in my suitcase for when I unpack and freshen up once I am settled into my hotel room.
Everyone is different, but I typically keep these tucked away when I unpack at my hotel as they are my plane clothes, and I don’t wear them during my trip. I will use the pants and sweater again with a fresh t-shirt for the flight home.
Comfortable Shoes for a Long Haul Flight
Expect to walk a fair amount to your gate from check-in and airport security. Wear comfortable shoes, such as sneakers, loafers, or slip-on shoes, ideally with good support and padding. I always prefer to wear socks when flying, even during the summer. Depending on where you are traveling, you will most likely have to remove your shoes before going through security, and I don’t like to be barefoot.
Travel Outfit Ideas: What to Wear on a Long-Haul Flight
Pair comfortable slip-on shoes, a cashmere hoodie, a soft t-shirt, and a comfortable pair of pants.
For a comfortable airport outfit, look for loose-fitting clothes.
A long cardigan, a tank top, and black leggings can also be another pulled-together look.
I love this Frank and Eileen travel set for a domestic flight. I packed it for our trip to Florida over the holidays. Since we had access to a washer and dryer, it was easy to wash and wear again throughout the trip. The set can be broken up, and you can wear the pants with a t-shirt and flip-flops or the long-sleeve shirt with a pair of shorts.
Pack a lightweight travel blanket or scarf for the flight. My aunt gave me a cashmere scarf many years ago, and I love it for long travel days. Depending on the time of year, I will pack this one for something lighter in the warmer months.
Coats and Jackets for Long-Haul Flights
For spring travel to Paris, I will bring a trench coat and wear it on the plane over my sweater and pants.
A lightweight jacket is my ideal top layer in the summer months. My husband thinks I am crazy, but I need the extra layer on the plane. This jacket is my favorite, and I can layer it over dresses for an evening out.
Wear Layers for Long-Haul Flights
The temperature in airplane cabins can vary significantly throughout a flight. I am typically cold when flying and prefer to wear a good number of layers. Some ideas for layers include warm socks, a tank top, a light or heavy sweater depending on the time of year, and a travel scarf or blanket.
Consider Your Destination and The Weather
My family lives in Florida, and the climate can vary depending on the year. We are very used to arriving from a cold climate to hot weather. Pack in layers and think ahead to the weather in your final destination. Sunscreen and sunglasses are additional items that can be found in my carry-on when I land.
On the return trip, especially during the winter months I need to make sure I have warm layers for the extreme temperature changes. I keep all my cold weather accessories all in one place so I am organized and they are easy to find.
What to Pack in Your Carry-On for a Long-Haul Flight
I like to pack my favorite travel essentials in my bag for a long-haul flight. I typically use this AWAY bag for flights to Paris because it fits my laptop, chargers, and camera. The AWAY bag can easily fit under my seat or above in the overhead bin. My travel documents, including my passport, fit right into a small pocket for easy access when going through airport security. P.S. Don’t miss my post on long-haul flight essentials. What I always pack in my bag!
Easy access to my sleep mask, melatonin gummies, and airpods is key for overnight flights. I typically keep them all in a small pouch like this one so that I can find them easily.
On trips where I don’t need my camera and can travel lighter, I love this leather bag from Cuyana. Its snap-in sleeve protects my laptop on the go.
Lighter travelers can keep all their essential items in a tote bag that will fit on top of their luggage as they navigate the airport. I only pack in a carry-on when I travel, so I have one larger bag as my personal item and a larger carry-on with all of my clothes.
A Few Essentials I Love for Long Haul Flights
I wear an eye mask for sleep. I try to get comfortable and rest as much as possible on international flights. The time change can be a challenge, and sleep time is limited. Once the meal service is complete, they will dim the cabin lights. A sleep mask will help block out any additional light. My noise-canceling headphones are great for listening to a podcast or a Calm Sleep Story to help me fall asleep.
Compression socks are a good idea to prevent blood clots on long flights. Pack a pair of compression socks in your carry-on bag and put them on before you board the flight. During the long plane ride, you will want to get up and move around a bit to stretch your legs.
Airplane bathroom breaks are key, especially when staying hydrated with water. You might want to pack a water bottle in your bag for easy access.
Lip balm and hand cream will be your best friend due to the dry climate of the airplane. I will ensure my skin is hydrated with a beauty mask or heavy moisturizer. These travel containers from Cadence can keep all of your favorite beauty products organized in one spot in your travel bag.
With careful planning, you can have a comfortable flying experience and arrive well rested.
P.S. You can see more of my travel essentials for long-haul flights here.
Do you have any favorite items you wear on long-haul flights or a travel uniform?
*This post includes affiliate links. I earn a small commission on items purchased from my links. Merci!
Bonjour, I’m Rebecca!
I’m a photographer, blogger, croissant-lover, and world traveler. I hope that Everyday Parisian inspires you by bringing a bit of France into your daily life and helps you plan the best trip to Paris with personalized recommendations for places to stay, explore, and eat.
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Great post! From where are the black loafers with gold bit detail?
They are from Larroude! Linked here. They run tts.
I travel only using a carryon suitcase, as I hate checking a bag. On the plane I wear my biggest items so I don’t have to pack them – Bondo boots, jeans, sweater and/or coat. I just take the boots off during the flight, and use foldable slippers. That frees up the luggage for a larger variety of items to bring. PLUS, on the return flight, I don’t have to worry about what the suitcase weighs. I’ve traveled for a 14 day honeymoon in the US like this, AND a 15 day stay in Scotland. If I buy too many souvenirs to fit in my carryon + personal item, only then do I check my larger carryon suitcase and use the thin backpack I brought for souvenirs – and because I fly nonstop, I’ve never had a lost bag.
Thanks for the great information!
A little off topic, but you mentioned that your hotel room isn’t always ready when you arrive. Will hotels store your luggage while you grab lunch or do you usually take your bags with you?
Yes, absolutely! I would bring your valuables such as your passport with you when you head to lunch. The hotel should hold your bags and move them to your room if it is available while you are out and about exploring the city.
I wear Olivia Von Halle silk pajamas with a hanro silk undershirt underneath and a warm cozy cashmere cardigan long enough to cover ….sneakers and a fab baseball hat and sunglasses when I arrive I have been told by flight attendants on Air France I’m dressing correctly for my long haul Los Angeles to Paris and looking incredibly chic as well