6 Flight Attendant-approved Winter Airport Outfit Tips

Winter airport outfits can be deceptively tricky. What feels warm walking into the airport can quickly become uncomfortable once you’re in the air—and flight attendants say passengers regret their outfit choices mid-flight all the time.

“Yes, I see it constantly,” says Christa Treat, a flight attendant for Alaska Airlines, who recalls once giving a passenger a spare T-shirt after she boarded in a thick polyester top and quickly overheated. Aura Martinez, a flight attendant of 18 years, agrees, noting that most uncomfortable passengers wish they’d worn stretchier pants or layers they could easily add or remove—especially on longer flights or in colder seats near exit rows.

To help travelers avoid those common mistakes, we asked Christa and Aura to share their six flight attendant–approved winter airport outfit tips. Ahead, shop practical travel clothes and accessories they actually recommend, from compression socks and lightweight puffer jackets to slip-on shoes and more—starting at just $13.

Best Flight-attendant Approved Winter Travel Essentials

Don’t: Board in a heavy, bulky coat

Do: Bring a lightweight, packable jacket

Outdoor Ventures Women’s Packable Puffer Jacket

Another Choice Rollable Puffer Jacket

“The biggest mistake I see is passengers dressing only for the destination’s weather and forgetting about the cabin environment,” Aura says. Heavy winter coats might feel necessary at the airport, but once you’re onboard, they often become more of a burden than a help. Thick layers trap heat, limit movement, and take up valuable overhead bin space—especially on full flights.

Christa sees this play out constantly. “Passengers immediately regret coming on with huge coats and boots. It’s the bulkiness of it all, nowhere to put it, and it ends up being too hot,” she says. Both flight attendants recommend opting for a lightweight, packable layer instead—something you can easily fold and stow once seated. As Aura puts it, “I always recommend a coat that you can fold and place either in your luggage or on top of your luggage.”

Don’t: Rely on one layer or heavy, restrictive fabrics

Do: Layer with breathable materials

Gembera Ribbed Long-sleeve Top

Prettygarden Oversized Cardigan

Many passengers assume a thick sweatshirt will get them through a winter flight—but Aura says that’s rarely the case. “Cabin temperatures change constantly,” she explains, which is why she recommends a “three-layer approach” instead. She recommends a breathable base layer (like cotton blends, modal, or merino), a lightweight insulating layer such as a thin knit or fleece, and an outer layer that’s easy to remove, like a soft jacket or wrap.

Fabric choice matters just as much as layering. Aura advises avoiding stiff denim, heavy wool that doesn’t breathe, and synthetic fabrics that trap heat or create static. “These materials can feel restrictive or itchy after a few hours,” she says. Christa agrees, adding, “Anything itchy or with no stretch is a nightmare on a long flight.” Breathable, flexible fabrics help regulate temperature and move with your body—especially when layered intentionally.

Don’t: Wear stiff denim or non-stretch pants

Do: Slip into leggings or soft stretch pants

G4Free EverGoing Yoga Pants

Sarin Mathews Sweatpants

One issue Aura notices more than almost anything else mid-flight is passengers wearing tight, restrictive pants. “Most passengers who seem uncomfortable usually wish they had worn stretchier pants, softer fabrics, or layers they could add or remove,” she says. Stiff denim may look polished at boarding, but after hours of sitting, it can feel restrictive and unforgiving.

Christa agrees, especially on longer flights. “Anything that doesn’t stretch and cuts into your stomach or sides for an eight-hour flight is a no-go,” she says. Soft leggings or flowy stretch pants allow for movement, circulation, and comfort—whether you’re curled up trying to sleep or adjusting to changing cabin temperatures.

Don’t: Wear ankle socks

Do: Opt for compression socks

Charmking Compression Socks

Levsox Thick Compression Socks

Cold feet and leg discomfort are common winter flight complaints, especially on longer routes. Aura says compression socks are one of the most underrated travel essentials. “They’re great for warmth and circulation, especially when you’re sitting for hours,” she explains.

Beyond keeping your legs warm, compression socks can help reduce swelling and stiffness, making them especially useful for long-haul or overnight flights. They’re a small addition to your outfit that can make a noticeable difference by the time you land.

Don’t: Wear lace-up shoes

Do: Wear slip-on Sneakers

Skechers Women’s Go Walk Flex Grand Slip-in Sneakers

Ryka Women’s Jumpstart Sneakers

Shoes are another place passengers often miscalculate, especially in winter. Bulky boots and lace-up styles can slow you down at security and feel cumbersome once you’re onboard. Aura recommends lightweight slip-on shoes, like the Skechers Go Walk Sneakers, for travel days, particularly when airports are crowded, and underseat space is limited.

“Slip-on sneakers are great when you have to go through security—you don’t waste time tying laces,” she says. Beyond TSA, lightweight slip-ons are also easy to take on and off mid-flight if you prefer to stay in socks while seated. Unlike heavier shoes, they won’t feel clunky or uncomfortable when walking through the cabin, making them a more practical choice from boarding to landing.

Don’t: Rely on bulky winter gear

Do: Carry a large scarf

Wander Agio Scarf

Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf

While winter accessories seem helpful, Christa finds they often become inconvenient once you’re onboard. “Hats and gloves usually just get in the way,” she says. “If your hands are cold, ask for warm water or coffee and hold it.”

Both flight attendants agree that a large scarf or wrap is far more useful. Aura actually called a scarf “one of [her] favorite winter travel accessories.” She also said, “A big, soft scarf can double as a blanket, pillow, or extra warmth when the cabin feels cold.” It’s a versatile piece that replaces multiple accessories without adding clutter. As for Christa, she recommends this Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf, since it is easy to travel with and super comfortable.

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