Traveling in the winter doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style for comfort. By layering effectively, choosing cozy and practical fabrics, and preparing for both cold airports and warm planes, you can navigate your flight with ease. Remember, winter travel can involve unpredictable weather and long waits, so the goal is to stay warm, relaxed, and ready for your adventure — no matter how chilly the journey gets!
What To Wear On Flights In The Winter? Top Winter Travel Outfit Ideas
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Ramsey Qubein covers the latest airline, hotel and cruise travel news.
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What should you pack for winter trips and what should you wear on the plane?
getty
Cold weather can throw a wrinkle into packing plans when it comes to what to wear on flights this winter. With airlines already cracking down on carry-on bags, adding puffy or bulky coats and extra layers to your repertoire can make packing for your next trip more complex than usual. And if weather at your destination is warmer than where you started, now you have another style of clothes to carry.
For those that get cold (or warm) on planes, you’ll have to decide what to pack in your checked luggage or what to carry aboard. What should you wear on an airplane in the winter? How many layers should you bring in case it gets warm (or cold) in the airport or airline lounge? Here are some top suggestions that will keep you comfortable on both ends of your trip and also on the journey as well. Some of these might even make a great holiday present for the frequent travelers in your life.
Savvy travelers know that wearing layers is the smartest way to pack for a trip that has variable temperatures. Whether you are flying cross-country, to the islands or to the opposite hemisphere, the goal is to avoid overpacking. After all, this means you have more room for souvenirs to bring home from your trip.
What should you wear if you are flying from hot to cold?
This full-zip jacket works in numerous temperatures.
TravisMathew
There is no sense in wearing a heavy coat when departing from a warm-weather destination. It makes more sense to pack it in a checked bag or your carry-on. Instead, consider wearing a lightweight jacket like the TravisMathew Poblano Full-Zip jacket or the TravisMathew Cloud Fleece Full Zip Hoodie for women. Both are light enough to wear in the airport or on the plane without overheating, but also they are compact enough to stuff into a carry-on or even tie around your waist without wasting space.
This zip-up sweater is a versatile travel accessory.
Collars & Co
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Another easy hack for men and women is a lightweight blazer or cardigan sweater that can dress up any outfit, but also serve as something to keep you warm or drape over your shoulder or carry-on bag. Collars & Co. has a great zip-up sweater that comes in various colors that can work well for casual or formal situations.
If you are beginning your trip in a cold destination, it makes sense to wear your heaviest outer wear on the plane. Not only will this save your checked bags from being overweight, it will also keep you cozy until you board your flight. Popular warm jackets include Vuori’s Echo-Insulated Jacket that keeps you from getting cold without the jacket being too puffy (sometimes they can be so large they take up too much room in a suitcase). Vuori classifies this jacket as performance wear, which means it is great for working out in the cold and won’t keep you too warm when wearing it indoors (like on a plane). The Canyon Insulated Jacket for women is another great option from Vuori. Even if you don’t wear it on the plane, they work great as a blanket, pillow or as back support.
Vuori’s Canyon-Insulated Jacket for women
Vuori
Women may find that leggings are a more comfortable option than sweatpants when traveling from cooler temperatures to warmer ones. They keep your legs from freezing before departure and on board, but are not too warm once you arrive. Both men and women will find that a nice pair of jeans will also do the trick whether traveling from hot to cold or cold to hot.
How many layers and what types should you bring?
Wearing layers that you can easily add or remove is key when traveling during the winter months, … [+]
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Layers are the name of the game when traveling between seasonal weather zones. In addition to outerwear, bringing accessories like a scarf or hat is a wise move. If you will be stepping out to frigid temps upon arrival, a pair of gloves and even ear muffs will keep you feeling comfortable while waiting for your ride after landing. Be sure to use a carry-on bag that has easy-access pockets so that you can grab what you need (or stow it away) easily.
Light Sweaters and jackets are another great travel accessory, and having a pair of layers is always a wise idea. If you overheat, you can always remove a layer if needed. Just remember, it is always easy to add a layer if you get cold, but you can only remove so many layers without being inappropriate! Many travelers follow a simple layered formula: t-shirt or lighter weight shirt, mid-layer and fleece jacket.
A popular hack is to bring warming pads to wear under your clothes or underneath gloves. This can be a great alternative if you don’t have enough bag space for too many layers.
What material should you wear?
Wool and cashmere can be excessively warm once inside the airport.
getty
Think about material that is breathable since airports can be warm while planes tend to be colder. Avoid materials like wool and cashmere, which can really make you sweat in the terminal. Stick to cotton or cotton blends and layers so that you can add or remove as you see fit. Avoid wearing thermal shirts or underwear when traveling from cold to hot. It may keep you comfortable at the beginning of your trip, but you might regret it later.
If you have limited luggage space, you can always change clothes after landing at the destination from what you wore at departure and through the flight. Just remember to keep what you need at the top of your luggage for easy access.
What shoes should you wear?
Kizik Milan tennis shoes slide on and off easily, and they are excellent for long walks through the … [+]
Kizik
Most frequent travelers agree that open-toed shoes for men (think flip flops) are not appropriate for the plane (even if you are island-bound). There are too many “passenger shaming” photos on social media for that. But, if you want something that works in all destinations and is easy to put on in a hurry (at security, for instance), Kizik tennis shoes (for men and women) are a great idea. Laced up, they are designed so that you can slip them on without the need for untying them. This also makes them great for longer flights where you may plan to sleep (especially if you’re in business or first class), and want to slip your shoes off and easily back on to head to the lavatory, for example.
Amberjack’s Chelsea Boots have cushioned soles that are more comfortable than traditional boots.
Amberjack
Business travelers may find themselves needing to wear something more formal to head straight to a meeting. Amberjack makes an entire line of excellent shoes that have cushioned soles, but an elegant appearance that make them ideal for both formal and casual circumstances. For example, the Chelsea Boot is made for long walks in airport terminals or city streets with arch support and a bounce that is easy on your legs. But, the shoes look dressy enough to wear with a suit. The best part is that the boots are slip-on so that you can be on your way quickly if running late at security.
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Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist covering the hotel, cruise, airline and loyalty program industry from every corner of the globe. He has written
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