Gone are the days of wearing skirt suits and kitten heels to the airport—thank goodness! These days, you can get away with sweats and fuzzy socks on your travel day, whether you’re gearing up for a transatlantic red-eye or a 90-minute hop to the next state over.

Still, you’ll want to be strategic with your flight-day attire—factors like breathability, temperature, and utility will all play a role in just how comfortably you’ll be traveling. If you’re getting ready for a long flight, comfy pants, a lightweight jacket, warm socks, and comfortable shoes are some of the most typical airplane essentials to keep in mind.

As you’re walking through terminals, making your way through TSA, and, finally, settling into those oh-so-cozy airplane rows (hopefully, you’ve scored an aisle seat), you’ll be grateful to have on a breathable pair of shoes to support your travel day no matter how long.

Travel in Style—and in Comfort

When determining what to wear on a flight, comfort is key—which, these days, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Athleisure and matching sweatshirt-sweatpant sets are all the rage, so you can choose from breathable fabric options and stretchy, lightweight ensembles.

Take Temperature into Account

If you’re a frequent flyer, you know how unpredictable the airplane cabin temperature can be. Not to mention the fact that you could be flying from 20-degree temperatures in New York to 80-degree weather in the Bahamas (if you’re lucky!).

With that in mind, layers are your best friend when deciding what to wear on a long-haul flight. Think tank tops, sweatshirts, cardigans, and cozy socks. A scarf is also a good idea, as it can double as a blanket if your flight attendants decide to jack up the AC.

Even though the airplane cabin temperature is typically kept around 72 degrees Fahrenheit (seems warm enough, doesn’t it?), it can often feel much cooler due to low humidity levels and extended periods of sitting. Plus, the flight crew usually will air on the side of too cool over too warm, as high temperatures can exacerbate dehydration.

All that to say, an extra sweater or hoodie never hurt anybody. When it comes to air travel, be sure to always have a light jacket on hand so you can stay nice and comfortable on any long-haul flight.

Take a Load Off in TSA

The most headache-inducing component of any travel experience is undoubtedly the trip through airport security. Lines of frenzied travelers are hardly a recipe for the peaceful vacation you had in mind, especially if you’re in a hurry.

Making matters more complicated, the rules seem to change with every trip through the metal detector—shoes on or off? Laptop in the bag or on its own tray? Purses in bins or directly onto conveyor belts?

Most of the time, you’ll have to slip off your shoes as you walk through security, so it’ll save you time (and stress) to wear a pair that can comfortably slip on and off without too many laces, buckles, or straps. Oh, and you’ll probably want to wear socks. To make your life easier, consider getting yourself a pair of comfortable slip-on sneakers so you can get through airport security with little effort. One of our favorite pairs is the Kearney Platform Slip-On sneaker, as a pair of chic platform shoes elevates any outfit while still keeping your feet comfortable each and every step. If you don’t know what to wear with platform sneakers, try going for a cute and cozy look with stretchy pants and a warm hoodie.

Choose Breathable Fabrics

Stiff, restrictive outfits are a no-go when you’re on the go. Not only are they uncomfortable for taxing travel days, but our bodies swell when we fly—and no one wants to wear skinny jeans when they’re bloated.

Fabrics like silk, chiffon, lace, or satin are also off the table, as these delicate materials will likely be wrinkled by the time your plane touches down on the runway.

The following fabrics are breathable and comfortable, making for a smooth ride no matter how far you’re going:

• Cotton
• Nylon
• Polyester
• Merino wool

With the exception of cotton, these fabrics are wrinkle-free—perfect for a long day of travel.

Avoid Accessories

While things like purses and scarves might come in handy, some accessories are better to pack than wear. Metal jewelry, for example, can set off metal detectors and may be more of a hassle than it’s worth if you have to take them off and place them in plastic bins on your way through security.

Strong perfumes or wide-brimmed hats may also be irritating to other passengers; pack those up carefully so they’re waiting for you on arrival.

Consider Compression Socks

Sitting in a cramped seat for hours on end, especially if dehydrated, can be the perfect storm for people prone to deep vein thrombosis, or DVT.

If you’re at risk for blood clots, consider picking up a pair of compression socks before hopping on your long-haul flight. Compression socks work by squeezing the ankles and legs, forcing blood in the legs to flow back to the heart.

That said, the risk of blood clots remains low, so it’s best to chat with your doctor if you’re concerned about DVT on long flights.

Plenty of Pockets

The last thing you want while traveling is to lose something—especially something essential, like a passport or a wallet. One of our favorite travel tips is to bring something secure like a fanny pack or a passport wallet that can keep all your valuable items together, accessible to whip out at a moment’s notice.

Neck Pillow for Napping (and Other Relaxation Accessories)

If you’re on a long-haul flight, have a red eye, or are simply hoping to catch some Zs before landing in your destination, a neck pillow can be game-changing. It will support your head so you don’t wake up with a crick in your neck or, worse, accidentally cuddling with your seatmate.

You might also want to pack an eye mask and noise-canceling headphones to drown out the cabin’s commotion.

The Best Travel Shoes for Every Sole

By far, the most important clothing item on any longer flight is your footwear. Luckily, Vionic has several star women’s travel shoes that can support long travel days and unpredictable weather.

Uptown Loafer

Vionic’s Uptown Loafer is not just the perfect shoe to travel in; it’s also the perfect shoe to travel with due to its perfectly packable construction. That’s right—this shoe collapses flat, allowing you to pack a pair (or two) in your carry-on without sacrificing too much space.

This sneaker-loafer hybrid also features a lightweight, flexible sole that boasts comfort and performance that will last for miles while walking around new cities. It has full underfoot contact to reduce pressure and shock-absorbing cushioning to minimize impact. Its deep heel cup will optimize the position of your foot so you’re not slipping and sliding as your day progresses. It’s easy to see why this travel shoe style is one of our favorites if you need to pack more shoes in your suitcase.

Winny Sneaker

Dressed up or dressed down, the Winny sneaker will tie together any outfit with its heel-to-toe detailing, durable rubber sole, and classic lace-up style. The mesh-covered footbed and rubber outsole will ensure maximum comfort all day long, while the outer fabric of leather, denim, linen canvas, or raffia will work with any number of travel or vacation styles.

In addition to all the standard sizes, Vionic offers a choice between Medium or Wide, so your shoes are sure to fit like a glove as you embark on new adventures.

Walk Max Lace Up Sneaker

The Walk Max offers maximum cushioning for ultimate comfort, with a lightweight sole and rebound technology to minimize impact and keep you walking comfortably. It also features Super Critical Foam, Vionic’s lightest design to date, with a nitrogen-fused midsole, a flexible insole with moisture control, and a breathable perforated heel.

Certain colors have already been treated with a coating to protect against inclement weather, so you can trust they’ll go the distance, rain or shine, and still dazzle when you arrive at your destination.

This shoe was also tested by Heeluxe, the gold standard in the footwear industry to assess comfort and performance. Based on the results, the Walk Max delivers superior arch support, excellent stability, and cushioning designed to last all day.

Walk Strider Sneaker

The Walk Strider Sneaker may look like it’s runway-ready, but behind the sophisticated suede is a high-tech shoe that’s scientifically engineered to keep you comfortable and balanced, preventing your chances of pain or injury as you put in your miles.

It features anti-roll and lateral rigidity constructs to keep your foot in place, as well as high rebound cushioning and forefoot flex to ensure you’re comfortable and supported for as long as you need to be. Its lightweight breathability will have you in disbelief as to how it could possibly be so supportive, but the results will speak for themselves.

Orinda Square Toe Ballet Flat

For a dressier option, opt for a traditional ballet flat—but with a twist. Though a typical flat tends to pinch at the toe and the back of the heel, the Orinda features a wider square toe and three possible width options: Narrow, Medium, and Wide.

As some of the best shoes to travel in, they also come with two supportive removable insoles so you can customize the fit of your flats, as well as Vionic’s signature arch support, cushioning, flexibility, and stability to keep you putting one foot in front of the other with full-body alignment. If you don’t want to wear flip-flops on a plane but still want a more breathable option, the Orinda Ballet Flat is an excellent choice that can keep you comfortable on any plane trip.

Find Stability, Support, and Style in Vionic Footwear

When you’re on the move, you don’t want to be slowed down by blisters, ankle pain, or flimsy soles. Whether you’re hustling through TSA or leisurely meandering through a new city, your footwear should be setting you up for success—not pinching, poking, or straight-up falling apart.

If you’re worried that supportive footwear is synonymous with heavy, chunky, rubber monstrosities, it’s time to check out Vionic.

At Voinic, we prioritize performance, well-being, and style. With built-in Vio Motion technology, our shoes help reduce swollen feet from traveling, all while looking stylish on the go. From sophisticated women’s loafers to classic casual sneakers, our curated collection of comfortable, packable footwear will inspire you to go the extra mile whether you’re traveling by train, plane, or on foot.

Sources: 

Condé Nast Traveler. The Real Reason Why It’s Always So Cold on Airplanes. https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-real-reason-its-always-so-cold-on-airplanes

REI. How to Pick the Most Breathable Fabrics. https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-pick-the-most-breathable-fabrics.html 

American Heart Association. Do You Really Need Compression Socks on Long Flights?  https://www.heart.org/en/newHow to Pick the Most Breathable Fabrics | REI Expert Advices/2024/06/05/do-you-really-need-compression-socks-on-long-flights