Stay Comfortable on the Plane

Between the lack of legroom, the desert-like air and that annoying little kid practicing his soccer kick against the back of your seat, it’s tough to get comfortable on a plane. And being too hot or too cold only makes things worse. In Five Things You Shouldn’t Wear on a Plane, Caroline Costello writes:

“Fliers must brave a multitude of temperature changes throughout their journeys. There’s the sweat-inducing jog through the sunny airport terminal, the warm 20 minutes while the plane sits on the tarmac pre-take-off and that in-flight arctic chill (against which paper-thin airline blankets do nothing). Layers are a traveler’s best weapon against such varying conditions. Furthermore, the more apparel you tie around your waist or throw over your shoulders, the fewer clothing items you need to ball up and stuff into your suitcase.”

With airplane blankets going the way of the dodo (especially on domestic flights), bringing an extra layer is vital for travelers who tend to get chilly as soon as the plane takes off. Just remember that some of these layers, such as coats or suit jackets, will need to be taken off when you go through airport security.

A scarf is another must-pack item for many travelers. Not only can it help keep you warm in a chilly airplane cabin, but it can also serve a number of other purposes, according to reader Pat Van Alstyne: “It can be a pillow if rolled up … it can be placed over your eyes [and] it can ward off foul odors if held under the nose. … (I also place a small dab of perfume on scarf to help with foul smells. One little dab does it!)”

See what else you should — and shouldn’t — wear on a plane.