Takeoff in Style
BY Samantha Petrelli ★ november 1st, 2026
Photo Credits: Samantha Petrelli
Lately, it isn’t just the plane going down the runaway, it’s their passengers too, debuting their latest looks. The airport used to be the place you just showed up in your pajamas to, in order to be able to catch your flight on time, but not anymore. Traveling by airplane has grown in popularity with the new trend of being someone’s “airport crush” following suit. An “airport crush”– someone that you find attractive or are interested in but will probably never see again. Your trip may be unforgettable and so might the guy sitting in Terminal A, all the more reason why your outfit should be memorable
Airport terminals showcase a variety of styles. You have the cozy chic sweat sets that help make you look more put together while being able to relax during a long flight. The Comfrt Airplane Mode Travel Hoodie is quite literally made for this. It comes equipped with a sleep mask built into the hood, 8 pockets (including zipper ones) to hold your Airpods or passport, and has a fleece double lining. All of these features make it functional, cozy, and stylish, especially when paired as a set with their Airplane Mode Travel Sweatpants. Other cute sweat sets to keep you looking fashionable for that 12-hour flight, can be found at White Fox, Aritzia,and Garage.
Then we have the chic quick flight to NYC or another city for a work or business trip. There are always those types of people at the airport with their phone to their ear and briefcase in hand, all dressed up to go to a business meeting. They are most likely traveling to a city, sitting in business class, and a polished and sophisticated outfit. You can often see them sporting trench coats, blazers, and slacks, to go straight to a meeting after the flight.
Other people envision they are on vacation, before even getting to their destination. These people prepare for their trip early and arrive at the airport ready for their tropical vacation in sundresses, sandals, and even bathing suits under their clothes. They even wear sunglasses, despite if its cold in the place they are leaving from or the time of day it is.. It also would not be a day at the airport if we did not see a family with matching vacation t-shirts running around the airport. On the other hand, we have the over-packer who can’t fit everything in their carry-ons, so they wear their clothes in layers– a tank top, sweater, and sweatshirt all in one.
A new airport trend that has taken flight is doing skincare, or even makeup while aboard the plane. Flights and long travel can dehydrate your skin. Skincare has become an essential during a flight especially to the low humidity and recycled air creating moisture loss and the high altitude. Dehydration and exposure to UV occur, as well as exposure to bacteria. So, many people have been prioritizing their skin during flights. The go-to has been eyepatches, providing an easy and convenient way to keep your skin hydrated. The staples of airport eyepatches have been Rhode Peptide Eye Prep and Summer Fridays Jet Lag Eyepatches, but others like Topicals or Peter Thomas Roth work just as well. Additionally, Target and Amazon sell amazing eye patches you can wear on your next trip too. If you want to take it a step further, some opt to do a full face sheet mask during flight. Brands like Biodance or Sephora Collection are reliable and elevated choices. If you want to go the extra mile, some people choose to do their makeup during the flight so that they are ready to go right after it lands. You board the flight with prepping your skin and land in full on glam.
Another way to elevate your airport look is actually through your luggage. An elegant carry-on set is an easy way to stay practical and look effortless. The crowd favorite carry-on set is from Beis with their Carry On Starter Set featuring their Carry On Roller and Mini Weekender. A matching carry-on set is an easy way to look put together, even if you are running late and might miss your flight. If you need more packing room and to check a bag, Samsonite is a popular luggage option to keep everything in one place. .
Whether it’s a comfy sweatshirt, a polished business casual outfit, or a tropical vacation look, airport fashion can reflect your personality and be expressive. It can be simple to balance comfort and style by dressing in a way that makes you feel confident, even when being thousands of feet in the air. Airport style has become more elevated and being refreshed. It has also blown up as a social media trend on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. People now care more about what they wear or how they appear at airports, striving to achieve that “airport crush” status. Outfit and luggage choices have become more curated. The flight itself has become more of a relaxing experience rather than a stressful one, as people are beginning to practice self-care to step off the plane glowing instead of feeling exhausted and drained. Function and fashion can meet at the airport runway, and the style takes off from there.
Edited by Maia Simmons