As long as they wear shoes (please don't ever go barefoot on an aircraft!) they are considered well-dressed by today's going-out-in-public standards. So we're all long past the days when people dressed up to fly. Those old sweatpants and sweatshirts (or new ones) just seem to fit right in.

Yes, wearing sweatpants to the airport is widely considered perfectly acceptable and even practical in 2026, especially for long-haul or red-eye flights. The "Golden Age" of dressing in suits for air travel ended decades ago, replaced by a focus on comfort and ease during the security screening process. To maintain "airport etiquette," many frequent flyers suggest opting for "athleisure" styles—clean, well-fitted joggers or high-quality leggings—rather than baggy, stained, or worn-out pajamas. Sweatpants are ideal for the fluctuating temperatures of an airplane cabin and allow for better circulation during hours of sitting. However, if you are traveling for business or hope to be considered for an "operational upgrade" at the gate, dressing slightly more "smart-casual" (like chinos or dark jeans) is still recommended, as gate agents may use professional appearance as a tie-breaker. The general consensus is: as long as your clothing is clean, decent, and covers the essentials, your comfort is the top priority for a stress-free travel day.