Monday Musings- The Joys of Flying: My Travel Outfit
Happy Monday, ladies. We are off like a herd of turtles on our trip to Portugal. I always start a trip full of excitement, but the process gradually wears me down.
Airline travel is really beginning to lose its charm for me. In fact, I’m not sure it has held much for the last 20+ years. I still enjoy planning my outfit and dressing nicely to travel. But with flight delays, missed connections, long waits, and the lousy food at the airports, I end up looking like something the cat dragged in when I finally arrive at my destination. And when did airlines start blasting loud, obnoxious music throughout the cabin before takeoff and once you touch down? It’s beyond annoying to have to listen to someone else’s idea of music while you’re trying to schlep your exhausted self off the plane. Rant over…
The first plane was so cold I ended up digging this cashmere wrap out of my bag, and my husband wore his coat the entire flight to Boston. They label this a scarf, but it’s 30″x 82″, which I consider a wrap size. The new N95 masks I ordered were so claustrophobic I was glad I’d brought a few of my navy KN95 masks.
Day two of the flight marathon, I wore a whole lot of neutrals. I find them calming, and I knew I would need soothing before the trip was over. These are the Athleta Endless pants I mentioned in my private newsletter yesterday. They’re the only unwrinkled thing I’m wearing. 🤣 The knit shirt is as soft as a comfy pair of jammies, so I bought it in two colors.
A word about my carry-ons…yes, the blue one fits easily into the overhead compartment, and the beige one fits perfectly under the seat in front of me. Away makes great bags, and I’m thrilled with how well these work. They both have these Air Tags in them, so I can track them if I need to. I also discovered these new bags that actually follow you through the airport! There are quite a few brands making these, so hopefully, the price will go down soon.
They’ve just called our flight, so I’m off to cram myself into a center seat that the airline switched me to when they canceled our original flight. Fun times, ladies…but I have my knitting, so I should be fine!
Hi Jennifer!
I really enjoy reading your blog and seeing the stylish outfits you create! I purchased the J Jill ponte knit shirt that you featured in this blog in two colors after seeing it in one of your travel outfit. Several reviews on the J Jill website state that even after following the instructions to machine wash in cold water on gentle cycle and dry flat, that there was considerable shrinkage. Have you found that to be the case? Thanks in advance for your response!
It did “snug” up a bit so you could size up. Mine still fits but is not a loose as when I bought it.
Thanks for sharing. The robot bags look like so much fun. Not sure how they would work in a crowded airport like Heathrow as we run to make a flight. But imagine the looks of the other passengers. It gave me a laugh. Safe travels!
That could be funny
Jennifer, I hope by now you have reached Portugal and are having a fabulous time!
Thanks for your research and recommendation of Athleta’s Endless pant. You convinced me and I ordered a pair. It’s a great choice, especially for travel. I, too, am embarking on an overseas trip with only a carry on for 3 weeks. I swapped out one pair of jeans with the navy Endless pant and know I will be comfy and wrinkle free on those long flights. Plus they are versatile enough to be “dressed up” as needed. Thank you for doing the legwork for all of us!
I have already worn my navy pair twice! I love them. Have a fabulous trip
Looking wonderful, so put together. I agree with you about feeling like a wreck when we land no matter how I start. Air travel is exhausting. I usually wear my JJill knit pants, but will try those Athletas. Would you please tell how you manage carryon only, especially toiletries. I can’t fit it all into a Baggie! Enjoy your trip !
I decant liquids into smaller containers, if possible. Sunscreen is my largest liquid and I’ll take it over other liquids when necessary.I used a quart size freezer zip lock which will hold quite a lot.
I love the idea of comfortable clothes feeling soft and quieter tones. I haven’t thought of travel clothes setting a mood! I’m going to purchase those Athleta pants for sure! Thank you!
They were perfect to travel in and looked great after many many hours of sitting.
Hi there
I find too I’m not enjoying flying as much as before. It appears to be narrower planes – smaller seats = not as comfortable. I had a recent trip to Hawaii – yeah my husband was able to book me the emergency exit aisle seat. This I liked as I could have a walk every hour. Last year on a short flight I got a blood clot! That was a shock. Coming back I could not get an aisle seat so choose centre emergency exit. The guy on the aisle spent the whole trip watching movies on his iPad. Sorry but I did not feel bad having to interrupt him every hour so I could have a walk! Like why didn’t he take a window seat! I was a bit concerned on the flight to have one of the 3 flight attendants spread out under covers in the back row.
On a recent short flight 1 1/2 hrs – upon entering the plane one was greeting by a flight attendant drinking Starbucks coffee! What next! Then prior to take off he wanted everyone to open their air vent fully. Had never heard that before! No thanks – cold air affects my sinuses dreadfully.
I figured it was because he was hot.
I find if one dresses neatly one does get better service/positive attention from people.
Enjoy your travels. You looked sharp/smart in your travel outfit.
I’m sorry to hear about your blood clot. That’s frightening! We do need to move around as much as possible. No matter who it annoys.
We just returned from Madrid and Portugal (river cruise) and it was fabulous. Madrid was wonderful but Portugal was amazing. Clean cities and towns, friendly people, great wine and port and the bread – oh, the bread – divine. Your travel outfit is perfect. And, yes, travel is not what it used to be. However, you suck it up to experience the people, food and culture of another time. Have a wonderful time in Portugal, Jennifer!
Your cruise sounds amazing!