Posted on 02/05/2026 3:10:18 PM PST by nickcarraway
Ryanair has advised passengers not to wear jeans while flying… and before you think the airline are unapologetically doling out fashion advice, their suggestion is centred around the fact that denim is uncomfortable during air travel and that softer, more flexible clothing may be a better option.
The advice was shared via the airline’s social media channels, where Ryanair claimed that jeans can restrict movement and reduce comfort when passengers are seated for long periods. The airline stressed that this is not a formal rule or dress code, but the suggestion has nevertheless sparked debate among travellers.
For expats living in Spain, many of whom regularly fly short and medium-haul routes between Spanish cities and the UK or Europe, the recommendation has landed close to home. Jeans are a travel staple for good reason: they are practical, durable and versatile enough to take passengers from airport security straight to a café without a wardrobe change.
Denim has long been the unsung hero of expat travel. One pair can survive early-morning departures, delayed flights and limited luggage allowances, while still passing as “presentable” upon arrival. For many travellers, jeans are the default option – comfortable enough, reliable always, and blessed with actual pockets.
Ryanair’s comments have inevitably raised the question: what exactly should passengers be wearing instead? The airline appears to favour softer alternatives such as joggers or leggings, although critics have pointed out that these options are not always ideal for travellers who prefer structured clothing or who do not want to arrive looking as though they are heading straight back to bed.
Should we be ditching the denim? That said, there is some truth behind the airline’s claim. Health experts often recommend loose-fitting clothing during flights to improve circulation and reduce discomfort, particularly on longer journeys. Rigid or tight garments, including some styles of denim, can feel restrictive when seated for extended periods – especially in economy cabins with limited legroom.
However, travellers have been quick to note that discomfort on board may have less to do with denim and more to do with seat space. On short-haul European flights to and from Spain, many passengers argue that the biggest challenge is not their choice of trousers, but the distance between their knees and the seat in front.
Online reaction has been mixed. Some passengers welcomed the advice as a reminder to prioritise comfort, while others dismissed it as unnecessary. Several commenters joked that if Ryanair is offering wardrobe guidance, it might also consider offering a little more legroom.
Among expats in Spain, the response has been characteristically pragmatic. Many say they will continue to dress based on flight length, departure time and seat allocation rather than airline suggestions.
Short hops within Spain may still call for jeans, while longer journeys or early starts might favour softer clothing. For now, Ryanair’s advice remains optional – and denim, it seems, is still flying high.
“choosing their own clothing”
I think they may have strayed from all-Adidas to the rich ones wearing subtle Prada or Gucci tracksuits, but that’s about as far as it’s gotten.
The subtle Prada ones actually look sharp. I wouldn’t wear them (or spend the $), but they do look good.
Some dumb corporate broad must have went to a stupid conference and heard this “advice” and now wants to impose it on everyone.
I would not wear sweats, shorts, or leisurewear for a flight out of respect for my fellow passengers and the crew, and the people greeting me on the other end (if applicable).
I do not own a pair of jeans, but the ones that are comfortable are likely worn and grubby looking. Europeans (who travel Ryanair) likely don’t go for the worn out look.
I find that lightweight dress pants or more likely Dickies Twill work pants are versatile, comfortable, and the work pants hold up to abuse much better than modern day dungarees.
We wore a sport-coat with a pack of Luckies in the inner breast pocket.
Casual, loafer-style shoes without laces, a hoodie, and a backpack big enough for my laptop and headphones, and not much bigger than that. I check everything else.
And a fedora in the cool months.
Panama in the warm months.
Bottomless flights ?
Always wear natural fibers such as cotton (including jeans) or wool on a plane. Although the risk of fire is small, synthetics can melt and adhere to your skin causing much more severe burns than the natural fibers.
And while you are at it, don’t forget leather shoes to protect your feet.
The Dude knew how to dress for comfort.
Is Ryanair run by southern Baptists?
CC
Ah, the troll has graced us with his benighted presence.
👎
CC
If I were a Scot, I might have a different opinion, but I am not a Scot.
Agreed.
Not for me, I work and sleep in jeans. Not skinny jeans though.
We always have the nuclear option - kilts.
I’ve never liked jeans - too hot and scratchy. So they would have no trouble with me. Isn’t Ryanair the airline that tried to promote their sexy stews years ago? They seem to have some fetish things going on.
It doesn’t take a jeanius to know how to dress for a flight, you wear high fashion.
When I travel I always wear quick-dry clothes in case I have to wash them during the trip. Good luck trying to dry those jeans without visiting the local laundromat.
Well kilts are always an option.😀
I’ve flown Ryan Air many times all over Europe as I used Dublin Ireland as my travel hub. It’s also the home of Ryan Air.
They were so cheap. I remember paying 10 Euro for a flight from Dublin to London. 30 Euro for a flight to Paris.
They charged extra for everything. At one time they were seriously thinking of charging to use the toilet on the plane.
To enter the planes, you walked across the tarmac and were herded like cattle up the portable steps onto the plane.
Ryan Air was the Spirit and Frontier Airlines thirty years ago.
They were always on schedule and the time from landing to takeoff for the next flight was about 30 minutes.
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