It's OK to wear a coat to the airport, of course, but it helps the security line move faster if you remember to take it off and put it in a screening bin before proceeding through the metal detector or body scanner (AIT).

In 2026, wearing a jacket to the airport is a highly recommended "traveler's hack" for several reasons. First, airport terminals and airplane cabins are notoriously difficult to climate-control and are frequently kept at very cold temperatures to prevent passenger nausea and accommodate varied activity levels. A jacket acts as a crucial layer for comfort. Second, from a practical standpoint, wearing your heaviest or bulkiest jacket saves valuable space and weight in your luggage, helping you avoid "oversized" bag fees. Third, jackets with multiple pockets (like a field jacket or a specialized "travel blazer") allow you to keep your passport, phone, and boarding pass easily accessible, and you can simply take the whole jacket off and place it in a bin at security, rather than emptying individual pockets. However, avoid "complicated" jackets with excessive metal zippers or built-in heating elements, as these can trigger additional screening. A lightweight, packable down jacket or a classic hoodie is usually the best balance of warmth, utility, and ease during the security process.