what to wear on a long-haul flight

So here’s the thing. I love traveling. I don’t do it as often as I would like to, thanks to a pesky thing called a budget.

You know, it’s that thing that gets in the way of doing things like stepping on board a plane and turning to the left.

Although I have done that once. When I turned 40, Scott surprised me – genuinely surprised me. As in, four years later I still can’t quite believe he did it – but he made my one and only travel wish come true and surprised me with a trip to Paris.

Catch up on our Paris trip here

He also scored a last minute upgrade to Business Class, and for 15 solid hours I enjoyed a drink at the stand up bar, a separate ladies only bathroom complete with fresh flowers and soothing piped music*, three course meals with actual cutlery, a cappuccino, a luxurious sleep in a flat-bed and a birthday gift from the staff on board.

And then we hit the tarmac in Abu Dhabi. Where the pointy end of the flying situation ended.

Yes, for the final leg of our long-haul flight from Australia to Paris it was economy all the way.

And I have to say, there is nothing quite like being flung a crusty sandwich in a paper bag while you’re wedged in between your husband and some random who really could do with a shower, to bring you crashing back down to travel reality!

*FYI that music will come in handy if you take your tube of foundation with you and attempt to re-apply at 42,000 feet. When you open the lid, the foundation might just squirt all over your t-shirt. At that moment you will really regret not changing into the complimentary pyjamas that were handed out before take off.

what to wear on a long-haul flight

As someone who only ever turns right when she boards a plane, here are my tips for what to wear on a long-haul flight. Especially if you’re shoved down the back near the toilets.

1. comfort is key

True story. Now is not the time to be wearing your fanciest outfit.

You know how you see those mega famous celebs arriving at the airport looking all fab in their high heels, boyfriend jeans, t-shirt and blazer situation? Chances are they haven’t spent the last 15 hours sitting in seat 87B wondering if sitting upright for such a long period of time is actually a form of torture.

But it is possible to dress for comfort and feel like you’ve still got a bit of style going on.

2. layer up

Layering is such a great option when you’re on a long-haul flight, especially if you’re traveling from cold to warm weather.

We’re flying out to Hawaii on Sunday and below is a guide to what I will be wearing.

Ponte pants/leggings – so comfortable and great for keeping your legs warm during the flight.

I used to wear jeans (always with a bit of stretch) during a long-haul flight but found the button and zip situation became a bit uncomfortable about half way through the flight. If ponte pants or leggings aren’t your thing, a pair of jeggings will work equally as well.

A basic tee & jumper/sweatshirt layering combo – I’ll wear both to the airport and on the flight. As soon as we land I’ll take the jumper off and put it in my carry on bag.

If I was traveling to a cold climate, I’d pack a jacket in my carry on bag and have that ready to go as we were exiting the plane.

A lightweight scarf – it can get cold during a long-haul flight. Wearing a scarf adds an extra layer of warmth. A lightweight one can be used as a sarong or cover up in a warm climate. If you’re heading to a cold climate, swapping it for a warmer wool blend will work beautifully.

A pair of comfortable sneakers – Not only are they practical for on board flying, they’re also a great option for all that walking that’s often required in an airport. I also take a pair of sock with me and slip those on during the flight, removing them before we land.

3. double up

On most, if not all, flights you’re allowed to take one carry on + one other piece.

I take my carry on and my handbag. Then I do a bit of a double up and have another smaller bag inside my handbag, as shown below.

I keep my handbag under the seat in front of me and have the items in there that I know I’ll want to grab during the flight – a book, laptop/iPad, reading glasses, passport, pen, healthy snacks etc.

I keep the smaller insert/bag in the little storage bit in the seat in front of me. This has in-flight essentials such as lip balm, travel size moisteriser, deodorant, toothbrush, travel size toothpaste. I take that with me to the bathroom when I need a quick freshen up.