When traveling by air, your wardrobe choices can have an unexpected impact on your experience at the airport.
A frequent flyer, known as Travel Tips by Laurie on Instagram, recently shared some valuable advice that might change the way you think about airport fashion, especially for women.
Why You Should Skip Flowing Dresses
Laurie, a frequent traveler from Houston, Texas, took to Instagram to explain why women should think twice before wearing long or billowing dresses to the airport.
According to her, there are two main reasons why these types of outfits are better left out of your travel wardrobe.
The first reason has to do with security checks.
When going through airport security, the flowy fabric of a dress can create a “pocket of air,” which could result in a dense area on the scanner that the machine might struggle to see through.
This could potentially lead to additional screening or delays.
The second reason, Laurie pointed out, is much more practical: cleanliness.
She recommends avoiding wearing a dress through the airport because it could drag along the floor, potentially brushing against seats that have stains from food or drinks.
Worst of all, it might even touch a seat in the airplane lavatory, which we all know is far from the cleanest place on a plane.
The Best Alternative: Packing Your Dress
Instead of wearing a flowing dress to the airport, Laurie suggests that you pack it in your suitcase and change into it once you reach your destination.
This simple tip can save you time and hassle during your airport experience.
Her advice struck a chord with her 260,000 followers on Instagram, many of whom shared their own experiences and praised the tip.
One user shared, “Great tip. I did that once and TSA did not like it.”
Others echoed similar thoughts, expressing how they had never thought about the potential downsides of wearing a dress at the airport.
Real Experiences with Dresses at the Airport
It wasn’t just Laurie’s followers who appreciated the advice.
One commenter shared their own harrowing experience with a maxi dress, saying, “I wore a great maxi dress and while it was so comfortable, it was SO stressful.
“I worried about it dragging on yucky things and in the bathroom, I stuffed it all into my bra.”
Another user added, “I would never wear a dress. Agree.”
TSA and Loose Clothing: What You Should Know
Though the TSA doesn’t enforce a strict dress code, loose-fitting clothes, including flowing dresses, can sometimes raise a red flag during security screening.
According to Jeff Price, an airport security coordinator-trainer, such clothing may require additional screening because security personnel might suspect that the loose fabric is being used to conceal something.
While it’s not just the clothing itself that raises concerns, Price notes that agents are trained to observe behavior patterns as well.
For instance, travelers who are yawning excessively or wearing outfits that don’t match the weather patterns of their destination might attract extra attention.
This is because TSA agents look for clusters of red flags rather than a single unusual behavior.
A Few Simple Tips for Smooth Travels
If you want to avoid unnecessary stress and potential delays at airport security, it might be worth reconsidering that long, flowing dress the next time you pack for a flight.
By following Laurie’s advice and opting for something more practical, like packing your dress in your suitcase, you can focus on the excitement of your trip instead of worrying about your wardrobe.
And remember, the TSA is always on the lookout for any signs of unusual behavior, so staying aware of your surroundings and your actions can also help ensure a smooth experience.