One of the downsides of air travel is not knowing what you should wear. To the uninitiated, this might seem trivial compared to ‘more serious’ issues like turbulence and jet lag. But fashion is a way of life, and it cannot be ignored, not even for a second.
Also bear in mind that our feet are the most sensitive and vulnerable part of our body when we travel, which is why our shoe game has to be at its best when we’re jet-setting across the globe.
Unlike being on the ground or going to work, flying (particularly on a private jet) creates an irregularity in your routine. You have your trusted work shoes, shoes for going out and even shoes for going to the spa, but which category of shoes do you choose from when flying on a private jet?
Well, you are about to find out what shoes to pick and why, for your next private jet trip.
In This Post
Does My Dress Code Matter?
Gosh, I’m startled you had to ask that! However, given the surprising number of people that get it terribly wrong, it should not be taken for granted.
When you travel on the most elegant means of transportation on earth, your dressing should reflect that importance. If you were to spend a day with a famous figure you admire, say someone from the British royal family, would you wear just anything or would you want to make an impression?
Sure, you won’t come covered in gold, but you would at least look responsible, like someone worth speaking to. It is the same with private jet travel. You don’t have to go over the top, but you should never be scruffy or trashy looking.
But do remember that when it comes to your shoes, they need to be comfortable and they need to be classy.
Shoes That Strike a Balance Between Comfort and Class
Remember, that one of the side effects of long flights is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Poor circulation from sitting too long causes blood to flow to our legs and pool there.
It is therefore imperative for all flyers to walk about often. If you happen to have on the most astonishing yet agonizing shoes in the world, chances are you won’t be able to walk about, and that can be very dangerous.
Your best bet is to consider two types of shoes:
- Casual
- Canvas
While this answer will bring relief to many people, it will cause trauma for others. The idea of traveling in anything but thigh-high boots with 5-inch heels is absurd. And the thought of wearing canvas shoes outside the house for any purpose other than sports is abominable.
As much as these sound like valid points, you are ignoring one very important fact: it depends on the brand.
Not all canvas or casual shoes are made equal. Tommy Hilfiger casual shoes, let’s say loafers, for example, will not have the same look or quality as a store brand product.
And even when it comes to canvases, some have ascended the heights of mere trainers to cult classics, and even generation-defining.
Are Formal Shoes Okay?
Absolutely! But again, it depends on the type of formal shoes. If you take a cue from flight attendants, you will notice that they have what they call ‘terminal shoes,’ which are work shoes with a maximum heel of 3 inches. They also have practical shoes or flats that they change into when they are about to start their shift on the plane.
Can you imagine the miles flight attendants clock walking on the plane for nearly the duration of the flight? They would not be able to do that if they were wearing high heels all through the trip.
You could either operate a similar policy of changing into more comfortable shoes on the private jet or wear low heeled shoes.
Can I Wear Flip-Flops?
This is another interesting area without a clear response. Wearing flip-flops on a flight is usually discouraged, not because it does not look classy, but because it offers limited protection.
Your feet tend to expand and contract as you are in the air, and the only way to minimize the effect is by wearing shoes that offer support to your entire foot.
Slippers do not offer any real support, and neither do sandals, with their only selling point being they are easy to walk around in. The other disadvantage of slippers is that they cannot protect your feet from serious harm caused by falling suitcases, or clumsy guests.
So, if you want to insist on flip flops, then wear compression socks. These socks or stockings will help keep the blood in your legs flowing, so you don’t develop DVT.
Stick With Casual Shoes
With all the different variations of casual shoes available for both men and women, it is impossible for you not to find options that are both comfortable and classy.