The “perfect airport outfit” conversation usually circles the same checklist:
• soft enough to relax or sleep in
• structured enough to flatter in photos
• breathable when the cabin temperature changes
• easy to layer and pack
• versatile beyond the airport
This article (and my personal shopping spree) was inspired by a recent Instagram Story poll I ran asking my travel-savvy followers about their go-to airport outfits.
The answer came through loud and clear: Spanx AirEssentials was the #1 brand recommendation by far, mentioned more than any other set for long-haul comfort, clean silhouettes, and reliable wear-all-day design.
So consider this less a trend review, and more the result of crowd-sourced testing from people who actually fly a lot!
But, given this is a Rachel | Points & Miles article, beyond style choices, we’ll also cover: how you pay for it and how you earn back value on the purchase you were already going to make.
Spanx AirEssentials
These are the three pieces I’m personally purchasing:
A relaxed leg gives comfort when seated and avoids the constant adjusting that tapered or tight pants often demand mid-flight. The length is intentional enough to work with sneakers or slides, and the silhouette is universally flattering for different heights and body types. The track pant finish keeps it grounded in “sporty chic” rather than “loungewear only.”
There are quite a few different style pants, and the waistband area is a differentiator I’ve noticed on the styles. This one, with it’s elasticized waist and drawstring is definitely giving comfort vibes.
The clean front design (no elastic, no drawstring, no waistband line) feels a bit more sleek and stylish. More importantly, it’s designed to sit without digging, which is arguably the biggest enemy of long-haul comfort.
While I have not yet received my order, I am hopeful that these will be passable as work pants — or dare I say it — going out pants!
Through my research I’ve found that the Half Zip seems to be the top pick for how people are wearing their AirEssentials sets. Pun intended. I think the Half Zip is a good balance between comfort with just a little bit of polish through the zip detail. It’s easy to remove during security, you’ll be able to get it off without getting makeup on it, and it offers more shape than a crewneck while still feeling casual.
Why I Chose Black
Because it hides dirt, matches everything, and stays cohesive across multiple travel days and outfit pairings. It also feels timeless, which means you’re less likely to get sick of it.
If I wear the same set on travel days, you better believe she’s getting a bit dirty! So I feel like black is a safeguard to keep up my “sleek and elegant” travel facade.
How to earn back value when buying travel attire
I love this card because it’s got no annual fee and earns flexible Ultimate Rewards points at 1.5X on all purchases, without needing to hit a specific category. It’s what we’d call a good “catch-all” card.
Clothing rarely earns bonus points outside of limited promos, so a flat multiplier is one of the most reliable ways to earn meaningful points on apparel. If you later hold a Sapphire card, these points can transfer to airline and hotel partners, preserving optionality.
The bigger takeaway
The perfect airport outfit doesn’t need to be a performance piece or a trend item. It needs to solve a real travel problem: comfort that lasts, structure that flatters, and versatility that earns its place in your carry-on over and over again.
And if you’re going to spend on something that improves your travel days, you may as well do it in a way that quietly earns back value while keeping your options open for how you redeem later.
The destination is the point.
The outfit should make the journey easier.