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.
They are still cheap. I just checked their website and a flight from Dublin to Rome is just 22 Euro.
” kilts are always an option.😀”
Maybe if I were a guy I’d consider a kilt. In jeans, with body swelling a bit in a plane cabin, it seems “things” could become squeezingly uncomfortable after a couple hours. A kilt would offer a masculine version of “let the puppies breathe”.
I am in my mid-70s and don’t care about “showing off” any more...I wear relaxed fit jeans so I can squat without .... discomfort....
Yes she looks like someone that showed up for a game show asking is Monte Hall here yet.
They used to clean the airplanes between flights when you were a kid, too.
Lol. In the 70's, the some of the Japanese business travelers used to take their slacks off and hang them up so they wouldn't get wrinkled.
My jeans are good enough for work, church, funerals, and court. They are just as good for flights.
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