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.
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I would suggest that being naked would stop all clothing irritation concerns.
Ryanair said no such thing.
Then you’d have furniture surface irritation.
“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 times I’ve worn jeans on flights have been miserable trips. Your body sort of puffs up, but the jeans don’t expand enough. In fact, that’s the reason I haven’t worn slacks, shorts, etc., of any kind when flying for decades. Skirts and dresses are most comfortable.
I don’t know about the guys, though.
It would also make the TSA inspection go more quickly.
I was kind of hoping that’s where this was going
Here’s a thought that makes me feel old.
When Levi’s were $4.95 the strike in San Francisco resulted in the union deal causing the price to go up to $5.25 to pay for the workers’ raises.
When album LPs were $4.95 mono and $5.95 stereo.
I wear leather - it seals in the flavor.
Okay...I’ll leave my jeans at the gate...
I have no idea why the comfort level or not of the passengers should be the airlines concern...I can say that in the ‘70’s, we stopped dressing up for vacation trips from CA back “home” to NY state AND I stopped wearing nylons as there was information circulating that in a plane crash resulting in fire, anything nylon - clothing/stockings - would be more likely to melt/stick on the body! Sounds crazy but it makes sense. Certainly nothing ever mentioned before. Before that it was “dress up” - hats/gloves for we ladies and sport jackets for the gentlemen...
At the same time we made the decision to LEAVE for home a day before we had to go back to work..no Sunday travel and go to work Monday morning...it all worked out better!
You can't get clicks with honest headlines.
I try to wear natural fibers and leather shoes (including soles) on flights. It’s a safety thing, in case of having to exit a plane that’s on fire. Synthetic fibers melt. I know the probability of that happening is probably 1 in millions,but it makes me feel a tiny bit in control.
I’ve worn jeans on all my commercial flights. Including 14 hour ones to Korea or close to 24 hour ones to Saudi Arabia. They feel fine to me. If I can ride a horse thru the southern Arizona desert in them, I can wear them fine sitting in a plane.
I have relatives-by-marriage whose mother makes all her family wear matching fashion tracksuits. Different colors for boys and girls.
Yes, she did make aliyah to Israel from Russia.
Yes, you can tell the preceding sentence is true from 100 meters away.
As a guy, I went to loose-fit cargo pants almost 2 decades ago. I don’t wear jeans much at all (still good for yard work), but prefer the extra pockets and roomy fit.
Besides, my legs would NOT look good in a skirt!
Maybe they really want people to wear burkas
Your legs must have gotten cold.
Must have really sucked when you had to walk 10 miles back and forth to school.
Boomers stories . Boring.🥱
LOL!
I am glad she made the move. I hope they are all doing well and, if on their own now, choosing their own clothing.
Scots might disagree with that, sir!
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