Aside from confirming that the majority of you jet setters lean on leggings as an on-the-go article of choice (42% to be exact), we also received more surprising intel from those who swear by comfy maxi dresses and flowy midi skirts too. When talking travel accessories: sneakers and flats were not-so-shockingly the leading shoe selection, while sweaters and blanket scarves topped the list as must-have airplane essentials. In addition to overlapping wardrobe basics, there were repeat brands that ranked as trusty transit favorites — from the ever-popular likes of Athleta to Everlane, Converse, and Levi's.
Scroll on to check out which looks made the TSA-approved cut — from athleisure casual to comfy luxe and dressy layers — along with quotes from the IRL travelers who actually wore and recommended them.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
A Midi Skirt
“A midi dress or skirt, a cover-up shawl, and slip-on flats. The midi-length helps me stay elegant, while the openness helps me relax in comfort. The shawl is essential for too-cold planes or something to roll up into a pillow for a mid-flight nap. The slip-on flats make security easy, keep my toes covered from the cold, and prevent a sandal blow out.” – Liz, travels once per year
ASOS DESIGN floaty midi skirt with button waist detail in leopard, $, available at ASOS
Stretchy Black Pants
“Stretchy black pants and a blazer. I always get cold on flights, so having a blazer (even in the dead of summer) is a must. Black pants look chic no matter what and can be worn multiple times on a trip. I love this pair from Everlane (go one size up for a more comfortable flight). I tend to wear pointed mules in the summer because they are easy to slide on and off for security. During cooler months, I always wear compression socks on flights (these nude Amazon ones are great). Call me a granny all you want, but I’ll be the one laughing when your swollen feet hurt after your flight.” – Morgan, travels weekly
Everlane The Work Pant (Regular) - Black, $, available at Everlane
Cocoon Sweater
“Jeans with a simple cotton shirt and a sweater that cocoons me and serves as my blanket. I once decided to be cute and wear a sweater that was slightly sparkly — got myself a full pat-down.” – Dionne, travels five times per year
Leith Dolman Sleeve Cardigan, $, available at Nordstrom
Compression Socks
"Sneakers, compression socks, comfortable denim, sweatshirt, neck pillow, and noise-canceling headphones. Comfort is key and I bring a sweatshirt since sometimes the airlines get cold. Compression socks are a necessity since I travel long hours and they prevent swelling." – Karen, travels eight times a year
Comrad Companion Compression Socks | Stripes 3-Pack, $, available at Comrad
Stretch Skinny Jeans
“Bass Suede penny loafer driving shoes, Hue no show socks, NYDJ stretch skinny jeans, Ralph Lauren long sleeve Pink Pony American Flag sweater, pashmina (use as a scarf then it becomes a headscarf when I sit down in the plane seats), and my Bose QuietComfort headphones.” – Jennifer, travels weekly
NYDJ Ami Skinny Jeans In Sure Stretch® Denim, $, available at NYDJ
A Maxi Dress
“A maxi dress and comfy flip flops. Maxi dresses are super comfortable, there's usually no metal on them and they go with any season and location. The comfy flip flops for ease at security and to be comfy on the plane without having to take my shoes off.” – Elizabeth, travels 2-3 times per year
Amazon Basics Short-Sleeve Maxi Dress, $, available at Amazon
A Lightweight Down Vest
"During the cooler months when I travel to Europe I always wear layers on the plane. Last year I bought this super light puffer vest from Amazon and I love it. It covers my butt, acts as a liner under a warmer coat on the ground, and on the plane, I just wear it alone over a top. Keeps me warm yet it's light and breathable — meaning my armpits can breathe and not get swampy. It can also be rolled up and used as a pillow. I have yet to do this, but it could!" – Marissa, travels monthly
Chouyatou Quilted Down Vest Waistcoat, $, available at Amazon
Cargo Pants
"Loose fit pants. Some stretch. Maybe a cargo [pocket] for access to phone and earbuds." – Paula, travels multiple times a year
L.A. Hearts Cargo Windbreaker Pants, $, available at PacSun
A Wrinkle-Free Dress
"Any wrinkle-free dress. On longer flights, I will change into casual comfy loungewear. I believe wearing gym clothing should be kept for the gym, not the airport." – Barb, travels 2-4 times per month
Ro & De Stella Ruffled Mini Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
A Blanket Scarf
"Yes to scarves! They are so versatile and add a touch of class & sophistication to any outfit." — Maggie, travels a few times per year
Madewell Stripe Blanket Scarf, $, available at Shopbop
Leggings
“Lululemon leggings, compression socks (only put them on in-flight), sneakers, t-shirt, and some sort of sweater/cardigan” – Anna, travels every six weeks
lululemon Align Pant 28'', $, available at lululemon
A Floaty Midi Dress
“A floaty midi to maxi dress...is cozy for a long haul flight, yet still looks elegant at the destination. Favorites include Madeleine Thompson cashmere kaftans, Stine Goya Brooklyn Dress. Include a belt and a scarf in your carry on and both provide multiple options throughout your journey. You can double up on your inflight comfort by choosing a soft slip or cami underneath which will also keep you warm and cozy.” – Stephanye, experienced frequent-flier traveler
Mango Tie-dye shirt dress, $, available at Mango
Athleta Pants
"I'm obsessed with the Athleta Skyline pants for when I travel — lightweight, comfortable, with deep pockets for passports/etc. They also look quite professional when paired with a chic/simple tucked in t-shirt. They're as comfortable as leggings, but they actually qualify as pants (sorry, leggings.)” – Paige, travels every 4-6 weeks
Athleta Tribeca Utility Crop, $, available at Athleta
A Beanie
“High waisted black skinny jeans (with lots of stretch to stay comfy), lightweight cashmere sweater, white t-shirt, and a beanie. This keeps my super comfy, while still looking put together. Layering up helps me navigate warm airports and cold planes with ease. The beanie allows me to tuck my hair up out of my face while avoiding ponytail lines. It is also great for shutting out the world and catching a quick nap!” – Erin, travels around 4-5 times per year
J.Crew Ribbed beanie in supersoft yarn, $, available at J.Crew
A Silk Blouse
"Typically a silk blouse with a light-weight cashmere pullover sweater, black leggings, and slip-on sneakers or loafers." – Jean, travels a couple times per year
Violeta Bow satin blouse, $, available at Mango
Mule Slides
"Easy shoes to slip-on/off. If they are a shoe that is typically worn without socks like mules or slides, I keep a pair of socks in my bag to put on as I walk shoe-less through security. So many stranger feet have touched those floors!" – Becca, travels 4-6 times per year
Universal Thread Faux Leather Printed Mules, $, available at Target
A Knit Skirt
"Knit skirts that do not wrinkle or tunic with leggings and flat shoes." – Sharon, travels a few times per year
Free People Skyline Rib Midi Skirt, $, available at Nordstrom
Levi's 501 Jeans
"My outfit is a pair of jeans, often Levi’s 501, a cotton t-shirt, a wool or cotton cardigan sweater, a large wool wrap that doubles as a blanket, and slip-on shoes like sneakers or booties, nothing with laces." – Mary, travels several times per year
Levi 501 Original Fit Women's Jeans, $, available at Levi's
Sleeveless T-Shirt Maxi Dress
“My fav go-to outfit is this cotton black dress. It's like a maxi t-shirt sleeveless that looks great with every pair of shoes. I usually rock a white pair of leather converse and a thick navy blue or black sweater.” – Anayo, travels once a month
Sundry Twist Back Dress, $, available at Shopbop
A Matching Loungewear Set
“I like to wear a matching leggings and top or jacket set. I feel the most comfortable in leggings (when I travel or otherwise!) and when paired with a matching top and jacket, it looks so much more put together, sleek, and cool. I also always wear a clean pair of black or white sneakers that go with everything. Sneakers are very important when you're running late for a flight!” – Melissa, travels once a month
SheIn Turtleneck Rib-Knit Top & Leggings Set, $, available at SheIn
Everlane Wide-Leg Chinos
“Everlane Wide Leg Chinos (literally the comfiest pants I own!), black block heel Chelsea boots or black hi-top Chucks, a good black cotton t-shirt (as per my capsule wardrobe), vintage black windbreaker (because it completes the outfit).” – Janine, travels 3-6 times per month
Everlane The Lightweight Wide Leg Crop Chino - Stone, $, available at Everlane
A Bralette
"Yoga or any stretch pants. Bralette. No underwire bra. Lightweight sneakers." – Leigh, travels ten times per year
Aerie Real Me Bralette, $, available at American Eagle Outfitters
Outdoor Voices Leggings
“Outdoor voices black high waisted compression leggings, gray t-shirt (American apparel or whatever is around) black and grey men’s flannel shirt, vans old school sneakers.” – Erica, travels three times per month
Outdoor Voices Hi-Rise 7/8 Warmup Leggings, $, available at Outdoor Voices
Allbirds Tree Breezers
“Black American giant joggers, cozy soft top usually a bright color and an Eileen Fisher linen kimono jacket also in black- especially for red eye flights - it’s a little classy but super cozy also lately have been living in the new allbirds flats - amazing!” – Laura, travels twice a month
Allbirds Women's Tree Breezers, $, available at Allbirds
Cashmere Tracksuit
“Silk PJ pants or cashmere joggers with a T-shirt and layered with a wrap sweater with loafers or sneakers” – Heather, travels 5-8 times per year
Naadam Cashmere Tracksuit Jogger Cement, $, available at Naadam
Leather Culottes
“Cropped baggy leather pants, Cos V Neck T Shirt, high top converse leather sneakers, & either my Comme des Garçons cape or SkinGraft leather jacket” – Nancy, travels several times per year
choosy Noho Pants, $, available at choosy
Scrunchies
"A scrunchie or a barrette - it can be super handy for long flights and an easy accessory to make an outfit." – Janine, travels every 3 months
Urban Outfitters Perfect 10 Scrunchie Set, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Cuyana Loungewear
“My go-to flight ensemble is my Cuyana lounge clothing, from top to bottom. Starting with my slim crewneck tee, to my french terry wide-leg pant and a french terry pleat-back sweatshirt to cover up when I get cold. Comfortable and classy that is how I like to feel when I travel internationally or domestically.” – Mary, travels 5-6 times per year
Cuyana French Terry Pleat-Back Sweatshirt, $, available at Cuyana
Everlane Cotton Dress
“I like to dress up when I travel, but I also want to be comfortable. Everlane is the best. I have a couple of go-to dresses that I wear alone in warmer weather, and then dress up with a blazer in the colder months. One is the Luxe Cotton Midi Tank Dress and the other is the Luxe Cotton Side Slit Tee Dress.” – Rebecca, travels 6-7 times per year
Everlane The Luxe Cotton Side-Slit Tee Dress, $, available at Everlane
Linen Drawstring Pants
"Loose linen tie waist pants, cotton 3/4 to 1/2 loose sleeve v-neck top with coordinating sports bra and sneakers or walking sandals." – Jan, travels a few times per year
Amazon Essentials Women's Drawstring Linen Crop Pant, $, available at Amazon
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