What to Wear on a Long-Haul Flight

Long-haul flying is a comfort problem with a temperature twist: cabins run cold, and you cannot add what you did not bring into the cabin.

Packing1 min readAugust 12, 2026Maya Elliot

In short

Layers, because cabins are cold. Cabin temperature is typically 22–24°C but feels colder when you are still for hours.
Nothing tight at the waist or ankle. Swelling on long flights is normal.
Compression socks are worth it. On flights over six hours they measurably reduce swelling and discomfort, and they cost very little.

Long-haul flying is a comfort problem with a temperature twist: cabins run cold, and you cannot add what you did not bring into the cabin.

Cabin temperature is typically 22–24°C but feels colder when you are still for hours. A warm layer in your hand luggage is essential, not optional.

Swelling on long flights is normal. Anything constricting becomes genuinely uncomfortable after six hours.

On flights over six hours they measurably reduce swelling and discomfort, and they cost very little.

What should I wear on a long flight?

Soft layers with nothing tight at the waist or ankle, plus a warm layer you can add. Cabin temperature drops noticeably overnight.

Should I change on the plane?

On flights over ten hours, a fresh t-shirt and underwear before landing makes a real difference. Pack them in hand luggage.