Of 99 respondents, 75% voted that they wear pants, 11% voted for shorts, and 14% said it doesn't matter. The plane's temperature is the determining factor for most people who opt for shorts. Shorts supporters said they would rather be too cold than too hot while on the flight.

While many travelers choose to wear shorts on a plane for comfort—especially when flying to or from tropical destinations—most flight attendants and hygiene experts in 2026 strongly advise against it. The primary reason is hygiene; airplane seats are notoriously difficult to clean thoroughly between flights, and wearing shorts leaves your skin in direct contact with surfaces that may harbor germs, bacteria, or allergens from previous passengers. Furthermore, airplane cabins are often kept at cool temperatures (around 18°C to 20°C) to prevent passenger fainting and to accommodate the heat generated by electronics, which can make shorts uncomfortable on long-haul flights. From a safety perspective, wearing long pants provides an extra layer of protection against skin abrasions or burns in the rare event of an emergency evacuation or minor turbulence. While "who" wears shorts often includes vacationers and children, the "pro-traveler" choice in 2026 is typically soft, breathable long pants or compression leggings, which balance comfort with a much higher level of personal hygiene and protection against the notoriously chilly and germ-prone cabin environment.