If you’re flying in first or business class on a long haul, international flight, you may be given pajamas to change into. This is offered pretty consistently in first class, while there are select airlines that offer them in business class.
I sometimes get questions from readers surrounding the etiquette of wearing pajamas on airplanes, so I wanted to talk about that in a bit more detail in this post, and also share how I approach wearing pajamas on airplanes, and why I value them. I’m also curious to hear where OMAAT readers stand on this.
Why I like wearing airline pajamas
I love when airlines offer pajamas on long haul flights, and just about always use them, when offered. Now, I’m not someone who sleeps in pajamas at home, but I still really enjoy them when flying. Why?
- When I’m traveling, I typically have a limited amount of clothes, so it’s great to be able to change into an extra outfit while flying, so that the clothes you boarded in can stay clean and not too wrinkled
- For the most part, airline pajamas are super comfortable, as that’s how they’re designed to be; the only caveat is that they’re sometimes a bit warm, which can be a challenge on airlines without individual air nozzles
- Look, let’s be honest, it’s kind of fun to be able to wear pajamas in “public,” since the premium cabin of a plane is just about the only non-private place where this has been normalized
Airline pajamas are a fun memory of trips
Beyond the practical use of pajamas while onboard a flight, I also love being able to take home airline pajamas. I either reuse them or give them to guests who stay with us, and they always remind me fondly of great flights. I know it’s an investment on the part of airlines, but it’s a tangible memory that sticks with me.
In almost all cases, you’re welcome to take home the pajamas that airlines provide you. The only exception I can think of is that All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines sometimes provide cardigans in premium cabins, and those are for use during the flight, which can’t be taken home.
When it’s appropriate to wear airline pajamas
One etiquette question that I sometimes get from readers is during what portion of the flight it’s appropriate to wear pajamas. Should you only change into them prior to sleeping, or should you wear them for the whole flight?
To me this is pretty simple — if you’re on a long haul flight and the airline offers pajamas, you should get comfortable as soon as possible, and for as long as possible, even if that’s before takeoff. Personally I don’t buy into the whole “you should dress the part in first class” argument, since you’re quite literally in a venue where you’re given pajamas to change into.
So by all means lounge around in your pajamas, walk around the cabin in your pajamas, and even visit the inflight bar in your pajamas (if you’re on a plane with one). It’s not often you get to go to a bar in pajamas, so seize the moment!
Now, ideally do change out of them before landing, because you might feel a bit awkward walking through the terminal in them. It’s a lesson I learned the hard way in 2011.
Where to change into airline pajamas
Sometimes people wonder where it’s appropriate to change into your pajamas — do you have to go to the lavatories, or is it okay to do in your seat? I have a few thoughts on this:
- Generally it’s a best practice to change into pajamas in the lavatory, particularly for everyone else’s sake; this is what I always do
- While a slight tangent, when you go into the lavatory, please (please, please, please) wear shoes or slippers, and don’t be barefoot or wear socks, because that’s usually not water on the floor
- If you’re in a private suite with a door, and it’s a phase of flight where everyone is seated, and your privates are covered up while changing, then I don’t think changing at your seat is that offensive
Regarding that last point, I don’t want to encourage people to change into pajamas at their seat, but my point is simply that if you can do it without anyone noticing, then I guess it’s not that bad. That being said, I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen people change into their pajamas at their seats, and I’ve seen things I didn’t want to see.
Bottom line
It’s a treat when airlines offer pajamas in premium cabins on flights. It’s practical in terms of having something comfortable to sleep and lounge in, and it’s also a fun memory of a travel experience. Personally I think it’s always appropriate to change into pajamas on a long haul flight, and prefer to do so in the lavatory.
Where do you stand on etiquette when it comes to pajamas on airplanes?
