Is It Improper Etiquette To Wear Pajamas On A Plane Even If Your Flight Is Overnight?

In an age when plane travel is starting to feel like the Wild West, it can be hard to define acceptable in-flight behavior. Generally speaking, we all know yelling at flight attendants is bad, and snoring like a Harley with a loose muffler isn't great either. However, there's one airplane etiquette area that causes confusion: Is it inappropriate to wear pajamas on an overnight flight?

According to Florida-based etiquette expert and consultant Jackie Vernon-Thompson, wearing pajamas on an airplane is a big no, regardless of the time of day (via Fox News). And the explanation is simple. If a reasonable person wouldn't wear it outside the house, you shouldn't wear it while flying the friendly skies. Revealing outfits (including some exercise apparel), anything smelly, damaged clothes, apparel with offensive language or imagery, and yes, pajamas are all on the list of things you should think twice about before wearing on your flight. 

With so many comfortable clothing options, there's really no reason to wear your PJs on the plane. For a cozy yet polished look, a matching top and pants or a monochromatic outfit are the best things to wear on a flight, according to celebrity stylist Marisa Ledford. Think all-black sweatsuits or grey joggers with a tonal sweater or shirt. We also recommend wearing layers, so you don't get too hot or too cold. 

However, if you can't imagine sleeping without your pajamas, you can change into them once the flight is airborne. This eliminates walking through the airport looking like you just rolled out of bed, while still allowing you to be comfortable. In fact, several first-class flights offer complimentary pajamas (long pants and a loose top), but flight attendants usually pass out the apparel once the plane is in the air or upon request. 

While most passengers know chowing down on a garlicky snack or a tuna sandwich is poor form, there are a few more unspoken airplane etiquette rules you might not be aware of. Etiquette expert Jackie Vernon-Thompson advises passengers to stow their overhead bags quickly so as not to cause a traffic jam in the aisle. Unfortunately, Vernon-Thompson describes bag-stowing behavior to Fox News as "an etiquette protocol which is violated constantly."

In addition, passengers should refrain from spreading their legs into the aisle. Although this space may seem unoccupied, the aisle is the main thoroughfare for flight attendants, and blocking it creates a safety hazard. Speaking of safety, it's important that guests only recline chairs once the plane reaches a cruising altitude. 

Finally, always sit in your assigned seat. In recent years, Reddit has been overloaded with stories about passengers refusing to sit in their assigned seats and then causing a scene — just check r/StolenSeats. If you need extra legroom, an aisle seat, a window seat, or want to sit together as a family, it's your responsibility to pre-book your seat and not rely on other passengers to accommodate you.