Airport fashion has cultivated a culture of its own. From celebrity paparazzi photos to influencer vlogs, some travelers put a lot of thought into what they wear when traveling by air. While some prioritize putting together a cute outfit to turn heads, most travelers opt to dress comfortably, especially for long flights. However, not all airport fits are made equal; some can land you in hot water at security. This might slow you down and cause you to miss your flight, putting a damper on your trip.
One of the worst things to wear at an airport is a pair of pants with multiple pockets, like cargo pants. Multiple pockets can cause major issues at security checkpoints because a traveler might often forget to empty them all, setting off alarms. The more pockets you have, the more likely you’ll forget to empty them. Then an agent will have to pull you aside for an extra pat down, and you’ll most likely feel sheepish when they dig through your pockets and eventually fish out items that you should have put in a tray. It’s a lose-lose situation for the passenger and the TSA agent, and is easily avoidable. So, make it a rule of thumb to wear clothing items with minimal pockets. Check out other worst things TSA agents say not to wear to an airport.
Your airport fit could cause long TSA lines
Your clothing choice can impact how long you’ll spend in a security line. If you have a bunch of accessories like hats, jackets, belts, jewelry, and more, you’ll have to spend time taking them off and putting them on again. Other clothing items that look innocent may raise alarms and hold up the line if you need to get an additional search. For example, you may feel cute in a flowy maxi dress or skirt, but that feeling will go away once you’re pulled aside for an additional pat down. This unexpected type of clothing can instantly raise TSA’s red flags because it’s an easy hiding spot for contraband. It will put you and the TSA agent in an uncomfortable situation almost every time.
So, you may not be able to wear the cute outfit you want, but what about your hair? Maybe you can pin it in an elegant updo so you can feel somewhat put together? Unfortunately, this will also signal you out, especially if you have long hair; for the same reason, a flowy skirt will earn you an extra pat down. Plus, depending on how many bobby pins you’ve used, an updo may set off the scanner, and that’s a headache for everyone involved.
According to experts, the best clothes that will help you get through airport security faster are travel sets and jumpsuits — great news if you love to dress comfy on flights. There are also plenty of stylish sets out there at all price points if you want a more elevated look without the fuss of flowy skirts or a bajillion pockets. Be sure to also wear comfortable shoes, ideally slip-ons, for efficient ease of usage. Unsurprisingly, you should also choose your undergarments with care. For example, if you wear a bra, opt for one that’s wireless. A few simple choices will make a world of difference!
