I Laugh at Myself Every Time I Make These Airport Outfit Mistakes

When I was little, I wanted to be a tourist. In my defense, it was listed, inexplicably, as a viable career in a picture book I had about jobs, and I thought it looked like a hoot. The cartoon couple wore matching Hawaiian shirts (and tans), clutched cocktails, and had their cameras ready. Most importantly, they sported huge smiles. Even in a kid’s picture book, they looked happier than, say, the accountant or doctor. When my mom gently tried breaking the news, I shrugged it off. I had picture proof! Besides, I’d taken my first flight at eight months. If anything, I’d gotten a head start on my dream career.

Years have passed, the bubble since broken, and while I’m not a tourist (nor am I a travel blogger or photographer), I am a seasoned flyer. Airports can be a dreary place, no doubt, but getting on a plane excites me, and picking out a travel outfit downright delights me.

But even with hundreds of thousands of miles under my belt, I’m not immune to blowing my travel look. I’ve been too hot, too cold, unfathomably uncomfortable, and although I’m loathe to admit it, held up a few security lines. But you live, you learn, and you board your next flight.

See how I’ve course-corrected and fine-tuned my travel outfits to be TSA approved.

MISTAKE #1

HARD-TO-REMOVE SHOES

Even the savviest, slickest prechecked traveler isn't immune to TSA snafus, especially during peak travel times.

SOLUTION: CLOSED-TOE SLIP ONS

A closed toe is key (and will keep your feet cozy) but being able to slip your footwear on and off easily will ensure a more comfortable flight.

MISTAKE #2: AN OPEN-TOP TOTE

I have a very cute woven basket that I love so much it's practically become my personality. What's not practical, however, is trying to a stuff a stiff, gaping wide bag under a seat. 

SOLUTION: ZIP- OR MAGNET-CLOSE BAG

Trust me: Not having to worry about your personal items spewing all over the floor during turbulence (or spilling when you're running between gates after a delay) will make for a smoother travel day.

MISTAKE #3: THE WRONG PANTS

I live for a good pair of jeans, but why torture yourself with button flaps and rigid legs?

SOLUTION: COMFY BUT WELL-TAILORED TROUSERS

There's a fine line between relaxed and sloppy. You want something breathable with clean lines so you don't feel restrained.

MISTAKE #4 : NON-STRATEGIC OUTERWEAR

Is there anything more miserable than freezing on a flight? Forget about in-flight entertainment; you'll be entertaining thoughts of hypothermia the whole time. 

SOLUTION: A COZY, FUNNEL-NECK SWEATER

I've found that as long as my neck is warm, I can forgo too many layers. I typically size up so I'm extra snuggly.

MISTAKE #5 : MISPLACED JEWELRY

I wear a lot of delicate jewelry, and chances are you do, too. That said, I've woken up mid-flight after a deep REM cycle with pillow creases and a dry mouth and without a few of my ear cuffs. 

SOLUTION: A TRAVEL CASE

Save yourself (and the flight crew) a round of panic attacks. Remove and store anything you'd be devastated to lose to the deep recesses of your seat.