10 Airplane Pants Mistakes to Avoid, According to a Travel Editor

Whether you’re a frequent flier or just stepping your toes into the world of travel, there’s one thing we all know for sure: dressing comfortably for a flight, especially a long-haul one, is a must. And while it may be tempting to throw on your jammies or a trusted pair of sweats, this travel editor is here to tell you that there are plenty of stylish options out there, each delivering the same coziness without the frumpiness. 

I took the guesswork out of shopping for the perfect comfy yet fashionable pair of travel pants. Below, I’ve compiled the best tips for what types of pants to avoid, and what to wear instead—plus, some of my favorite pairs to wear on long plane rides. From stretchy work pants to flowing, wide-leg styles, these are the 10 best travel pants to complete your airplane outfits, all available at Amazon starting at $27.

Mistake: wearing pajama pants

Wear instead: elevated loungewear

Ododos Modal Soft Wide-leg Pants

Amazon

We know, we know: comfort is key on long-haul flights. But it’s time you trade in your old pajama pants for a pair that are as classy as they are comfy. Ododos’ Modal Soft Wide-leg Pants feel like pajamas thanks to their relaxed fit and buttery soft material, but pleats, pockets, and a slight flare provide a business casual look in the skies. Fellow travelers will never know just how comfortable you are, but they will envy your smart travel style.

Mistake: wearing easily creased bottoms

Wear instead: wrinkle-resistant pants

Lands’ End Women’s Starfish Mid-rise Straight-leg Pants

Amazon

It doesn’t matter how sleek and put-together you look when boarding the plane if your clothes are full of wrinkles a few hours into the flight. We recommend wearing these pants from Lands’ End on your next plane ride—they fit like yoga pants, look like business slacks, and will remain wrinkle-free for your whole flight. 

And Amazon shoppers love them, too. “I have finally found the perfect travel pants,” one wrote. “The material is perfect—stretchy, forgiving, and just thick enough to hide lumps and bumps without being too hot.”

Mistake: wearing a jumpsuit

Wear instead: a matching set

Anrabess Women’s Two-piece Knit Set

Amazon

The ease of a jumpsuit can be tempting for a travel day—after all, jumpsuits are typically quite comfy and eliminate the need to put together a matching shirt and pants. But a one-piece suit actually isn’t the smartest plane outfit (think about trying to use a plane bathroom in a jumpsuit—yikes). Instead, try a matching two-piece set, like this one from Anrabess. It has all the convenience of a jumpsuit since you’ll never have to search for multiple pieces that match, but having a separate shirt and pants makes for much more practical travel. Plus, you’ll have two new pieces to mix and match throughout your trip.

Mistake: wearing tight, restrictive pants

Wear instead: flowy, wide-leg bottoms

Crz Yoga Lightweight Wide-leg Cropped Pants

Amazon

Tight pants can look flattering and feel comfy for a few hours, but they’re not ideal for long-haul flights where you’ll spend hours in the same sitting position. All frequent fliers need a flowing pair of wide-leg pants, like the ultracomfy Lightweight Wide-leg Cropped Pants by Crz Yoga. Equipped with an elastic waistband, a drawstring waist tie, and a soft, polyester-elastane fabric blend, these are basically elevated sweatpants with a wide flare at the bottom. They’ll keep you warm without overheating, and the stretchy material allows you to find comfort in every position. When you land, you can head out on a walking tour or even to a yoga class without feeling restricted.

Mistake: wearing single-purpose pants

Wear instead: versatile styles for various activities

Baleaf Women’s Travel Stretch Pants

Amazon

Sweatpants or leggings might be comfy for the plane, but depending on your destination, you may not wear them a second time on your trip. Opt for something like the Baleaf Women’s Travel Stretch Pants, which feel right at home in a variety of locations and situations. Lightweight and stretchy, these pants offer plenty of comfort on long plane rides, but thanks to a tapered fit and four pockets, they’re perfect for dinners, sightseeing, and even the office, too. We wouldn’t be surprised if you find a way to include them in your ensemble every day of your trip.

Mistake: wearing heavy fabrics in hot climates

Wear instead: lightweight, cooling pants

Duyang Women’s Cotton Linen Palazzo Pants

Amazon

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of being stuck on a sweltering plane for hours, you know what a nightmare it is to be trapped in your boarding outfit. That’s why you should always travel in lightweight pieces with cooling properties, like the Duyang Women’s Cotton Linen Palazzo Pants. One Amazon shopper demands frequent fliers “buy these pants,” and calls them “stylish” and “oh so cool,” even in humid Florida heat. It’s nearly impossible to overheat in these wrinkle-resistant pants, so we recommend making them your designated plane pants from now on—especially when traveling to warm weather destinations.

Mistake: wearing performance leggings

Wear instead: compression leggings

CompressionZ Women’s High-waisted Compression Leggings

Amazon

Wearing the same high-end performance leggings for a flight that you wear for your workouts might seem like a good idea, but in reality, compression leggings are a much stronger choice. On long flights, your legs tend to swell, leading to discomfort, cramping, and even numbness—but a good pair of compression leggings, like this pick from CompressionZ, can prevent those symptoms. One shopper wears them for every flight and road trip, calling them “comfy, soft, and not hot!” while another shopper says they’re “better than compression socks” for flights. To top it off, they also boast a tummy control waistband and lint- and hair-resistant fabric.

Mistake: wearing shorts

Wear instead: a flowy skirt

Anrabess Women’s Maxi Skirt

Amazon

Believe it or not, a skirt can provide a wealth of comfort on long travel days. We don’t recommend hopping a flight in a short denim skirt, but a soft, flowing option like the Anrabess Women’s Ankle-length Maxi Skirt is perfect for the plane. Its high-waisted, elasticized waist will never dig into your skin, and subtle pockets keep things convenient and practical. Traveling to Europe? You’ll want to trade in your shorts for a maxi skirt to avoid sticking out as a tourist and attracting pickpockets. 

“[I] love this skirt so much I ordered another one,” a pleased Amazon shopper wrote. “With long layovers and flights, I wore this for 23 hours and was very comfortable.”

Mistake: wearing bright-colored bottoms

Wear instead: dark colors

Ewedoos Wide-leg Stretchy Work Pants

Amazon

Sometimes traveling inspires us to bring the brightest and most colorful clothing pieces out of our closet. While we don’t discourage you from packing those items, it’s wise to choose dark colors for the day of travel. Pants like Ewedoos’ Wide-leg Stretchy Work Pants are soft and loose-fitting for all-day wear, plus their dark color easily hides food or drink spills, wrinkles, dirt, and sweat. After all, you can’t easily change your outfit on a plane. These pants will also make you look and feel put together as they’re designed with pleats, pockets, and buttons.

Mistake: Wearing rigid, no-stretch denim

Wear instead: soft, roomy jeans

Iuga Wide-leg Women’s Stretchy Jeans

Amazon

Wearing a trendy pair of jeans on your flight makes heading straight out into the city from the plane easy—but be sure you’re not sacrificing comfort for style. Before you throw on your go-to autumn jeans for a day of travel this fall, consider adding a soft and stretchy pair to your wardrobe. We love Iuga’s Wide-leg Women’s Stretchy Jeans for their non-restrictive fit, elastic waistband, and four-way stretch. Even more exciting? The jeans still have two front pockets and two back pockets to stow your phone or other small items at the airport and beyond.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.