I wear the bulkiest of what I’m bringing on the plane as I won’t travel with more than my carry on. That said, if it’s an international flight, I tend to wear my black cotton, cargo style, drawstring pants. Somewhat dressier than sweats or leggings but just as comfortable.
I go for stretchy bottoms because they are so comfortable. Several people have linked examples. My favorite is a pair of lululemon straight leg fitted pants. I like them because my ankles get cold so I need socks. If I wore leggings, I’d wear only low cut socks and then the exposed skin would be cold so I never wear fitted leggings, long or 7/8 length, on a plane. I have a pair of all black merrill ‘sneakers’ (don’t know what else to call them but they’re slim; not bulky at all) and I wear them just about every time I fly. On top it just depends if I’m sleeping or not, what the weather’s like where I’m headed, etc. but I always have either cotton or wool as my first layer and then another layer in case I’m cold. I also have a packable down jacket and, if I’m traveling to a cold weather spot, I bring it on the plane and it can be a pillow, a blanket, etc.
Lastly, even though I swapped out the laces for a toggle on my merrill’s, if you have TSA precheck/global entry, you generally don’t have to take your shoes off so laces aren’t an issue (I think I’ve had to take off my shoes twice in 5+ years of having GE).
Ok, now you all have me rethinking shoes on the plane. You have all talked so much about Allbirds, I might give them a try. You can remove the insole if needed, I have plantar fasciitis. I also have a wide foot, would they be good for that? They look lightweight and cute.
I have all birds, they are really cute. I have not replaced the insoles which might help because they are not that supportive. I once did a 6 mile walk in them because I forgot my walking shoes. They did ok, I did feel it at the end. But like I say, it was 6 miles at a purposeful pace. Saying that, they are very comfortable and super comfortable to wear without socks. I didn’t find them hot either.
@conmama I was just about to post about my All Birds. Hubby and I got them for Christmas and I love them! Hubby is a teacher - he got the type without white botttoms so they look more like a shoe. My feet tend to be wide but they fit me great. I even get them on/off without unlacing so would be great for a flight.
I won’t do sandals flying anymore. Didn’t think about the wet bathroom, but on a trip to Mexico I wore sandals and almost lost a toenail when a suitcase somehow landed on my foot!! Ruined a perfectly good pedicure!
@NJWrestlingmom , I actually have been reading that they are not great for the type of walking one does all day on vacation. I’m now a bit hesitant. Anybody have any experience with that?
Hmmm…My in-laws bought them for us because it’s all they wear on their annual trips to Europe. Maybe it depends on your feet!
For travel purposes (and for anytime) I’m going to throw in this suggestion of this AMAZINGLY soft and comfortable light but warm wrap from Athleta. Several colors are actually on sale an extra 30% off today.
https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do
I have the blue marble heather color and ordered a maple red this weekend. Still thinking about the white too! It can technically be worn two ways - long and then literally flipped upside down for shorter. It lays nice and seriously is so soft and warm but not heavy. Also great with leggings/tights because there is good coverage in the back.
The link doesn’t work, @abasket. What is the name of the item?
I am picky about shoes and would wear Allbirds for all day walking and have seen tour guides in them, too.
I usually wear my sneakers (running shoe style) or hiking boots on the plane because they take up the most room in my luggage. Not the best look, but easy enough to change footwear in the airport upon arrival. I have yet to find nice looking shoes that are comfortable for walking.
I have a long trip to Asia in the summer in a regular seat. Will check out some of the pants posted here. Thanks!
Allbirds have a free 30 day trial period with returns no questions asked:
“We offer a 30-day trial period. You can return or exchange your shoes for free with no questions asked, even if you’ve worn them out in the wild.”
You’ve got plenty of time before fall, maybe order a pair and try them out!
I would think they would serve the need of the airport and to and from your trip just fine. And maybe you’d even be tempted to wear them on some shorter casual jaunts - like a morning run to the bakery for morning coffee treats!
I found this exact outfit at Marshall’s for $49 which I wore both coming and going from my 11 hour trip to London - I wore comfy slip ons. When I landed I headed to a family restroom and changed my bottoms - they were too “pajama-like” for London streets - but divine for the long trip! Warm but not hot, comfy and lightweight. https://www.sierra.com/cynthia-rowley-cashmere-sweater-and-pants-lounge-set-funnel-neck-for-women~p~239kt/?merch=prod-sim-prod239KT
$49 for that outfit is a bargain, @JustaMom! My issue would be laundering that comfy outfit. I like things that are easy to toss into washing machine for travel attire. I’m messy and tend to need laundering, especially when traveling or upon getting back home.
Cashmere is highly washable on gentle cycle or by hand. Just can’t go in the dryer (same goes for yoga pants and ponte knit).
I have different pairs of sneaks , but nothing is more comfortable than m,y Cole Hahn suede sneaks. They fit me like a glove and I can wear them all day when walking.
I buy at the CH store, but they are also sold at Nordstrom’s.
I fly a lot for work and am now completely addicted to Rothy’s flats. Super comfortable, easy slip on/slip off for security, dress up or down, squish easily, wash in the washing machine, fully recycled. I promise I have nothing to do with the business! But I have literally worn them everywhere from Paris to Peru to Indonesia, in every season, for both work and pleasure.
Otherwise, agree with all the others- soft, stretchy things & layers. I have a really unstructured cashmere wrap that I always travel with (ok, I have 3 of the same in different colors)- it’s basically a very long rectangle with sleeves- that I have used as a blanket on planes & in airports. Benefit of cashmere is that it is super light and sturdy, folds up small, and goes across a lot of temperature bands.
I also travel a lot in my Rothys, but you can’t really wear socks with them, so for a long, long flight I would probably do something else.
Skinny socks work & I usually travel with…my travel socks 
I have 2 (small) pouches that always live in my carry on: one has all of my chargers & adapters that are only used for travel (so I know that they are always there). The other has travel socks, a blinkers with flat earphones built in, and a silk pillowcase- everything i need for sleeping!