Flying is a hassle. Here are a few air travel do's and don'ts, complete with options that not only look cool, but are comfortable, functional and won't hold up the security line.
Do: Zip-Up Shoes
Are you coming back from the Middle East on military leave? Are you headed to your high school's national basketball championship game? No? Then don't wear lace-up boots or shoes to the airport. It's all about slip on shoes, or better yet, Vans Sk8-Hi zip-ups. Vans are classic, comfortable, and stylish. These Sk8-Hi's have a rear zipper that make them the perfect airport shoe. You tie them once right after the unboxing and after that you just enter and exit through the back door (get your mind out of the gutter).
Don't (Ever): Sunglasses
Do you have light sensitivity issues? No? Then what are you doing? You're indoors now. There is no sun to shade. Moreover, you already had to take them off once at security. Putting them back on to peruse the newsstands and baked goods sections at the Starbucks kiosk officially makes you "that guy." So, don't. Don't be that guy.
Do: Cool Sweatpants
Comfortable clothing is a must when it comes to sitting in cramped seats, but stained sweatpants are for the gym or the 2 month period after a breakup where you sit on a couch in the dark crying into empty pizza boxes and re-watching The Wonder Years on Netflix. Apparel companies from athletic wear to high-end designers now make comfortable, fitted sweats with pockets so you don't lose your valuables like your phone, wallet, or boarding pass—which these days are all found on your phone anyway.
Stop It: Belts
It's 2015. Baggy pants haven't been in for about 15 years, so the belt, for all intents and purposes, is a style accessory. If you're wearing a pair of jeans that already fit, put your belt where it belongs: in the suitcase. It's one less thing to forget you had on while going through the metal detectors. No one is going to be impressed that your brown belt matches your brown shoes. The only thing your belt should matching is your jacket, in that they're both tucked away nicely in your carry-on. And if I even have to tell you not to wear suspenders, then you should go ahead and cancel your flight and travel the way you were intended: by horse and carriage. Happy trails.
Do: Earbuds
No one wants to hear complaining passengers or crying babies while they're stuck in a terminal during a three hour layover, but you also don't want to be on the receiving end of the complaints because you can't unknot your earbuds while going through security. These days, earbuds from companies like Beyerdynamic pack a sonic punch, and the advent of tangle-free cords will save you valuable seconds, which in airport time can mean missing that connection.
Do Not: Jackets
If you're freezing cold inside of an airport then you may have a protein or iron deficiency that you might want to look into treating. Once you get out of the Uber, say goodbye to your coat. Stuff that thing in the roller. The only layer you need inside any airport is a flannel shirt. They're light, warm, quick to get in and out of, and easy to stuff into a bag.
Do: Laptop Sleeves
Every security checkpoint in America requires you to remove your laptop from its bag. Sleeves protect your delicate MacBook from dings and scratches. They also come in tons of cool colors; the messenger bag quietly says 9-to-5, but the sleeve says, "Happy hour is on me."
Never Again: Jewelry
I've had nightmares where I'm running late to a flight. I'm standing in a security line that just won't move. I peek my head out to see what is holding things up and there's Johnny Depp, 45 minutes into removing all his hats, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, earrings, studded belts, wallet chains, and emptying his pockets full of gold coins. He is Johnny Depp, though, and he can do whatever he wants. He could walk through the metal detector with scissor hands and TSA would just wave him through in awe. Some people just live life in the pre-check lane. You and I are not Johnny Depp, so leave the jewels at home.
