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A comfortable airplane outfit is essential, especially for long flights. Forget the jeans and find out what the comfiest airplane pants for travel are, as rated by our readers.
The Comfiest Airplane Pants for Travel
Table Of Contents
Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:
Can anyone suggest some legwear (not leggings) to travel from Singapore to the UK in November? I’ll have my jeans but they’re not comfy to travel in, especially for a long flight. Help!
As much as we love jeans, they’re not the most comfortable for flights, especially a long haul flight. A comfy pair of pants can completely transform your flight and help you start your trip on the right foot. Here, our readers share their tried and true recommendations for the comfiest and best travel pants for airplane flights.
Want to travel light, create a capsule wardrobe which can easily fit into a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing!
What are the best airplane pants for travel? Here’s what are our readers rated as the most comfy airplane pants:
Now let’s look at what our readers say about these travel pants.
Women’s Comfortable Pants for Flights
Shop Sizes XS-3X Regular, Petite & Tall: Eddie Bauer
Readers’ Pick: Eddie Bauer Departure Pants
The Eddie Bauer Departure pants are always a reader favorite, and they were a top seller during Amazon Prime Day, too! They’re some of the most comfy and functional travel pants around, made of lightweight, stretchy, moisture-wicking, and UPF 50+ fabric that’ll allow your legs to breathe. And not only that, but they’re super polished-looking and can be dressed up to take you from a long plane ride straight to a business meeting or out to dinner!
A reader says, “I now own two pairs and they are my favorite pants ever. I can dress them up or wear them on hikes, and when out and about. They’re the best!”
Check out a few airplane outfit ideas to feel relaxed but still look chic when traveling!
Shop Sizes XS-3X Regular, Petite & Tall: Spanx
Spanx Air Essentials
A new reader favorite, these AirEssentials pants are sleek and polished yet amazingly comfortable, too. The AirEssentials collection is made with spacer fabric that’s lightweight, luxuriously soft and ultra drapey. Designed with refined comfort to feel silky against your skin, these ultimate throw-on-and-go styles will take you anywhere and everywhere.
One wearer says, “These pants are very comfortable and stylish. I wore them while traveling and it was the best pair of pants EVER. They are very stylish.”
Shop Nordstrom: Regular & Petite XS-XL | Plus 1X-2X | Spanx (Regular, Petite & Tall XS-3X)
Spanx Faux Leather Leggings
These Spanx faux leather leggings have been a game changer for me! With the comfort of a legging mixed with a dressy, faux leather sheen, these have become one of my favorite bottoms for travel. They’re super stylish, breathable, and extremely comfy, especially on long-haul flights.
At the airport in my Spanx Moto Faux Leather Leggings, Tory Burch Minne Flats, and paired with my Longchamp Le Pliage Tote
I prefer movement and stretch in my pants when I fly, and these leggings are perfect. Adding a bit of rock n’ roll edge to my look, they’re kinda my go-to’s now! A timeless option that always suits my style.
One reader shares, “I love mine and I’ve worn them for travel and for looking up-leveled anywhere.”
I also bought the Spanx Moto faux leather leggings and they fast became my new flight pants. Take a look at our full review on these pants here!
Readers also rave about these Spanx Perfect Pants, with built-in smoothing and shaping features, as well as the soft ponte fabric which offers plenty of stretch and lasting comfort for those long-haul flights.
Shop Sizes 24-33: Lululemon
Lululemon City Sleek 5 Pocket Wide-Leg Pant
Lululemon isn’t the most affordable brand, but so many women swear by their apparel. And they don’t just make amazing athletic wear for the gym; they also make comfortable clothing that’s perfect for traveling and long-haul flights.
So many readers love the City Sleek High Rise pants, which feature a four-way stretch and travel-friendly fabric that’s moisture-wicking, breathable, and feels cool to the touch. They come in four neutral colors that you can easily dress them up for a nice dinner out.
One traveler raves, “I’m loving these pants! I wore them all around Spain for two weeks and could dress them up or down really easily. They were nice and light, and the stretch was perfect. Probably the best traveling pant I’ve ever owned!
Shop Nordstrom: Regular XXS-XXL | Plus 1X-3X
Zella Live In Joggers
Joggers are the best pants for flights because they’re as comfortable as sweatpants but look more stylish and refined. We love the Zella Live In jogger thanks to its technical fabric that wicks away moisture, breathes, and keeps you comfy wherever the day takes you. These pants are semi-fitted, so they’re slimming and stylish without being too tight.
Our readers love Zella for travel pants! One says, “These are cute and don’t look like ‘sweats.’ They’re perfect for air travel or sitting in the car for hours. So glad I bought them!”
Shop J.Jill: Regular XS-4X | Petite XS-XL | Tall S-XL
J. Jill Wearever Smooth-Fit Pants
J. Jill is known for its sophisticated and classic clothing, perfect for the stylish woman who wants to look dressed up while traveling, including their Wearever Smooth-Fit Slim Leg Pants.
One reader loves these pants, saying, “J.Jill pants are my go to travel pants. As comfy as sweatpants but look put together, can be washed in the sink, and look good both dressed up and down.”
These forward-seam pants were made with a touch of stretch for a comfortable fit that looks as great as it feels. Plus, they feature an elasticized waist with front and back darts.
If you’re headed on a long flight or looking for pants that offer comfort, then look no further than elastic waist pants. TFG readers share their top picks!
Shop Sizes XS-3X: Macy’s
Skechers Go Walk Pant
The Skechers Go Walk Pants are some of the comfiest pants for flights because of their stretchy fabric and elastic waist. Our readers love them!
One says, “I love my Skechers Go-Walk pants. Nice fit, comfortable, and have a phone pocket. Better looking than leggings and other sports pants.” The flared leg offers some style, and they come in several colors and in petite and tall sizes. Pair with a simple tee or sweater, and sneakers for a cute and cozy airport outfit!
Shop Sizes XXS-L: Nordstrom
Zella Live In Pocket Flare Leggings
If there’s one brand our readers have mentioned over and over again for plane pants, it’s Zella, who makes a wide range of comfy and cute travel bottoms. The Live In flared leggings have become many of our readers’ absolute favorite pants for travel. This high-waisted pair has a super flattering fit, with soft and stretchy fabric and handy side pockets that are slim yet big enough to hold your phone.
One review says, “They look good and feel good! I love the higher waist and side pockets, and they have a nice amount of flair without being too wide.”
See my full review on these great pants that are on constant rotation in my capsule wardrobe!
Shop Regular and Petite Sizes 00-18: Nordstrom
Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution High Waist Ankle Pants
If you’re not a fan of polyester or synthetic fabrics, consider cotton pants, which are breathable and easier to wash while traveling. Readers like that they’re durable and great for a variety of climates.
These pants from Wit & Wisdom are casual yet polished, and comfy, too, made of cotton with a hint of spandex for stretch. They have cropped hem, a high waist, and multiple pockets, and make a great pair for wearing from the airport to a dinner out, and they look wonderful with ankle boots, ballet flats, or sneakers.
Shop Anthropologie: Sizes 23-34 | Tall 23-34 | Petite 23-34 | Plus 16W-26W
Editor’s Pick: Anthropologie The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants
Anthpologie is a brand that’s synonymous with comfort and I personally love the Colette. I felt so put together for my travel day without sacrificing comfort — they were SO airy, and seriously felt weightless!
They have the feel of sweatpants but look incredibly chic and polished and they’ve now become my go-to pant for everything – including travel, flights, conferences, and everyday wear. Order in any of the stylish colors, and you can wear these womens cropped pants with boots for a cute nighttime style!
They come in sizes 23-34, tall 23-34, petite 23-34 and plus 16W-26W!
Shop Betabrand: Sizes XS-3X | Petite XS-3X | Short Petite XS-3X | Long S-3X
Betabrand Dress Yoga Pants
For an affordable pant you can wear to the office and on the plane, a lot of readers are fans of Betabrand yoga pants. A reader shares, “My favorite is the yoga dress pants by Betabrand. They come in skinny, straight leg, or bootcut. Can be dressed up or down and super comfortable. I fly in them and wear them for work.”
These ponte pants are so versatile! They feature a four-way stretch for a supremely flattering fit and feel, a comfy elastic waistband, and a whopping seven pockets! With a sleek and dressy look and the feel of yoga pants, what’s not to love?!
Here is our list of airplane essentials that might make your flight bearable — even enjoyable!
Shop Sizes XXS-XXL: Nordstrom | Vuori | REI
Vuori Ripstop Pant
These Vuori ripstop pants are functional and beyond comfy, with an easy-going, straight-leg fit, a drawstring waist, five pockets, and a cute crop. The ripstop fabric is durable but has a great amount of stretch for mobility, and won’t feel constricting at all while you fly. Not only that, but they’re really cute and easy to style, so they’ll definitely be worn all throughout your trip!
One reader with these pants shares, “Vuori makes the comfiest pants ever. They’re very wrinkle resistant. Mine have probably been worn and washed 100+ times, and they still look brand new!”
Comfortable Airplane Flight Pants Comparison Chart
| BRAND | MODEL | FEATURES | REVIEWS | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
|
Readers’ Pick: Eddie Bauer Departure Pants |
“I now own two pairs and they are my favorite pants ever. I can dress them up or wear them on hikes, and when out and about. They’re the best!” | Check Price |
|
Spanx Air Essentials |
"These pants are very comfortable and stylish. I wore them while traveling and it was the best pair of pants EVER. They are very stylish." | Check Price |
|
Spanx Faux Leather Leggings |
“I love mine and I’ve worn them for travel and for looking up-leveled anywhere.” | Check Price |
|
Lululemon City Sleek 5 Pocket Wide-Leg Pant |
“I’m loving these pants! I wore them all around Spain for two weeks and could dress them up or down really easily. They were nice and light, and the stretch was perfect. Probably the best traveling pant I’ve ever owned! | Check Price |
|
Zella Live In Joggers |
“These are cute and don’t look like ‘sweats.’ They’re perfect for air travel or sitting in the car for hours. So glad I bought them!” | Check Price |
|
J. Jill Wearever Smooth-Fit Pants |
“J.Jill pants are my go to travel pants. As comfy as sweatpants but look put together, can be washed in the sink, and look good both dressed up and down.” | Check Price |
|
Skechers Go Walk Pant |
“I love my Skechers Go-Walk pants. Nice fit, comfortable, and have a phone pocket. Better looking than leggings and other sports pants.” | Check Price |
|
Zella Live In Pocket Flare Leggings |
One review says, “They look good and feel good! I love the higher waist and side pockets, and they have a nice amount of flair without being too wide.” | Check Price |
|
Wit & Wisdom 'Ab'Solution High Waist Ankle Pants |
They have cropped hems, a high waist, and multiple pockets, and make a great pair for wearing from the airport to a dinner out, and they look wonderful with ankle boots, ballet flats, or sneakers. | Check Price |
|
Editor’s Pick: Anthropologie The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants |
They have the feel of sweatpants but look incredibly chic and polished and they’ve now become my go-to pant for everything – including travel, flights, conferences, and everyday wear. | Check Price |
|
Betabrand Dress Yoga Pant |
“My favorite is the yoga dress pants by Betabrand. They come in skinny, straight leg, or bootcut. Can be dressed up or down and super comfortable. I fly in them and wear them for work.” | Check Price |
|
Vuori Ripstop Pant |
“Vuori makes the comfiest pants ever. They’re very wrinkle resistant. Mine have probably been worn and washed 100+ times, and they still look brand new!” | Check Price |
What do you think are the comfiest airplane pants for travel? Share in the comments below!
For more travel pants, please read:
- Best Black Travel Pants According to our Readers
- Female Travelers Love Ponte Pants Find Out Why!
- The Most Comfortable Jeans for Women
- Best Joggers That Are Cute and Versatile
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My favorite pants I just took our trip to Scotland were my Liverpool Kelsey trousers. They are medium weight, a stretchy ponte knit, and tapered in the leg, so a slim fit, but not a legging at all. I wore them sightseeing in the cities, out to dinner, and even on the plane on the way home. They come in lots of colors, but mine are a dark plaid, which was a little more forgiving for travel than a solid black.
Thanks for sharing your comfy pants with us Angela!
I really like the Women’s Croft & Barrow Effortless Stretch Pull-On Bootcut Pants at Kohl’s. Cheap, comfy (pull-on), and look reasonably presentable if you dress them up.
I’ll definitely be checking out Vuori, Zella, and the Lululemon city pants!!
My go to pants are the Eddie Bauer Departure pants and Chicos Zenergy and also Traveler pants. No wrinkles- pack small and so comfortable!
We’re planning a trip to the Mediterranean in April of next year. I’m a Florida resident and I may be cold with temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s. Can you tell me which of these recommended slacks (not tights) would be a little warmer.
Hi Nikki, it’s tricky as everyones tolerance of the temperatures are different, but if you’re worried about what to wear on your flight you might find this article helpful: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-on-a-plane/
We have more ideas to help with packing for Europe in April here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/europe-in-spring/
To help you pack for your trip next year and being prepared for the temperatures, I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ It’s a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their travel advice and recommendations.
Hope this helps and have an amazing time!
I love the Athleta Brooklyn ankle pants for travel! They weigh next to nothing (also pack down very small), are pull-on style so nothing to dig into your waist when sitting for hours on a plane, have pockets, a smooth front and can be dressed up or down. I’m heading to Italy for 2 weeks in June and I’m wearing a pair and packing only one or two other pairs of these (all in black) because we’re doing carry on only. I had a terrible time finding pants that would work for travel to a warm destination because I have a small waist but bigger hips/thighs and most pants look sloppy on me if they fit my hips but then hang or gap through the waist. These fit perfectly without needing any alterations or hemming. Highly recommend!
Thanks for sharing your review of your Athleta pants with us Diane!
Thanks to you I’ve been an Anatomie wearer for many years but recently with heat waves becoming more common, I’ve loved the looser Pashko Serene and Eddie Bauer Departure ankle pants for flights and summer active travel. Both can be dressed up or down so just as versatile as the Skyler.
Turns out I have worn on the fly lululemons for years! Nice to have my choice validated. And after reading your other posts on pants – I’m now an Anatomie convert( Though I wish there was a petite length)
Thanks for terrific posts that I’m consulting to guide my travels after retiring…..
I found another great pair of travel pants that fit petites well. They are the Athleta Brooklyn pants. They come in petite sizes & they are so comfy to travel with & look great dressed up. I wore them to Israel & Paris.
On your recommendation, I bought to pair of JJill ponte knit pants. They were perfect, not only for the plane rides. I looked very put together on my trip, Thanks!
Yay, that is brilliant Jan!! So pleased your JJill Ponte pants worked out so well for you. Hope you had an awesome time on your trip!
Other good “airplane pants” brands include Eddie Bauer, Columbia, and Target’s C9 (made by Columbia). I prefer pants without a zipper, for flat front under tops AND quick and easy bathroom stops. Also, pants with a zipper are NOT comfortable for overnight flights or long train rides.
I travel for 5-6 weeks in a carry-on with 3 pair of Eddie Bauer nylon/spandex pants that are quick-dry for in-room laundry. Black, charcoal, light grey, and navy (wear one, pack three. For Asia I take Eddie Bauer nylon/spandex capris, I’m too old for shorts. Bauer is now selling slim-leg pants, they look nice and pack small.
I actually do wear leggings, but under a maxi skirt. I am always cold on planes, so they keep my legs warm and the maxi is flows enough that I can wrap it around my legs as a blanket.
Hi Andrea, thank you for sharing your travel outfit for flying with us, sounds awesome and comfy!! 🙂
Which pair is on the person whose legs are crossed in the photo titled “Comfiest Airplane Pants”?
Hi Kathy, unfortunately the product sold out some time ago so We’re not sure of the brand. Sorry we could not have been more helpful. 🙁