Wearing shorts on the plane
Jun 14, 2007 | 1:36 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Traveling the World
Posts: 6,140
Wearing shorts on the plane
I am taking 2 day flights 1 from TLV-FRA and the other from FRA-SFO. I was wondering if I should wear shorts and a teeshrt as opposed to jeans and a sweater so I don't overheat on the plane. I know the plane has the aircon but if I use the blanket I should be fine. I want to feel comfortable since in CA the weather will be in the 80s upon my arrivals and I don't want to come overdressed. I am also staying overnight at a hotel so I want to pack my backpack as light as possible.
Jun 14, 2007 | 2:06 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 290
Seems that this is a highly personal issue. I have yet to experience a longhaul flight where I did not shiver and feel terribly cold using a blanket plus a sweater to keep somewhat comfortable and warm. FWIW it would suggest to use the "onion" model: Wear several layers of light comfortable clothing that can be removed or added easily so that you have a light sweater and long trousers in FRA while redressing for California (and change into short pants in the airplane restroom). Though wet and cool SFO can be quite a bit colder than FRA, especially in summer, so short pants might be more useful in FRA 
Jun 14, 2007 | 2:18 pm
#5
Join Date: May 2007
Location: ORD, DEL
Programs: AA (Plt Pro; 1.5 MM)
Posts: 6,223
FWIW on most long hauls, my problem tends to be feeling cold rather than hot. I have settled on a "layers" approach. I start with a lightweight shirt and long pants, also socks. Then I have a sweater or a sweatshirt in my carry on. Finally the airline's blanket. That takes care of most situations. I also carry 1-2 changes of clothes with me, but that is not because of cabin temperature, rather what if my luggage got misplaced and arrived late.
I avoid shorts out of the superstition that I am less likely to be ill-treated if I look properly dressed.
Similarly, due to security checks, I switched to loafers from proper shoes and to a very light weight belt.
I avoid shorts out of the superstition that I am less likely to be ill-treated if I look properly dressed.
Similarly, due to security checks, I switched to loafers from proper shoes and to a very light weight belt.
Jun 14, 2007 | 2:28 pm
#7
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 6
I almost always wear pants and a short-sleeve shirt on the plane and pack either a long-sleeve t-shirt or light jacket in my carry-on in case I get cold.
I find that planes tend to be stuffy and hot when sitting on the tarmac and then things get colder once we're in the air.
I find that planes tend to be stuffy and hot when sitting on the tarmac and then things get colder once we're in the air.
Jun 14, 2007 | 2:35 pm
#8
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: California
Programs: various
Posts: 4,240
I am taking 2 day flights 1 from TLV-FRA and the other from FRA-SFO. I was wondering if I should wear shorts and a teeshrt as opposed to jeans and a sweater so I don't overheat on the plane. I know the plane has the aircon but if I use the blanket I should be fine. I want to feel comfortable since in CA the weather will be in the 80s upon my arrivals and I don't want to come overdressed. I am also staying overnight at a hotel so I want to pack my backpack as light as possible.
Jun 14, 2007 | 3:27 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1MM, Delta Plat
Posts: 11,224
You also want to wear something that's not too binding. For long haul, I always change into lightweight sweats or basketball pants. Wearing jeans or chinos for 10 hours is very uncomfortable for the "boys."
Jun 14, 2007 | 4:28 pm
#11
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 1,573
I almost always wear shorts on my flights also as it's normally not cool enough for me either. However, I usually layer my upper body with a dri-fit t-shirt, shirt/sweater, and have a jacket handy. If I do get chilly, I just toss the jacket or blanket over my legs and I'm fine.
On the other hand, my buddy never wears shorts for fear of needing to jump on the emergency slide and skinning the heck out of his legs
.
On the other hand, my buddy never wears shorts for fear of needing to jump on the emergency slide and skinning the heck out of his legs
.
Jun 14, 2007 | 5:20 pm
#13
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: on the Llano Estacado
Posts: 2,652
Loose & light, that's my rule. Khaki's, short-sleeve shirt, slip-on shoes, often a light jacket or windbreaker with zip or snap pockets to hold extras - wear it if cold, stuff it beside me or overhead if warm.
Jun 14, 2007 | 6:28 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: PDX
Programs: On a collision course with Kettledom
Posts: 25,550
I didn't even wear shorts when I flew to Tahiti.
Seriously, people make big money selling warm clothes to tourists arriving in San Francisco. It would be a rare day where you would feel hot when you step out of the airport.
Seriously, people make big money selling warm clothes to tourists arriving in San Francisco. It would be a rare day where you would feel hot when you step out of the airport.