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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
Leggings and joggers reign supreme with comfort when flying, but for travelers that are looking for alternative style options, we’ve put together this list of recommended airplane flight pants!
Whether you’re heading off on a red-eye to Europe or a quick hop for a weekend getaway, these travel-tested flight pants combine comfort, function, and versatility in one polished package.
What Makes a Great Pair of Pants for Flying?
A great pair of airplane pants should be soft, stretchy, breathable, and stylish enough to help you arrive looking put-together. After years of full-time travel and too many uncomfortable airport moments to count, I’ve finally narrowed down my go-to styles for any type of flight.
Before you shop, here are the top features to look for in airplane pants:
- Stretch and flexibility: No one wants to feel restricted while sitting for hours.
- Wrinkle-resistance: You should look as good when you land as when you boarded.
- Breathability: Especially for long-haul flights or trips to warmer destinations.
- Easy to style: Choose pants that work with your travel capsule wardrobe.
- Comfortable waistband: Think yoga-pant-level comfort without the gym vibes.
Check out a few airplane outfit ideas to feel relaxed but still look chic when traveling!
Best Loungewear-Style Pants for Flights
These pants offer the ultimate in comfort while still looking polished. Think soft fabrics, elastic waistbands, and styles that move with you—but don’t look like pajamas.
Shop Sizes XS-4X. Petite XS-XL, Tall XS-XXL: Encircled
Encircled Dressy Sweatpant
This Dressy Sweatpant is the perfect combination of comfort and style. Made from eco-conscious modal, these pants are soft, breathable, and temperature-regulating, ensuring you stay comfortable no matter the weather. The fabric is also wrinkle-resistant, so you can maintain a polished look throughout the day, whether you’re lounging at home or out and about.
These sweatpants offer the relaxed feel of loungewear but are designed to look pulled-together enough for casual outings, making them a versatile wardrobe staple. Whether paired with a simple tee or dressed up with a blouse, they offer a chic and easygoing vibe.
Available in Regular (XS-4X), Petite (XS-XL), and Tall (XS-XXL) sizes, they provide a great fit for various body types, combining practicality with effortless style.
Shop Sizes 0-18: Lululemon
Lululemon Dance Studio Mid-Rise Jogger Pant
These lightweight, relaxed-fit joggers are a go-to for travel, lounging, or light activity. Made from quick-drying, sweat-wicking fabric with two-way stretch, the Dance Studio Jogger keeps you cool, comfortable, and stylish on the go.
The wide, stretchy waistband offers a flattering fit, while the cinched cuffs and roomy pockets add function and flair. Whether you’re navigating the airport or heading out for a casual stroll, these joggers offer the perfect balance of polish and ease.
Available in sizes 0-18, these joggers offer a great fit for a variety of body types, ensuring comfort no matter where your day takes you.
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Zestt Organics
Zestt Organics Loungewear Set
The Quarter Zip + Pant Travel Set is the perfect blend of cozy comfort and sophisticated style. Crafted from soft, organic cotton, this set is designed for ultimate relaxation without sacrificing refinement. The fabric is breathable and gentle on the skin, ensuring you stay comfortable whether you’re lounging at home or running errands.
The elastic waistband offers a relaxed yet secure fit, while the fabric’s quality ensures it won’t sag or stretch out, even after hours of sitting or lounging. It’s the ideal set for anyone who wants to unwind in comfort but still looks put-together.
Perfect for travel or everyday wear, this loungewear set is a must-have for those who appreciate both style and sustainability. Whether you’re curling up on the couch or out and about, it provides the right mix of relaxation and chic.
Best Lightweight and Relaxed Travel Trousers
Ideal for warmer climates or travelers who prioritize airflow, these pants are lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and effortlessly stylish.
Shop Sizes XXS-3XL: Pact
Pact Airline Set Wide-Leg Pant
The Airline Set Wide-Leg Pant combines softness, sustainability, and unbeatable comfort, making them the ideal choice for long flights. Crafted from eco-friendly materials, these pants provide a relaxed, breathable fit that feels great during travel while still offering a polished, chic look. The wide-leg cut offers a stylish silhouette, while the soft fabric keeps you comfortable throughout your journey.
These pants can easily be paired with matching tops from the same collection for a coordinated, effortless travel outfit. Whether you’re on a plane or exploring a new city, these wide leg pants ensures you stay comfortable and stylish. Available in Sizes XXS-3XL.
Shop Sizes XS-XL: Unbound Merino
Unbound Merino Lightweight Travel Pants
The Lightweight Travel Pants from Unbound Merino are a reader favorite, especially for hot weather and long flights. Made from moisture-wicking, odor-resistant merino wool, these pants keep you cool and fresh, even during the most active days of travel. The lightweight fabric is not only breathable but also ultra-packable, making them a must-have for minimalist or carry-on-only travelers who need to maximize their luggage space.
Designed for comfort and practicality, these pants offer a clean, sleek look that transitions easily from travel days to casual outings. They’re perfect for long-haul flights, hot destinations, or days when you want to stay comfortable without compromising on style. Available in Sizes XS-XL and Inseam 28 and 30.
Shop Sizes XXS-XXL: Vuori
Vuori Miles Ankle Pant
The Miles Ankle Pant combines sleek, sporty style with ultimate comfort. Made from breathable, lightweight fabric, these pants offer a tapered fit that looks polished yet feels relaxed, making them perfect for travel. Whether you’re running errands, traveling, or just relaxing at home, these pants provide the perfect balance of performance and style.
Designed with flexibility in mind, this pants moves with you, ensuring comfort throughout the day. The modern, tapered cut gives a streamlined appearance, while the soft, breathable fabric keeps you cool and comfortable no matter what your day holds. Available in Sizes XXS-XXL.
Best Wide-Leg and Polished Pants for Flying
Want that elevated feel without sacrificing comfort? These wide-leg styles are versatile, flattering, and easy to wear for hours in transit.
Shop Sizes XS-3X Regular, Petite & Tall: Spanx
Spanx AirEssentials Wide Leg Pant
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.” Available in Regular (XS-3X), Petite (XS-3X) and Tall (XS-3X) Sizes.
Shop Sizes XS-3X: Talbots
Talbots Travel Pants (from the Travel Capsule)
The Talbots Travel Pants from their Travel Capsule collection are a must-have for business travelers or anyone who prefers a classic, polished look. These wide-leg trousers are wrinkle-resistant, ensuring you look sharp no matter how long your journey is. The sleek, structured design pairs beautifully with a cardigan or tailored jacket, making them a versatile choice for both professional and casual travel settings.
These trousers offer a sophisticated style that is both comfortable and practical, perfect for long flights or busy days on the go. The wrinkle-resistant fabric ensures you arrive looking fresh and put-together, even after hours of travel. Available in Regular (XS-XL), Petite (S-XL) and Plus (X-3X) Sizes.
Shop Sizes XS-3X: Talbots
Talbots AirKnit Stretch Wide Leg Pants
Another one from Talbots, the AirKnit Stretch Wide Leg Pants are designed with both comfort and style in mind, making them the perfect choice for travel. These pants feature a clean, streamlined silhouette that looks polished, while the stretchy AirKnit fabric provides the flexibility and comfort of activewear. Whether you’re heading to the airport or out for a day of sightseeing, these pants move with you, offering all-day comfort without sacrificing style.
The wide-leg cut adds a modern touch, while the breathable fabric ensures you stay cool and comfortable. Perfect for travel, these pants provide the ease of loungewear with a more refined look, making them a versatile addition to your wardrobe. Available in Regular (XS-XL), Petite (S-XL) and Plus (X-3X) Sizes.
Shop Sizes 23-26W: Anthropologie
Anthropologie Colette Wide-Leg Pants (Denim & Non-Denim Options)
The Colette Wide-Leg Pants are the perfect blend of structure and comfort. With a tailored wide-leg cut, these pants offer a stylish upgrade from denim leggings, providing a more polished look while still offering plenty of stretch for all-day comfort—perfect for long flights or travel days. Available in both denim and non-denim options, you can choose the fabric that best suits your style and needs.
These pants combine the best of both worlds: they look refined enough for a night out but still feel relaxed and comfortable, thanks to their stretchy fabric. The wide-leg style adds a chic, contemporary touch, while the soft material ensures you’re never sacrificing comfort for style. Available in Regular (23-34), Petite (23-34), Tall (23-34) and Plus (16W-26W) Sizes.
Best Cargo and Utility Styles
If you want extra storage or love a sportier look, these styles add practicality with a little extra edge.
Shop Sizes 0-24, Petite 0-14, Tall 0-16: Athleta
Athleta Brooklyn Heights High Rise Cargo Pant
The Brooklyn Heights High Rise Cargo Pant combines a modern, sleek silhouette with the functionality of classic cargo pants. With a flattering high waist and a streamlined shape, these pants offer both style and comfort, making them ideal for everything from travel to everyday wear. The functional cargo pockets add a practical touch without compromising on the pant’s clean, tailored look.
Perfect for those on the go, these pants seamlessly transition from a flight to the street, offering a polished yet relaxed vibe. Whether you’re headed to a meeting, running errands, or catching a flight, they provide the perfect mix of convenience and sophistication. Available in Regular (0-24), Petite (0-14) and Tall (0-16) Sizes.
Shop Sizes XXS-L: Alo Yoga
Alo Yoga High-Waist Pursuit Trouser
The Alo Yoga High-Waist Pursuit Trouser offers the perfect balance of tailored sophistication and yoga-inspired comfort. These sleek trousers are designed with a high-waisted fit that elongates the legs while providing a flattering, structured look. Despite their polished appearance, they are soft, flexible, and comfortable enough to wear throughout the day, thanks to their yoga pants-inspired fabric.
These trousers offer the best of both worlds: the chic, professional look of a structured pant combined with the comfort and freedom of movement that comes with high-performance activewear. Whether you’re heading to work, traveling, or enjoying a casual day out, these trousers offer versatile style that moves with you. Available in Regular (XXS-L) and Long (XXS-L) sizes
Best Stretchy Denim and Pull-On Styles
Still want to wear jeans, but without the stiffness? These options offer plenty of stretch and a flattering fit—no break-in period required.
Shop Sizes 0-30, Petite 2-18, Tall 4-18: Old Navy
Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Flare Jeans
A reader favorite, the High-Waisted Wow Flare Jeans offer a flattering flare with a comfortable, shape-holding fit. Made with serious stretch, these jeans provide both style and comfort for everyday wear. Whether you’re dressing up or down, they pair perfectly with almost anything.
Available in Regular (0-30), Petite (2-18), and Tall (4-18) sizes, with Short, Regular, and Long inseams, they ensure a great fit for a variety of body types.
Shop Sizes XS-4X, Petite XS-XL, Tall S-XXL: Old Navy
Old Navy High-Waisted Pull-On Pixie Super Wide-Leg Pants
The High-Waisted Pull-On Pixie Super Wide-Leg Pants combine a polished look with unbeatable comfort. The wide-leg cut and flat waistband offer a flattering silhouette, while ensuring comfort throughout the day. These pants are soft, stretchy, and lightweight, making them perfect for long travel days or sightseeing. The stretchy fabric moves with you, so you’ll stay comfortable while staying stylish.
Their versatile design allows you to easily dress them up or down. Pair them with a tucked-in blouse for a more sophisticated look, or wear them with a casual tee for a relaxed vibe. Whether you’re hopping on a plane or exploring a new city, these pants give you the flexibility and ease you need. Available in Regular (XS-4X), Petite (XS-XL), and Tall (S-XXL) sizes, these pants offer a great fit for all body types.
Shop Sizes XS-4X, Petite XS-XL, Tall S-XL: J.Jill
J Jill Wearever Smooth-Fit Knit Jeans
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. Available in Regular (XS-4X), Petite (XS-XL) and Tall (S-XL) Sizes.
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-3XL: Land’s End
Land’s End Starfish High Waist Flare Leggings
Lands’ End is known for creating a wide range of comfy and cute travel bottoms, and the Starfish high-rise kick crop flared pants have become a favorite among many of our readers. These high-waisted pants offer a super flattering fit, crafted from a soft, cotton-rich jersey fabric with a hint of stretch. The easy elastic waistband lies flat and smooth, while the cropped kick flare hem hits just above the ankle, adding a stylish touch.
With handy side pockets that are slim yet big enough to hold your phone, these pants blend comfort and practicality seamlessly. One review says, “Love these pants. Feel very good quality and comfortable to wear.” Available in sizes (XS-3X).
Shop Sizes 23-34: Nordstrom | Mother Denim
Mother Denim The Hustler Frayed Ankle Jeans
For travelers who love denim but don’t want to sacrifice comfort, The Hustler Frayed Ankle Jeans are the perfect choice. With a flattering high-rise waist and cropped ankle-length cut, these jeans offer a chic, modern silhouette that pairs easily with any outfit. The frayed hem adds a casual touch while maintaining a polished look.
Made with soft, stretchy denim, these jeans move with you, providing all-day comfort whether you’re sightseeing or dining out. Their versatile style lets you dress them up or down, and they’re easy to pack, making them an ideal addition to your travel wardrobe. Comfortable, stylish, and practical, these jeans are a travel essential. Available in sizes 23-34.
Flight Pant Style Tips for Travel Days
- Choose dark or neutral tones to mix and match easily and hide stains from inevitable travel mishaps.
- Go for mid- or high-rise fits for maximum comfort when sitting for long periods.
- Avoid stiff or structured pants that restrict movement—look for soft fabrics with stretch.
- Pair with a breathable tee and long cardigan for a cozy, layered airport outfit.
Final Thoughts: The Right Pants Make the Flight
A good pair of airplane pants should feel like loungewear but look like streetwear—and every pair on this list does just that. Whether you’re heading somewhere tropical, bundling up for a winter getaway, or flying for work, the perfect pants can help you travel in total comfort without sacrificing style.
These recommendations are great for travelers who want alternatives to leggings or joggers but still need their clothes to be comfortable, flattering, and functional. Because let’s face it—there’s no room in a travel day for anything that pinches, wrinkles, or needs constant adjusting.
Have a favorite pair of comfortable airplane flight pants you swear by? Share it in the comments—we’d love to hear what works for you!
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. 🙁