Flight Attendant Reveals ‘Hidden Dress Code’ That Can Get Passengers Kicked Off A Plane
You might think picking an outfit for your flight is all about comfort or making a fashion statement at 30,000 feet — but behind those boarding gates, airlines are quietly enforcing an unspoken dress code that could ground your travel plans before takeoff.
Barbara Bacilieri, a former flight attendant and now a popular travel guru, notes that your outfit can determine whether you have a smooth check-in or are turned away altogether.
“There’s a lot airlines won’t spell out,” Bacilieri told What’s The Jam. “But trust me — your wardrobe can get you denied boarding, held up at security, or even put your life at risk in an emergency.”
With over 2.65 million subscribers hanging on her every travel hack, Barbie Bac knows her stuff — and now she’s pulling back the curtain on the do’s and don’ts of dressing for the skies.
Fashion Fails That Can Ruin Your Flight
Forget style for a second — your favorite airport outfit might be a safety hazard.
1. High Heels = High Risk
Think twice before strapping on those stilettos. Yes, they seamlessly complete your stylish look, however, they’re a big no-no during an evacuation. Why? Well, Bacilieri points out that sharp heels or bulky boots can damage the inflatable slides, turning a quick escape into a disaster.
“Flight crews are trained to remove passengers’ heels before an emergency slide deployment,” she explained. “One wrong step can deflate the whole thing.”
Even metal belt buckles, oversized jewelry, and steel-toed boots pose similar threats — or at the very least, slow down security screening.
2. Leggings Could Be a Fire Hazard
Your go-to travel leggings? Possibly dangerous.
Aviation safety expert Christine Negroni told HuffPost that many synthetic fabrics used in leggings can melt onto skin in a fire, causing severe burns. If the unimaginable happens and you survive a crash, your outfit could still work against you.
3. Skimpy Outfits Aren’t Just Risqué — They’re Risky
Mini skirts, hot pants, short dresses, and crop tops may look great in selfies, but they offer zero protection when sliding down an emergency ramp — which Bacilieri describes skimpy outfits as “more like a bouncy castle covered in sandpaper.”
She even added that “You’ll end up with scraped skin and possibly burns. It’s not glamorous — it’s painful.”
4. Dress Like Crew, and You Could Be in Trouble
Got a pilot costume or a cheeky flight attendant getup? Save it for Halloween.
Wearing anything that resembles official crew attire can cause confusion during emergencies, and airline staff won’t hesitate to remove you from the flight if they feel it could pose a risk.
5. Offensive Outfits? Prepare for Unpredictability
Airlines typically don’t offer a clear rulebook on what’s deemed “inappropriate,” leaving passengers in a gray area. Bacilieri recalled an incident where two women were removed from a flight simply for removing their sweaters and revealing crop tops underneath.
“They asked to see a written policy and were told to get off the plane. No refund. No discussion.”
So, What Should You Wear on a Plane?
If you want to fly stress-free, Bacilieri recommends a balanced look that’s comfortable, functional, and presentable:
- Comfy sneakers (easy to run or walk in)
- Stretchy pants (but not flammable materials)
- A light jacket (for fluctuating cabin temps)
- Minimal accessories (to breeze through security)
“Dress like someone who might get upgraded to business class,” she says. “Not just for others — but yourself.”
Final Boarding Thought
Your choice of outfit can influence your comfort, safety and even the seat you get on the plane, whether you’re traveling for pleasure or to see family. Don’t worry about impressing anyone — instead, dress to get through security and possibly get a free upgrade.
When packing for your next flight, think: Could my outfit pass the airline’s invisible fashion test?
